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Use Samsung Smart Switch to move data from an Android phone or iPhone to a Galaxy. Start the transfer during the Galaxy’s setup or open Smart Switch afterward, connect the phones by cable or wirelessly, choose the content to bring over, and follow the prompts. What transfers depends on the source phone, connection method, and content type, so plan to sign in to some accounts and reinstall some apps.
Choose the right transfer method
For a direct phone-to-phone transfer, Smart Switch supports Android and iOS sources. Samsung’s Galaxy S26 transfer instructions describe wireless and cable options, while its compatibility guidance explains that requirements and available content vary by devices and method.
| Method | Best when | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless Smart Switch | You want a direct transfer without connecting a cable. | Keep both phones nearby, with Smart Switch available on each. Samsung’s S26 instructions say to keep them within 4 inches during wireless transfer. |
| Cable Smart Switch | You have a compatible cable and want a wired transfer; Samsung Canada recommends wired transfer for larger transfers. | Check that the cable fits both phones. An OTG adapter may be needed. Charge both phones first; charging during a wired transfer may not be available. |
| iCloud import | You are moving from an iPhone and want to import through iCloud. | Sign in to iCloud on the Galaxy and complete verification. Available content depends on the devices and method. |
| Google Drive backup restore | You have a Google backup and are setting up a new or reset Galaxy. | Samsung’s S26 guide says to select restore during the Setup Wizard after signing in to Google. It does not describe restoring that backup directly from Settings once setup is complete. |
| USB OTG or microSD backup | You want an intermediate backup rather than a direct phone-to-phone transfer. | Smart Switch can back up to USB OTG storage or microSD where supported. Storage must have enough capacity, and not all Galaxy models support microSD. |
Prepare both phones
- Charge both devices and keep the old phone accessible and unlocked. Samsung advises having sufficient power to help avoid interruptions.
- For a wireless or cable phone-to-phone transfer, update Smart Switch and have it installed or open on both devices. Samsung’s wireless troubleshooting guidance also recommends Bluetooth and a suitable Wi-Fi or mobile-data connection.
- For a cable transfer, check the connectors on both phones before starting. The old phone’s cable may work, but an OTG adapter may be required.
- Decide whether the source is Android or iPhone. The choices and supported content differ by source and transfer method; consult Samsung’s compatibility page for the phones involved.
Transfer during the new Galaxy’s setup
- Turn on the new Galaxy and begin the setup wizard.
- When prompted to copy apps and data, choose the option to transfer from an old device and follow the Smart Switch prompts. Select the source type, such as Galaxy/Android or iPhone/iPad.
- Choose wireless or cable and connect the phones as prompted. For wireless transfer, keep the devices close together.
- After the Galaxy scans the old phone, choose Everything, the limited accounts/calls/contacts/messages selection, or Custom if those options are offered. Review what is selected before starting.
- Leave the phones connected until Smart Switch finishes. Then check important content and sign in to accounts as needed. Some apps may need to be installed manually from an app store or their provider.
Transfer after setup with Smart Switch
If you have already set up the Galaxy, use Smart Switch on both phones:
- Open Smart Switch on the old phone and choose Send from this phone.
- Open Smart Switch on the new Galaxy and choose Receive on this phone.
- Select the old phone’s type, then choose wireless or cable and connect the devices.
- Review the content Smart Switch finds, select what you want, and start the transfer.
Button names can vary by Smart Switch version. Follow the prompts shown on your devices if labels differ.
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#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
Move data from an iPhone
Import from iCloud
- On the Galaxy, open Smart Switch and choose Receive data, then iPhone/iPad.
- Choose the iCloud import option.
- Sign in to iCloud and complete the verification prompt.
- Select the available content to import and follow the on-screen instructions.
Use a cable instead
Samsung also documents cable-based iOS transfers. The required setup and content can differ from iCloud import, so check the current Smart Switch compatibility information for your iPhone and Galaxy before connecting them.
What transfers—and what may need separate attention
Depending on the source phone and method, Smart Switch can transfer items such as contacts, calendars, messages, call logs, photos, videos, documents, apps, and selected settings. The available items vary; a successful scan does not mean every file, app, or app’s private data will copy.
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.
- Synced accounts: Some data appears after you sign in to Google, work, or other accounts rather than being copied. Contacts saved to a SIM, social network, Google account, or work account, and externally synced calendar entries may not be included in a Smart Switch backup.
- Apps and app data: Some apps may need to be reinstalled from Galaxy Store, Play Store, or the provider. Smart Switch does not back up private app storage, so use an app’s own backup or migration process when its data matters.
- Media and email: DRM-protected media is limited, and certain push-email accounts may be excluded. Check the relevant account or service if something is missing.
- Themes and wallpapers: Live wallpapers and themes may not transfer; reinstall them on the Galaxy if available.
Use Google Drive restore during setup
If you are restoring a Google Drive backup, select that option in the Galaxy Setup Wizard after signing in to the Google account associated with the backup. Samsung’s S26 setup guidance says this restore is for a new or reset device and does not describe starting it directly from device Settings after setup.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Troubleshoot a failed or incomplete transfer
Wireless connection will not pair
- Restart both phones, make sure they are on and sufficiently charged, and keep them close together. Samsung specifies a distance within 4 inches in its S26 wireless-transfer instructions.
- Check that both devices have updated Smart Switch, Bluetooth is enabled, and they are on the same Wi-Fi network or have enough mobile data.
- Move other nearby phones running Smart Switch away; Samsung notes they may interfere with pairing.
- If wireless still fails, try a compatible cable and any required OTG adapter.
Content or an app is missing
Check whether the item is account-synced, excluded, or unsupported for the source device or method. Sign in to the relevant account, use the app’s own migration option for private data, or install the app manually from Galaxy Store, Play Store, or its provider. Samsung’s compatibility page is the place to check device- and method-specific limits.
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Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 2
Best Value
Sale
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.
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