iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Use Samsung Smart Switch to move data directly from your old Galaxy to your new one. On the old phone, choose Send from this phone; on the new phone, choose Receive on this phone, select Galaxy/Android, then choose wireless or cable. Select Everything or choose specific items, and keep the old phone until you have checked your important files and can sign in to critical apps. “Everything” is a selection option, not a guarantee that every app’s private or encrypted data will be copied.
Before you start
- Charge both phones and allow time. Android setup transfers can take from a few minutes to a few hours, according to Google’s Android setup guidance. That is a general range, not a Samsung-specific estimate.
- Check free storage on the new phone. If it cannot fit everything you select, free space first or plan to transfer a smaller selection. Google recommends checking storage before copying.
- Keep the old phone nearby and unlocked. Smart Switch may ask you to unlock it to copy Samsung and Google accounts; transferring everything can also require unlocking Secure Folder. See Samsung’s Smart Switch instructions.
- Open Smart Switch on both phones. It is usually available in Settings on newer Galaxy phones, but the menu path varies by model and software version. Samsung’s regional Smart Switch guide describes the phone-to-phone process.
- Check app-specific backups before moving. Messaging, banking, authenticator, and work apps may have their own backup, migration, or sign-in steps. Samsung notes that secure app data and some credentials may not transfer.
Samsung describes Smart Switch as a way to transfer content from previous devices to Galaxy phones and tablets only. The items offered depend on the connected devices.
Transfer directly between the two Galaxy phones
Start Smart Switch on both devices. Set the old phone as the sender and the new phone as the receiver, identify the source as Galaxy/Android, and select a connection method. After the new phone scans the old one, review the available items and choose Everything or a custom selection.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Wireless transfer
- On the old Galaxy, open Smart Switch and tap Send from this phone.
- On the new Galaxy, open Smart Switch and tap Receive on this phone, then select Galaxy/Android.
- Choose Wireless on both phones and follow the connection prompts. The prompts can differ by region or software version; Samsung’s US instructions ask users to keep the phones within four inches and connect them to chargers.
- When the new phone displays the scanned items, select Everything or choose the categories you want, then start the transfer.
Wireless avoids having to match a cable and adapter to the phones’ ports. Keeping both devices charging is useful for a long transfer.
#1 Best Overall
- 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
Cable transfer
- Connect the phones using a compatible data cable. Depending on their ports, you may need a USB-OTG adapter; a USB-C-to-USB-C cable can work directly when compatible.
- Open Smart Switch on both phones, choose the sending and receiving roles, and select Cable when prompted.
- Allow the old phone to connect and the new phone to scan it. Review the offered items, select Everything or a custom set, and begin copying.
Check that the cable supports data, not just charging. Samsung says newer models do not generally include a USB-OTG adapter in the box, so verify what you have rather than assuming one is included. Do not disconnect the cable during the transfer. Samsung displays an estimated duration; its guidance suggests considering wireless if a cable transfer is estimated to take more than an hour, so both phones can stay on chargers.
Choose the route that fits your situation
| Route | Best fit | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless phone-to-phone | You want to transfer directly and do not have a suitable cable. | Keep the phones close and charging. Connection prompts vary. |
| Cable phone-to-phone | You have a compatible data cable and, if needed, the right adapter. | Check data capability and port compatibility; do not disconnect mid-transfer. |
| Computer backup and restore | You want a separate backup or cannot complete a direct transfer. | Use the Smart Switch computer app to back up the old Samsung phone, connect the new phone, then restore the Samsung device data. |
| External-storage backup and restore | You want an offline copy on supported USB OTG storage or a microSD card. | Phone support and available capacity limit what can be saved. Not every Galaxy model supports microSD. |
| Google Account backup restore | The old phone is unavailable and a previous Android backup exists. | Restore the backup during Android setup. This is for backed-up Android data, not a promise that every Samsung setting or app state returns. |
Samsung documents computer and external-storage backup and restore in its Smart Switch guide, US support instructions, and UK transfer guide. Google explains Android backup restore in its setup instructions.
Rank #2
- 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.
What transfers—and what may need separate steps
Smart Switch can offer contacts, messages, photos, videos, music, calendar or schedule data, documents, call history, settings, and other content. It scans the source and presents the items supported for the specific device pair; availability can vary by phone and software.
WhatsApp chats
Samsung UK says secure or encrypted data such as WhatsApp chats will not transfer through Smart Switch. Google says WhatsApp chats and data can restore from the cloud after setup only if WhatsApp backups were enabled on the old phone. Check the backup and follow WhatsApp’s current in-app migration or restore prompts before relying on Smart Switch to preserve chats.
Rank #3
- 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.
App data, logins, and credentials
Some app data is stored with the app’s service and returns only after you sign in or use that app’s own backup. Banking credentials may not move, and apps installed outside Google Play may need to be installed manually. Treat the transfer of an app icon as separate from successful access to the account or its private data.
Settings and compatibility
Samsung lists app data, home-screen layout, Wi-Fi settings, memos or voice memos, and some settings as dependent on Galaxy and device compatibility. Its regional guide also notes that restoring to a lower OS version can restrict some call-log or email settings. Menu names and screens may differ by model and software version.
Rank #4
- 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.
Storage limits
If the new phone lacks room, deselect large categories or free storage and try again. For an external-storage backup, the USB OTG device or microSD card must be supported and have enough capacity; Samsung says you may need to deselect items when the storage medium is too small.
Recommended Free Tools
Verify the new phone before wiping the old one
Keep the old Galaxy intact until you have checked the data and app access you care about. Review representative items, including older as well as recent photos, contacts, messages, files, call history, and home-screen or settings changes. Open important messaging, banking, authenticator, and work apps, sign in where needed, and confirm any app-specific restore separately. If anything is missing, the old phone remains available to retry a transfer or complete that app’s own migration.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
