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Use Samsung Smart Switch to move data from your old Samsung phone to a Galaxy S26. You can run it during the S26’s initial setup or afterward; choose wireless for a cable-free transfer, or use a compatible USB data cable if you prefer a wired connection. Review the S26 before erasing or handing over the old phone, because the content that transfers can vary by device and method.
Before you start
- Charge both phones and keep them powered during the transfer.
- Have the old Samsung phone available and unlocked so you can respond to its prompts.
- Decide whether to transfer wirelessly or with a cable. Wireless needs no accessory; a wired connection may need a USB-OTG adapter, depending on the old phone and cable.
- Allow time for apps to install, then check important content on the S26 before resetting the old phone.
Samsung’s Galaxy S26 transfer guide notes that setup screens can differ by carrier and software version.
Transfer data during Galaxy S26 setup
- Turn on the S26 and proceed through setup until it offers to transfer data from an old device.
- Choose the option for a Galaxy or Android device, then follow the S26’s prompts. If a QR-code workflow appears, use it to connect the phones.
- Choose wireless or cable on the S26 and follow the instructions on both phones. For Samsung’s wireless QR workflow, keep the phones within four inches during connection.
- Choose the content to copy. Depending on the screen and software version, you may see options such as Everything, a limited selection of accounts, calls, contacts and messages, or Custom.
- Start the transfer and wait for it and any app installations to finish. Check contacts, photos, messages, files and important apps on the S26 before wiping or giving away the old phone.
Transfer data if the S26 is already set up
- Open Smart Switch on both phones. If you cannot find it, search for “Smart Switch” in Settings or look in the Samsung folder on supported Galaxy phones.
- On the old phone, choose “Send from this phone,” then select “Wireless” or “Cable.” On the S26, choose “Receive on this phone,” select Galaxy/Android, and choose the same connection type.
- Follow the connection prompts on both devices, then select the content to transfer on the receiving phone and begin.
- Keep the phones nearby and powered during a wireless transfer. Do not interrupt a cable transfer. Wait for any app installation to finish, then check the transferred content on the S26.
Samsung’s Smart Switch instructions note that some apps may look dimmed while installation is still underway.
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| Method | When it fits | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless Smart Switch | You have both phones and want to avoid extra accessories. | No cable is required. Keep the phones close and charged; Samsung specifies within four inches for the S26 wireless QR connection. |
| USB cable with Smart Switch | You prefer a physical connection or wireless is impractical. | Use a compatible data cable. A USB-OTG adapter may be needed, depending on the old phone and cable. Check the old phone’s port and data-transfer capability before buying an adapter. |
| External storage | You want an intermediate backup or cannot conveniently transfer phone to phone. | Samsung documents backing up to external storage and restoring to the new phone. Supported storage and phone ports vary. |
| Windows PC or Mac | You want a computer-based backup and restore. | Samsung provides Smart Switch for Windows and Mac; Chromebook is not compatible. See Samsung’s computer backup and restore instructions. |
| Google Drive | You already have a Google backup to restore. | Samsung says Google Drive restore is available in the Setup Wizard on a new or reset device, not directly from device settings. |
Samsung’s S26 transfer guide covers wireless, cable, external storage and Google Drive options. Its Smart Switch guidance covers wireless transfer steps and device placement.
#1 Best Overall
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
- FAST. POWERFUL. AI-READY: Power through your day with AI-accelerated performance from our fastest, smoothest and most powerful Galaxy processor yet, built to keep up with everything you do
- IMMENSELY IMMERSIVE: No matter where you are or what you’re watching, your favorite videos and more come to life with the vibrant display on Galaxy S26
- FIT EVERYONE IN THE SHOT: Group selfies are easier on your Samsung phone with a wider front camera⁴ that captures more of the scene, so no one gets left out of the moment
What may not transfer exactly as expected
Available data types depend on the source device and the method. Smart Switch does not guarantee that every app, protected item, app account or app-specific state will work identically on the S26. After the transfer, check the material you rely on, including important app sign-ins and content.
If an app does not install through Smart Switch, Samsung advises downloading it manually from the Galaxy Store, Play Store or the app provider’s website, as applicable. Samsung’s Smart Switch FAQ says transferred content remains on both devices; the transfer does not remove it from the old phone.
Rank #2
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
- FAST. POWERFUL. AI-READY: Power through your day with AI-accelerated performance from our fastest, smoothest and most powerful Galaxy processor yet, built to keep up with everything you do
- IMMENSELY IMMERSIVE: No matter where you are or what you’re watching, your favorite videos and more come to life with the vibrant display on Galaxy S26
- FIT EVERYONE IN THE SHOT: Group selfies are easier on your Samsung phone with a wider front camera⁴ that captures more of the scene, so no one gets left out of the moment
If you cannot use the old Samsung phone
Smart Switch’s direct phone-to-phone workflow requires you to operate the sending phone. If you have an existing Google backup, Samsung says you can restore it through the Setup Wizard on a new or reset S26. Alternatively, Samsung documents Smart Switch backups to external storage or a Windows PC or Mac. The available restore choices depend on what backup you already have.
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Quick Recap
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- Brilliant 6.3" Display: Enjoy a sharp Dynamic AMOLED 2X FHD+ screen with 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, HDR support, Gorilla Glass Victus 2, and smooth everyday viewing for streaming, gaming, and browsing.
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- Pro-Grade Triple Camera: Capture sharp photos and video with a 50MP wide camera with OIS, 10MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom, 12MP ultrawide camera, 12MP front camera, and up to 8K video recording.
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Rank #4
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
- FAST. POWERFUL. AI-READY: Power through your day with AI-accelerated performance from our fastest, smoothest and most powerful Galaxy processor yet, built to keep up with everything you do
- IMMENSELY IMMERSIVE: No matter where you are or what you’re watching, your favorite videos and more come to life with the vibrant display on Galaxy S26
- FIT EVERYONE IN THE SHOT: Group selfies are easier on your Samsung phone with a wider front camera⁴ that captures more of the scene, so no one gets left out of the moment
Rank #3
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
- FAST. POWERFUL. AI-READY: Power through your day with AI-accelerated performance from our fastest, smoothest and most powerful Galaxy processor yet, built to keep up with everything you do
- IMMENSELY IMMERSIVE: No matter where you are or what you’re watching, your favorite videos and more come to life with the vibrant display on Galaxy S26
- FIT EVERYONE IN THE SHOT: Group selfies are easier on your Samsung phone with a wider front camera⁴ that captures more of the scene, so no one gets left out of the moment
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