Tips & How-to
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Smart Switch: How to transfer data between Galaxy devices
7/07/2025 01:01 PM
Note: If this is your first time using Smart Switch to upload or restore data, the app may require some permissions from you. Follow these instructions to complete the permissions requirement:
- Step 1. On the screen labelled Samsung Smart Switch, either scroll to the bottom or tap More, and then tap Continue.
- Step 2. On the screen labelled Samsung Smart Switch uses these permissions, either scroll to the bottom or tap More, and then tap Allow.
Transfer and restore data with Smart Switch app & an SD card
One method of backing up and restoring your data is through the Smart Switch app and an SD card. Be aware that some phones do not have SD card slots, so you will require a compatible USB cable and SD card adapter.
Notes:
- When backing up the SD card, delete the previously backed up data with the Smart Switch SD card and keep only the most recent date as backup data.
- Make sure your phone is charged since data transfers may take a while.
- The SD card and SD card adapter are not included with the phone and must be purchased separately.
Step 1. Insert the SD card into the SD card adapter.
Step 2. Insert the USB cable with the SD card adapter into your Galaxy phone.
Step 3. Open the Smart Switch app on your Galaxy phone.
Step 4. Tap the SD card icon.
Step 5. Go to the Back up to section or the Restore from section > select USB storage.
Step 6. Select what data you wish to back up or restore > tap Next > OK.
Step 7. If you are backing up data, wait until the process is complete and tap Next. If you are restoring data, you can either select Go to the Home screen or wait until the Backup results screen appears and select Next.
Step 8. Tap Done.
Transfer data with the Smart Switch app & a USB cable
Another method for transferring data between devices is by using the Smart Switch app and a compatible USB cable.
Step 1. Connect your Galaxy phone (Old device) to another Galaxy phone or tablet (new device) using your phone’s USB cable. A USB adapter may be needed depending on the model version of your phone and the other Galaxy device.
Step 2. When a pop up window appears on one of the devices, select Smart Switch.
Step 3. Select Send data on the old device and select Receive data on the new device.
Note: If you select Send data, then a pop up window will appear on the other device. Select Smart Switch > Receive data or Send data.
From here, Old device refers to the device that transfers data to New device.
Step 4. On your old device, tap Connect.
Step 5. On your new device, select the data you wish to transfer > tap next.
Note: If your new device is not already signed into your Google account, your old device will display a screen asking if you want to copy your accounts to your new device. Select Copy and follow the onscreen instructions. You can also select Skip on your new device to bypass copying your accounts.
Note: Some apps will appear faded and may not launch until the data transfer and installation are complete.
Smart Switch app and wireless data transfer
If you prefer a data transfer method that does not require external accessories, you can initiate a wireless data transfer through the Smart Switch app.
Step 2. Select Wireless. Your phone will automatically start searching for any nearby devices using high frequency audio.
Note: Both devices must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Step 3. When a pop up window appears on the second Galaxy device (your new device), select Yes.
Step 4. On your old device, select Connect so the two Galaxy devices can connect.
Step 5. On your new device, select which data to transfer and tap Next.
Note: Some apps will appear faded and may not launch until the data transfer and installation are complete.
Use the Smart Switch app on your PC or tablet
After installing the Smart Switch PC program on your PC, you can back up and restore data at any time you want by connecting to the Galaxy device.
To transfer data between your phone and a computer. You must download the Smart Switch computer version app from here. Backup data from your previous phone to a computer and import the data to your phone.
Step 1. On the computer, download and launch Smart Switch.
Note: If your previous phone is not a Samsung phone, back up data to a computer using a program provided by the device’s manufacturer. Then, skip to the fourth step.
Step 2. Connect your previous phone to the computer using the phone’s USB cable.
Step 3. On the computer, follow the on-screen instructions to back up data from the phone. Then, disconnect your previous phone from the computer.
Step 4. Connect your phone to the computer using the USB cable.
Step 5. On the computer, follow the on-screen instructions to transfer data to your phone.
Note: Please refer to this article if you want to learn how to use the Samsung Cloud to back up and restore your Galaxy device’s data.
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Obsydian
Samsung Members Star ★★
last edited
7/07/2025 01:10 PM
I prefer the cable method and most of all leaving the devices all when transferring and resisting the temptation to start playing with a new device.
What i would love is the PineApple style apps restored also 🙏
Chappell101
Black Belt
last edited
7/07/2025 01:14 PM
I'm having problems with my USB C port. I won't have the replacement new phone at the same time to wirelessly sync as the old will be handed over. So I need a PC/Cloud middleman for the changeover day.
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jemaldrar
First Poster
last edited
15/07/2025 11:34 AM
racherunner6
First Poster
last edited
15/07/2025 11:39 AM
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Emma100300
Pathfinder
last edited
15/07/2025 12:15 PM
perl
Explorer
last edited
15/07/2025 01:04 PM
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Mindknee
Student
last edited
25/07/2025 01:08 PM
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Dlight777
Student
last edited
9/08/2025 08:18 AM
jojonova69
First Poster
last edited
18/09/2025 04:29 AM
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