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Use Samsung Smart Switch on your Galaxy S25 Ultra to bring supported data from an Android phone or iPhone. You can transfer wirelessly or by cable; iPhone owners can also import selected data from iCloud, and a Windows PC or Mac can serve as a backup-and-restore route. What transfers depends on the old phone and method, and Smart Switch does not clone every app’s private data or login.
Choose the transfer method that fits your old phone
| Method | Best for | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless Smart Switch | Android-to-Galaxy transfers when you want to avoid connecting the phones with a cable. | Keep both phones nearby, follow the pairing prompts, and allow time for scanning and copying. Available content depends on the source device. Samsung calls wireless transfer a convenient way to copy data to a new device in its US Smart Switch guide. |
| Wired Smart Switch | Android or iPhone transfers when you have compatible cables. | The connector combination may require a USB-OTG adapter. Samsung advises at least 20% battery for cable transfer; the time required varies with the amount of media. |
| iCloud import | iPhone owners who prefer to bring selected data through their Apple account. | You need access to the Apple account and its verification process. The categories available can differ from a cable transfer. |
| Computer backup and restore | When direct phone-to-phone transfer is unavailable or you want a computer intermediary. | Samsung’s US guide documents Smart Switch for Windows and Mac, but not Chromebooks. Check the live guide for current computer and old-phone compatibility. |
Smart Switch is Samsung’s main route for bringing supported content from Android and iOS phones to Galaxy devices. It is not a full clone: synced account data usually appears after you sign in, while some app-private content and method-specific items may not transfer.
Prepare both phones
- Charge both devices. For a cable transfer, Samsung recommends that the phones have at least 20% battery.
- Keep the old phone available and unlocked so you can approve connection and access prompts.
- Update or open Smart Switch on both phones if prompted. The Galaxy S25 Ultra may already have it; if not, find Smart Switch through Settings or install it as directed by Samsung.
- For wireless setup, turn on Bluetooth and keep the phones close. Samsung’s wireless troubleshooting guidance says to keep them within 4 inches, have adequate battery, update Smart Switch, and maintain network connectivity as prompted.
- If using a cable, check the ports on both phones and the cable you already own. Some combinations need a USB-OTG adapter; do not assume you need to buy a new cable.
Transfer data from an Android phone to the Galaxy S25 Ultra
- On the S25 Ultra, open Smart Switch and choose the option to receive data. If you cannot find the app, look in Settings for Smart Switch.
- Select Galaxy/Android as the source type, then choose wireless or cable when asked.
- On the old Android phone, open Smart Switch, choose the option to send data, and select the matching connection method.
- Approve the connection prompts on both phones. Keep the old phone unlocked and follow any on-screen instructions to establish the link.
- When the S25 Ultra scans the old phone, review the content categories shown. Select everything or choose a subset where those options are available, then start the transfer.
- Leave the phones connected or close together until Smart Switch reports completion. The time depends on the amount and type of content being copied.
Samsung’s instructions use different menu labels in different support materials and software versions. Look for the send-data and receive-data functions and follow the labels actually displayed on your phones.
Transfer data from an iPhone
On the S25 Ultra, open Smart Switch, choose to receive data, and select iPhone/iPad as the source. Samsung documents two routes: a wired transfer and an import from iCloud. The available content categories vary by route.
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- Powerful internals: it runs on the new Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy (3 nm) chip, with 12 GB (or in some markets up to 16 GB) RAM and up to 1 TB UFS 4.0 storage — offering significantly improved CPU/GPU/NPU performance, especially for AI tasks, gaming, and heavy multitasking.
- Advanced quad‑camera system: 200 MP wide main sensor, plus a 50 MP ultrawide, a 50 MP periscope telephoto (5× optical zoom), and a 10 MP telephoto (3× optical zoom) — giving flexibility from ultra‑wide through detailed telephoto shots, and strong performance in varied lighting.
- 5,000 mAh battery with 45 W fast wired charging, wireless charging (Qi2) and reverse wireless charging — balancing long battery life with flexible charging options.
- Durable, premium build: Titanium‑frame body, protected by Corning Gorilla Armor 2 glass, with IP68 dust/water resistance, ultrasonic in‑display fingerprint sensor, modern connectivity (5G, Wi‑Fi 7, Bluetooth, UWB, USB‑C), and long‑term software support (Android 15 / One UI 7, promised 7 major OS/security updates).
Use a cable
- Connect the iPhone to the S25 Ultra with a compatible cable. Samsung documents a direct Lightning-to-USB-C setup for the corresponding iPhone connector; check the phones and cable you have before buying an accessory.
- Unlock the iPhone and approve any trust or access prompts that appear.
- On the Galaxy, follow Smart Switch’s prompts to scan the iPhone, review the available categories, select what to copy, and start the transfer.
Import from iCloud
- On the Galaxy, choose iPhone/iPad as the source and select the iCloud import option.
- Sign in with the Apple account used for the iPhone and complete the required verification.
- Choose from the categories Smart Switch makes available, then start the import.
Some content may be unavailable because of the transfer method or restrictions such as digital rights management (DRM). Do not expect every app, purchase, or private app record to move as part of the import.
Do you need a cable for Smart Switch?
No. Smart Switch supports wireless transfers as well as wired phone-to-phone transfers. A cable can be useful if you have compatible connectors and prefer a direct connection; depending on the old phone and cable, you may also need a USB-OTG adapter. Samsung documents USB-C-to-USB-C Android connections and Lightning-to-USB-C iPhone connections for compatible setups. Check your existing cable and both phones’ ports first. For a cable transfer, Samsung advises at least 20% battery, and the phones cannot stay connected to separate chargers through that cable during the transfer.
Rank #2
- Stunning 6.9″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X QHD+ display with adaptive 1–120 Hz refresh rate, ultra‑bright up to ~2600 nits, HDR support, “Vision Booster,” and adaptive color tone — giving vivid colours, great outdoor visibility, and super‑smooth scrolling.
- Powerful internals: it runs on the new Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy (3 nm) chip, with 12 GB (or in some markets up to 16 GB) RAM and up to 1 TB UFS 4.0 storage — offering significantly improved CPU/GPU/NPU performance, especially for AI tasks, gaming, and heavy multitasking.
- Advanced quad‑camera system: 200 MP wide main sensor, plus a 50 MP ultrawide, a 50 MP periscope telephoto (5× optical zoom), and a 10 MP telephoto (3× optical zoom) — giving flexibility from ultra‑wide through detailed telephoto shots, and strong performance in varied lighting.
- 5,000 mAh battery with 45 W fast wired charging, wireless charging (Qi2) and reverse wireless charging — balancing long battery life with flexible charging options.
- Durable, premium build: Titanium‑frame body, protected by Corning Gorilla Armor 2 glass, with IP68 dust/water resistance, ultrasonic in‑display fingerprint sensor, modern connectivity (5G, Wi‑Fi 7, Bluetooth, UWB, USB‑C), and long‑term software support (Android 15 / One UI 7, promised 7 major OS/security updates).
Use a Windows PC or Mac as a backup route
Samsung also documents Smart Switch computer software as a way to back up an old phone to a computer and then transfer or restore that backup to the Galaxy. This can help when direct transfer is not practical, but it requires a supported computer and compatible Smart Switch software. Samsung’s US guide lists Windows 10 or later and macOS 10.9 or later, says Chromebooks are unsupported, and specifies software requirements for the old device. These requirements can change, so check Samsung’s current Smart Switch computer-transfer guide before relying on this route.
- Install the computer version of Smart Switch from Samsung’s guide on a compatible Windows PC or Mac.
- Connect the old phone to the computer and use Smart Switch to create a backup.
- Connect the Galaxy S25 Ultra and use Smart Switch to restore or transfer the backed-up content, following the prompts.
- Review the transferred categories on the Galaxy and sign in to relevant accounts as needed.
What transfers—and what may not
Samsung says supported content can vary by source phone, operating system, and connection method. Depending on the setup, Smart Switch may offer contacts, calendars, messages, call history, notes, bookmarks, photos, videos, DRM-free music, documents, voice memos, selected settings, and some apps. Treat the categories displayed during your own transfer as the practical guide to what is available.
Rank #3
- Stunning 6.9″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X QHD+ display with adaptive 1–120 Hz refresh rate, ultra‑bright up to ~2600 nits, HDR support, “Vision Booster,” and adaptive color tone — giving vivid colours, great outdoor visibility, and super‑smooth scrolling.
- Powerful internals: it runs on the new Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy (3 nm) chip, with 12 GB (or in some markets up to 16 GB) RAM and up to 1 TB UFS 4.0 storage — offering significantly improved CPU/GPU/NPU performance, especially for AI tasks, gaming, and heavy multitasking.
- Advanced quad‑camera system: 200 MP wide main sensor, plus a 50 MP ultrawide, a 50 MP periscope telephoto (5× optical zoom), and a 10 MP telephoto (3× optical zoom) — giving flexibility from ultra‑wide through detailed telephoto shots, and strong performance in varied lighting.
- 5,000 mAh battery with 45 W fast wired charging, wireless charging (Qi2) and reverse wireless charging — balancing long battery life with flexible charging options.
- Durable, premium build: Titanium‑frame body, protected by Corning Gorilla Armor 2 glass, with IP68 dust/water resistance, ultrasonic in‑display fingerprint sensor, modern connectivity (5G, Wi‑Fi 7, Bluetooth, UWB, USB‑C), and long‑term software support (Android 15 / One UI 7, promised 7 major OS/security updates).
Synced account information is handled differently from copied phone content. Samsung explains in its US content compatibility guide: “Data from synced accounts cannot be transferred with Smart Switch, but will appear on the new device once you’ve logged in to the account.” Sign in to the same accounts on the S25 Ultra to restore data those services sync.
Samsung’s guide also lists possible exclusions such as contacts tied to a SIM, social network, Google, or work account; externally synced calendar appointments; private app storage; some email types; and live wallpapers or themes. These exclusions do not necessarily apply in the same way to every old phone or transfer method. Check important app data with the app’s own cloud or backup service before wiping or trading in the old phone.
Quick Recap
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Rank #4
- Stunning 6.9″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X QHD+ display with adaptive 1–120 Hz refresh rate, ultra‑bright up to ~2600 nits, HDR support, “Vision Booster,” and adaptive color tone — giving vivid colours, great outdoor visibility, and super‑smooth scrolling.
- Powerful internals: it runs on the new Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy (3 nm) chip, with 12 GB (or in some markets up to 16 GB) RAM and up to 1 TB UFS 4.0 storage — offering significantly improved CPU/GPU/NPU performance, especially for AI tasks, gaming, and heavy multitasking.
- Advanced quad‑camera system: 200 MP wide main sensor, plus a 50 MP ultrawide, a 50 MP periscope telephoto (5× optical zoom), and a 10 MP telephoto (3× optical zoom) — giving flexibility from ultra‑wide through detailed telephoto shots, and strong performance in varied lighting.
- 5,000 mAh battery with 45 W fast wired charging, wireless charging (Qi2) and reverse wireless charging — balancing long battery life with flexible charging options.
- Durable, premium build: Titanium‑frame body, protected by Corning Gorilla Armor 2 glass, with IP68 dust/water resistance, ultrasonic in‑display fingerprint sensor, modern connectivity (5G, Wi‑Fi 7, Bluetooth, UWB, USB‑C), and long‑term software support (Android 15 / One UI 7, promised 7 major OS/security updates).
If Smart Switch cannot connect or the transfer stalls
- For wireless pairing: Move the phones close together—Samsung’s troubleshooting checklist specifies within 4 inches—turn on Bluetooth, update Smart Switch, and make sure both phones have adequate battery. Follow network prompts if they appear.
- For a cable connection: Confirm that the cable matches both ports and supports the needed connection; add a compatible USB-OTG adapter if the setup requires one. Check that the old phone is unlocked and that you have approved access prompts.
- If categories are missing: Some content may not be supported from that source phone or by that method. Try another supported route, such as cable instead of wireless or iCloud instead of a direct iPhone transfer, when appropriate.
- If the phone-to-phone route remains unavailable: Consider Samsung’s computer backup and restore option, after checking that the computer and old phone meet the current requirements.
After the transfer
- Sign in to the Google, Apple, work, email, and other accounts whose data is synced online.
- Open important apps and check whether their content and sessions returned. Apps that keep data privately or use their own cloud service may require a separate sign-in, restore, or export/import process.
- Confirm that essential photos, contacts, messages, and files are present on the S25 Ultra before erasing or handing over the old phone.
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