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To move contacts between Samsung Galaxy phones, use Smart Switch: set the new phone to receive, the old phone to send, choose a wireless or wired connection, select Contacts, and start the transfer. Contacts synced through Google or another external account may need to be synced separately by adding that same account to the new phone.
First, check where your contacts are stored
Contacts can be saved on the old phone, in a Samsung account, or synced through Google or another service. Smart Switch can transfer contacts, but Samsung notes that content synced with an external service may not be included in the transfer. Add the relevant account to the new phone to sync those contacts: Samsung’s Smart Switch guidance.
Choose a transfer method
| Method | How it works | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless Smart Switch | Open Smart Switch on both phones, pair them, select Contacts, and transfer. | Keep the phones close and meet Samsung’s connection requirements. Samsung describes wireless transfer as its preferred method in its Android switch guide. |
| Wired Smart Switch | Connect the phones with a compatible cable, follow the send-and-receive prompts, and select Contacts. | Connector and OTG adapter needs depend on the phone models. Check compatibility before connecting or buying an adapter. |
| Account sync | Add the same Google or other contact account to the new phone and allow it to sync. | Works for contacts stored and synced by that account; it is not a copy of contacts stored only on the old phone. |
Transfer contacts with Smart Switch
- Prepare both phones. Make sure Smart Switch is available on both devices and charge them. For a wireless transfer, place the phones close together. For a wired transfer, use a cable compatible with both phones; some combinations may require an OTG adapter.
- Set up the new phone to receive. Open Smart Switch on the new Galaxy and choose Receive data, then Galaxy/Android.
- Set up the old phone to send. Open Smart Switch on the old Galaxy and choose Send data.
- Connect the phones. Choose wireless or wired transfer and approve the connection prompts on both devices.
- Select and transfer contacts. Choose Contacts in the content list, then tap Transfer. Menu wording can vary by model and software version.
Samsung’s instructions cover transfer methods and supported content, but do not state a fixed transfer time. The exact connector and menu labels also depend on the phones: Smart Switch transfer instructions.
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Sync Google or other account contacts on the new phone
If contacts are missing because they were synced through an external account, add that same account to the new phone and let synchronization complete. Smart Switch may not transfer externally synced content, so signing in to the account that holds those contacts is the relevant step. Samsung describes this distinction in its Smart Switch support guidance.
#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
Confirm the contacts arrived
Open the Contacts app on the new phone and look for expected names. If some are absent, check whether the old phone stored them locally or whether they belong to a Google, Samsung, or other account. For account contacts, add the account to the new phone and allow it to sync before trying the transfer again.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.If the phones will not connect
Samsung’s troubleshooting sequence for a new phone that cannot connect to a previous Samsung phone recommends checking the connection requirements, opening Smart Switch on both devices, allowing the connection, and trying a restart. If wireless pairing still fails, switch to a compatible USB cable. See Samsung’s connection troubleshooting steps.
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.
If the old phone’s screen is broken or unresponsive, the ordinary send-and-receive workflow may not be possible; Samsung directs users to separate recovery and transfer guidance for that situation.
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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