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Use Samsung Smart Switch to move supported data from your old Galaxy to your new one. On the new phone, open Settings > Accounts and backup > Smart Switch and tap Receive data. On the old phone, tap Send from this phone, connect the devices wirelessly or with a compatible cable, choose what to copy, and start the transfer. Check your important data on the new phone before erasing or trading in the old one.
Choose how to transfer your data
Smart Switch is Samsung’s main route for moving supported content to a Galaxy phone. The best connection depends on your devices, available accessories, and whether you want an intermediate backup.
| Method | Best suited to | What you need to know |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless Smart Switch | Moving directly between phones without a cable or adapter | Samsung’s US instructions recommend placing the phones within four inches and plugging them into chargers. Samsung Australia says the transfer uses Wi-Fi Direct, so it does not require mobile data or access to a local Wi-Fi network. [Samsung US; Samsung Australia] |
| USB cable | A direct wired transfer, particularly when moving a large amount of data | Use a compatible data cable; some phone combinations also need a USB-OTG adapter. Samsung Canada recommends a wired connection for large transfers, but the phones may not be chargeable while connected, so start with enough battery. [Samsung US; Samsung Canada] |
| PC or Mac backup and restore | When direct transfer is unavailable or you want a backup between the two phones | Use the desktop version of Smart Switch to back up the old phone, then connect the new Galaxy and restore the backup. [Samsung UK] |
| Supported external storage | Creating an intermediate backup without a computer | Smart Switch can use supported microSD cards or USB storage, depending on the phone. Check storage capacity and device compatibility; not every Galaxy has a microSD slot. [Samsung US; Samsung Caribbean] |
Samsung US favors wireless transfer because the phones can remain plugged into chargers. That is not a guarantee that wireless is fastest for every device pair; Samsung’s guidance varies by method and region, and compatibility matters.
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Transfer directly between the two phones
- Prepare both devices. Install or update Smart Switch on each phone and charge them sufficiently. Samsung UK says each device needs at least 500 MB of free internal storage for a Smart Switch transfer. [Samsung UK]
- Open Smart Switch on the new Galaxy. Go to Settings > Accounts and backup > Smart Switch, then choose Receive data. Smart Switch is preinstalled on many Galaxy devices; if the menu or wording differs, follow the prompts on your phone.
- Set the old Galaxy as the sender. Open Smart Switch on it and choose Send from this phone. Select the old-device type if prompted.
- Choose Wireless or Cable on both phones. For wireless, keep the devices close and approve the connection prompts. For cable, connect them with a compatible data cable and use an OTG adapter if that phone pairing requires one. Samsung UK notes that wired transfer requires support for USB “Transferring media files (MTP).” [Samsung UK]
- Select what to copy. Smart Switch may offer options such as everything, a limited group of data, or a custom selection. Review the categories rather than assuming every item will transfer.
- Start the transfer and wait for completion. Smart Switch displays an estimate, but the actual time depends on the amount of content and the connection. [Samsung US; Samsung UK]
What Smart Switch can move—and what may need separate attention
Depending on the devices, software versions, and transfer route, Smart Switch can copy contacts, calendars, reminders, messages, notes, call history, bookmarks, photos, music, videos, documents, Samsung settings, and compatible third-party apps. Supported transfers may also include items such as voice memos, Wi-Fi settings, alarms, and home-screen layout. The available categories can differ by phone and route. [Samsung Australia; Samsung Caribbean]
#1 Best Overall
Sale
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, Unlocked Android Smartphone, 512GB, Black
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
- Encrypted or secure app data: Samsung UK says the general Smart Switch process does not transfer secure or encrypted data such as WhatsApp chats. Use the app’s own migration or backup process where available. [Samsung UK]
- Accounts and app content stored online: Sign in to the relevant service on the new phone to retrieve server-stored content. Some apps may need manual installation, and saved login details such as banking credentials may not carry over.
- DRM-protected content: Samsung says this content cannot be transferred through Smart Switch. [Samsung UK; Samsung Caribbean]
If the transfer does not work
- Connection will not start: Update Smart Switch, keep wireless phones close, and accept the prompts on both screens. For a cable transfer, confirm the cable supports data, check the ports, and verify whether your devices require an OTG adapter or support MTP.
- Not enough space or too much selected: Free internal storage or transfer smaller groups of items in stages. Samsung Australia also suggests using supported SD storage when the old device cannot create a backup of all selected content at once. [Samsung Australia]
- Direct transfer is unavailable: Use Smart Switch on a PC or Mac to back up the old phone and restore to the new one, or use compatible external storage if both devices support that route.
- Transfer stops partway through: Check that both devices have adequate battery and free space, then retry with a smaller selection or another supported transfer method. Samsung warns that low battery can interrupt a transfer. [Samsung Caribbean]
Verify the new phone before retiring the old one
On the new Galaxy, check that your essential contacts, photos, messages, and documents are present. Open the apps whose data matters and confirm whether their content or account access needs a separate sign-in or migration step. Keep the old phone intact until you have verified the items you rely on.
Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 2
Bestseller No. 5
Best Value
Samsung Galaxy S26, Unlocked Android Smartphone, 256GB, Black
- 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 #4
Sale
Samsung Galaxy A17 5G Smart Phone 128GB, US 1 Yr Manufacturer Warranty Blue
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Rank #3
Sale
Samsung Galaxy A17 5G Smart Phone 128GB US 1 Yr Manufacturer Warranty Black
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Rank #2
Samsung Galaxy A16 4G LTE (128GB + 4GB) International Model SM-A165F/DS Factory Unlocked, 6.7", Dual SIM, 50MP Triple Camera (Case Bundle), Black
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
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