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On a Windows laptop, connect the unlocked Galaxy S9 with a data-capable USB cable, choose Transferring files or MTP on the phone, then copy the photos from the phone in File Explorer. On a Mac, Samsung documents a Smart Switch backup workflow; Finder access is not established as a universal method.
Transfer photos to a Windows laptop with USB
- Connect the Galaxy S9 to the laptop using a USB cable that supports data transfer. A charge-only cable will not provide the data connection needed for file transfer. Samsung’s Smart Switch instructions also specify a data-capable cable.
- Unlock the phone. If it asks whether to allow the connected computer to access phone data, approve the request.
- Swipe down from the top of the phone screen, tap the USB notification, and select Transferring files or MTP. Labels and screens can vary by software version and carrier. Samsung’s media-transfer instructions describe selecting file-transfer mode.
- On the laptop, open File Explorer, select the connected phone, and browse its folders for the photos you want. Copy them to a folder on the laptop.
- Open a few copied images from the laptop to confirm they transferred correctly before deleting any originals from the phone.
For selected photos and folders, direct copying is the more targeted option. Samsung’s transfer guidance describes using File Explorer to browse and copy after the phone is set to file-transfer mode.
Use Smart Switch for a desktop backup
Samsung Smart Switch is a backup route rather than the same thing as manually selecting photo files. Samsung supports its desktop software on PC and Mac and documents backing up a connected phone: open Smart Switch, connect the phone with a data-capable cable, select Backup, and tap Allow on the phone if prompted. See Samsung’s Smart Switch backup instructions for requirements and the default backup location.
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Transfer photos to a Mac
For a Mac, use Samsung’s documented Smart Switch backup route if you want a desktop backup. The cited Samsung instructions do not establish that every current macOS version shows the Galaxy S9 as a directly browsable device in Finder. Whether direct file browsing is available depends on the Mac’s software and installed transfer tools, so do not assume Finder will expose the phone.
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Use a microSD card when the photos are stored there
A removable microSD card is another possible transfer route, but it only helps with images stored on that card. If the laptop has no compatible card slot, you may need a reader; check the card type and laptop ports before choosing one. Samsung lists microSD as a media-transfer option, but reader compatibility depends on the hardware involved.
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If the laptop does not recognize the Galaxy S9
- Unlock the phone: reconnect it and approve the access prompt if it appears.
- Check the cable: use one that supports data transfer, not just charging.
- Change USB mode: select Transferring files or MTP rather than leaving the connection in charging mode.
- If Smart Switch does not detect it: Samsung’s desktop backup guidance says to choose MORE, reinstall the device driver, then disconnect and reconnect the phone after installation finishes.
- Allow for menu differences: names and screens may differ with the Galaxy model, software version, and wireless provider. Samsung notes that media in Secure Folder is excluded from the described transfer methods. See Samsung’s media-transfer guidance.
Choose the method that matches your goal
| Method | Best for | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| USB direct copy on Windows | Selecting particular photos or folders | Set the phone to Transferring files or MTP, then use File Explorer. |
| Smart Switch on PC or Mac | Creating a broader desktop backup | Samsung documents the backup workflow for both platforms; it is not a guarantee of direct Mac Finder browsing. |
| microSD card | Moving photos already stored on the removable card | The laptop needs a compatible slot or reader. |
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