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Samsung Smart Switch can move data from an old Galaxy phone to a new one by wireless transfer, cable, or a computer backup and restore. A Galaxy-to-Galaxy transfer may include settings such as Wi-Fi, alarms, and home-screen layout, but the exact categories depend on the phones and software. Some synced information, protected app data, and sign-ins require separate attention, so verify the new phone before erasing or trading in the old one.
What Smart Switch can move—and what it may not
Samsung lists Galaxy-to-Galaxy transfer categories that can include contacts, calendar, messages, memos, call logs, clock, Samsung Pass, Secure Folder, Internet, settings, apps, and some app data. Other Samsung guidance specifically names Wi-Fi, alarms, email settings, home- and lock-screen settings, and home layout. The available categories vary by connected devices; review the options Smart Switch displays rather than assuming every setting will transfer. Samsung’s transfer-category guidance and Samsung’s transfer instructions describe these categories.
Information that may need a separate step
- Synced account data: Samsung says data synced to accounts is not transferred by Smart Switch; sign in to the relevant account on the new phone to sync it there. Samsung explains account-synced data.
- Some contacts and calendar entries: contacts stored on a SIM or in external, social, or work accounts, and externally synced calendar appointments, may not be included in the transfer. Check their source and sync status.
- Protected or private app data: some secure, encrypted, or privately stored app data may not transfer. Use the app’s own backup or device-transfer instructions where available. Samsung’s UK guide notes these limitations.
- App sign-ins and banking credentials: some apps require you to sign in again or re-authorize the new device. Have the credentials and verification method you need available.
- Game progress: Samsung says Smart Switch does not transfer game data, even if it reinstalls the game app. Check whether the game offers its own account-based save or transfer process. Samsung’s Smart Switch FAQ addresses game data.
- Themes, live wallpapers, and protected media: themes may need to be reinstalled from Galaxy Store; live wallpapers and DRM-protected media may not transfer. Compatibility between operating-system or app versions can also affect what moves. Samsung lists transfer exclusions and conditions.
Choose a transfer method
Samsung documents wireless, direct cable, and PC/Mac backup-and-restore routes. Its Caribbean support guide calls wireless Samsung’s preferred way to copy data; that is Samsung’s guidance, not a guarantee that wireless is faster or transfers more categories than another method. In every case, the device-specific Smart Switch screens determine the categories available.
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| Method | What to expect | Check before starting |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless | Transfers directly between phones without a cable. Samsung describes this as its preferred method in its Smart Switch guide. | Keep the phones close and powered; Samsung notes that transfer uses battery. |
| Wired | Connect the phones directly for a cable transfer. | Use a data-capable cable or adapter compatible with both phones. Connector and accessory needs depend on the models; Samsung’s UK instructions also specify an MTP-capable USB option for wired transfer. |
| PC or Mac | Back up the old device on a computer, then restore to the new Galaxy using Samsung’s desktop workflow. | Install the compatible computer software and follow Samsung’s backup and restore instructions. Samsung says Chromebooks are not compatible with the cited PC/Mac workflow. |
Prepare both phones
- Charge both devices and keep them powered during the transfer.
- Make sure there is enough free storage on the new phone for the content you plan to move. Samsung Support UK’s guide, updated May 14, 2026, states that both devices need at least 500 MB of free internal storage; treat this as the requirement in that regional guide, since device compatibility and requirements can vary. See Samsung Support UK’s instructions.
- Install or update Smart Switch as appropriate for the phones, and have a compatible data cable or adapter ready only if you choose the wired route.
- Know the passwords and verification methods for Google, Samsung, and important apps. Check whether critical apps provide their own transfer or backup flow.
Transfer your data with Smart Switch
- Open Smart Switch on the new Galaxy. Samsung says it can be found through Settings; on newer devices, look under Settings > Accounts and backup. Labels and locations may differ by model or software version. Samsung’s instructions show the transfer flow.
- Choose how to connect. Select wireless or cable for a phone-to-phone transfer. For PC/Mac, use Samsung’s computer backup-and-restore workflow instead.
- Follow the prompts on both phones. Connect the devices as instructed and approve the requested permissions so Smart Switch can access the categories you want to transfer.
- Review the selectable categories. Select the settings and content offered that you want on the new phone. Do not assume every category or app state is supported for your specific pair of devices.
- Start the transfer and let it finish. Keep the phones powered and follow any prompts that appear. If you chose a computer workflow, complete the backup first and then restore it to the new Galaxy.
- Sign in and complete app-specific steps. Log in to accounts whose data syncs after sign-in, and follow individual apps’ instructions for protected data, reauthentication, or game progress.
Verify the new phone before wiping the old one
Use the old phone as your reference while you check the items that matter to you. Do not reset, erase, or trade it in until you have confirmed the new phone has the expected data and that you can access important accounts and apps.
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- Contacts, including contacts that may have been stored outside the phone’s local address book.
- Photos and videos you expect to keep.
- Messages and call history.
- Alarms and other clock settings.
- Wi-Fi connections and home-screen arrangement.
- Critical app access and app-specific information, including any data that required a separate backup or sign-in.
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