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Transfer your content with Smart Switch and a USB cable

Last Update date : Apr 03. 2024

Purchasing a new phone is exciting, but you may be thinking about the best way to transfer all your data from your old phone. You don’t want to lose all your contacts, photos, or messages, and transferring everything manually is a drag. Luckily, you can move all your data from your old phone to your new phone with a USB cable and Smart Switch. And if you’re transferring from an iPhone, you can use Smart Switch and iCloud to send over your content effortlessly.

Note: Information provided applies to devices sold in Canada. Available screens and settings may vary for smartphones sold in other countries. A USB-OTG adapter is provided in-box with the Galaxy S10+, S10, S10e, Note10+, Note10+ 5G, and Z Flip.

Transfer content with a USB cable (Android)

1 First, connect both phones with the old phone’s USB cable. Most cables will require you to use a USB-OTG adapter. If you have a Lightning to USB-C cable or a USB-C to USB-C cable, then you won't need an adapter because it will plug right into your new Galaxy phone.

2 Launch Smart Switch on both phones. If this is your first time using Smart Switch, you will need to accept the terms of service. Tap Agree, and then tap Allow.

3 On the old phone, tap Send data. On the new phone, tap Receive data. On your new phone, select the type of your old phone (Galaxy, iPhone, etc.).

4 Next, tap Cable on both phones. Smart Switch will scan the old phone for transferrable content.

5 Select the data you’d like to transfer to the new phone, and an estimated transfer time will be displayed. You may want to use a wireless transfer instead if the estimated time is more than an hour.

6 When you are ready to start, tap Transfer.

7 When the transfer is finished, tap Done on the new phone, and then tap Close on the old phone.

Transfer content with a USB cable (iOS)

Note: You can perform a wired transfer on an iOS device too. And just like with an Android phone, this is the option best for people who don't have a lot of data on their old phone because you can't charge the phones during the transfer. If you do have a lot of data to transfer, we recommend performing a wireless transfer instead.

1 Connect the phones with the old phone's USB cable. Most cables will require you to use a USB-OTG adapter. If you have a Lightning to USB-C cable or a USB-C to USB-C cable, you won't need an adapter; it will plug right into your new Galaxy.

2 Launch Smart Switch on both phones.

3 Tap Send data on the old phone, tap Receive data on the new phone. On your new phone, select the type of your old phone (iPhone, etc.).

4 Next, tap Cable on both phones. Smart Switch will scan the old phone for transferrable content.

5 Select the data you want transferred to the new phone. An estimate of the transfer time will be displayed. If the transfer will take more than an hour you may want to use a wireless transfer so both phones can be charged during the transfer.

6 When you are ready to start, tap Transfer.

7 When finished, tap Done on the new phone, and tap Close on the old phone.

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Transfer your content with Smart Switch and a USB cable

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