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To move apps from an old phone to a new Samsung Galaxy, use Samsung Smart Switch on the receiving Galaxy: choose Receive data, connect the old phone wirelessly or with a compatible cable, select Apps, and start the transfer. Smart Switch can move supported apps, but it does not guarantee that their private data or settings will come with them.
Choose the right way to move apps
Smart Switch supports transfers from Android and iOS devices to a Galaxy, but the available content categories depend on the source device and the devices connected. Samsung lists apps among supported Android-to-Galaxy content. The three practical options are a direct wireless transfer, a direct wired transfer, or a backup and restore using supported external storage.
| Method | What you need | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless phone-to-phone | Both phones and a wireless connection; follow Smart Switch pairing prompts. | A direct transfer when you do not have a suitable cable. |
| Wired phone-to-phone | A compatible data cable or adapter that fits both phones. | A large transfer; Samsung recommends a wired connection because it is relatively faster. |
| External-storage backup and restore | Supported microSD or USB storage, enough capacity, and an adapter if the USB setup requires one. | Moving content through an intermediate backup rather than connecting both phones directly. |
These options do not bypass Smart Switch’s limitation on private app data. For Samsung’s guidance, see Set Up Your Galaxy Smartphone, Content that can be transferred with Smart Switch, and Back up and restore data using Smart Switch.
Move apps directly to your new Galaxy
- Prepare Smart Switch. Install or update Smart Switch as needed on the phones. Samsung says it is available from Galaxy Store and Google Play. On a Galaxy, you may find it in the Samsung folder or under Settings > Accounts and backup > Smart Switch; menu names can vary by model and software.
- Start on the new Galaxy. Open Smart Switch and choose Receive data, then select the old phone’s platform when prompted.
- Connect the phones. Choose wireless and follow the pairing instructions on both devices, or use a compatible data cable or adapter. Samsung recommends wired transfer for a large amount of data. Its US setup guidance says Smart Switch will run when both devices are at least 20% charged.
- Select apps and other content. Choose Apps and any other categories you want, review the selection, and begin. The categories shown depend on the connected devices.
- Wait for installation to finish. Keep the devices connected while Smart Switch transfers content and installs apps. In Samsung’s regional instructions, some app icons may appear faded and may not open until installation is complete.
- Open the transferred apps. Sign in or complete any setup the app requests. Check each app for missing content before erasing or trading in the old phone.
What transfers—and what may not
An app appearing in the transfer selection does not mean Smart Switch can copy every part of its state. Samsung states: “Data saved in private storage cannot be backed up.” Account-synced information may appear after you sign in, rather than being copied directly by Smart Switch. Some apps may require a fresh sign-in or setup.
#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
Before you reset, erase, or give away your old phone, check whether each important app offers its own account sync, cloud backup, or export option. For data that matters, confirm it is available on the new phone or in the app’s own backup before removing the old copy.
Back up and restore through external storage
This is an alternative to direct phone-to-phone transfer, not a required step. It works only with compatible devices and storage media. Some Galaxy models do not have a microSD slot; a USB storage setup may need an OTG adapter. Check the phone’s compatibility and the storage device’s available capacity first.
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.
- On the old phone, open Smart Switch and choose the SD-card or external-storage backup option available on that device.
- Select the content to back up and start the backup.
- Connect the storage to the new Galaxy. Use an adapter if the connection requires one.
- Open Smart Switch on the new phone, choose Restore, select the backup content, and proceed through the prompts.
Samsung says you can repeat the backup for items that did not fit on the storage device. The exact choices vary by device and Smart Switch version; use the labels shown on your screen. See Samsung’s Smart Switch backup and restore instructions.
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- If an app is absent from the transfer selection, the supported categories may differ for your source phone or connected devices. Check the app store on the new Galaxy and contact the app’s publisher if it is not available there.
- If an icon looks faded during transfer, wait for installation to complete before opening it.
- If an app opens but its content is missing, sign in and check the app’s own sync or backup settings. Smart Switch cannot back up data saved in private storage.
- If you cannot find a menu or connection option, labels and availability can vary by model, software, source device, and Smart Switch version. Follow the current on-screen prompts or consult support for your specific Galaxy model.
Moving an installed app to an SD card is a different task
Moving apps between phones with Smart Switch is not the same as relocating an app already installed on one phone from internal storage to a microSD card. Samsung’s cited guidance does not establish a universal SD-card relocation path for Galaxy devices. Support depends on the specific model, software version, and app. Check your model’s current manual and the app’s storage options before attempting it; do not assume the option exists on every Galaxy.
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
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.
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.
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