Smart Switch: iOS to Galaxy phone using USB connector

Last Update date : 2025-07-14

The easiest way to move data from your old device to your new device is with Smart Switch. Smart Switch gives you the freedom to move your contacts, music, photos, calendar, text messages, device settings and more to your new Galaxy device. Check out the guide below to see what you can do with Smart Switch.

smart switch

Before you try the recommendations below, be sure to check if your device's software and related apps are updated to the latest version. To update your mobile device's software, follow these steps:

 

1 Go to Settings > Software update.
2 Tap on Download and install
3 Follow the on-screen instructions
Smart Switch: How to transfer data Smart Switch: How to transfer data

What can Smart Switch do?

You can use Smart Switch to back up phone data to a PC or SD card, restore the backed up data to a phone, or transfer data from an old phone to a new phone.

Galaxy models come with the Smart Switch app installed by default, and there are four ways to transfer data. Transfer data from your old phone to your new Galaxy phone via USB Cable, Wi-Fi, iCloud data or computer. Choose the method you feel most comfortable with. Everything else comes easy.

 

available  methods for data transfer

What can be transferred?

  • From an Android device: contacts, schedule, messages, memos/voice memos (Galaxy device only), photos, videos, music, alarm settings(Galaxy device only), call log, Home screen/lock screen image (Galaxy device only), Wi-Fi settings (Galaxy device only), documents, email settings (Galaxy device only), settings (Galaxy device only), download app installation, app data (Galaxy device only), and Home layout (Galaxy devices only).
  • From the iCloud: contacts, calendar, memos, photos, videos, documents (You can import data being synced from your iOS device to iCloud).
  • From iOS devices using OTG USB: contacts, schedule, messages, memos, photos, videos, music, voice memos, alarm settings, call log, bookmark, Wi-Fi settings, documents, app list recommendations.
  • From Windows Mobile devices (OS 8.1 or 10): contacts, schedules, photos, documents, videos, music.

Available methods for data transfer:

Ensure that the Smart Switch app on your Galaxy device is updated to the latest version. The app comes pre-installed, you can also download it from the Galaxy Store if needed. There’s no need to install the app on your iOS device.  Before connecting the devices via USB cable, verify that both are sufficiently charged, as charging the devices during the transfer is not supported.

1 Open Smart Switch App.

On your Galaxy device, open the Smart Switch app. Select Receive Data, then choose iPhone/iPad.

*To locate the Smart Switch app, go to the Samsung folder on the Apps screen, or navigate to Settings Accounts and Backup > Smart Switch.

smart switch steps
2 Connect the Devices.

Use a Lightning to USB-C or USB-C to USB-C cable to connect your old iOS device to your new Galaxy device. If you're using a USB-A cable (common with standard chargers), attach it using the OTG adapter to fit the Galaxy device’s USB-C port.
After that, the option "Trust This Computer?" prompt will appear on your iPhone or iPad, select Trust to proceed.

connecting devices on smart switch
3 Choose What to transfer.

Pick the data you'd like to move from your iOS device. When you're ready, tap Transfer to begin the process.

select data to transfer
4 Transfer.

The data transfer will start shortly. When the process is complete, tap Done.

the process of transferring data

Note:

  •  You can also transfer your WhatsApp chats and photos from your iOS device to your new Samsung Galaxy, by following the below steps:
    Step 1. When selecting content to transfer, go to the Apps section and choose WhatsApp, then tap Transfer.
    Step 2. Scan the QR code that appears and tap Start on your iPhone.

  • Make sure you have the latest version of WhatsApp installed on your iPhone. If you're logged into WhatsApp before the transfer starts or before Smart Switch finishes moving the data, the app data won’t be transferred.

Ensure that the Smart Switch app on your Galaxy device is updated to the latest version. Although the app comes pre-installed, you can also download it from the Galaxy Store if needed. Please download and install the Smart Switch application on your Windows PC or Mac.

1 Back Up.

To ensure all your latest data is ready for transfer, back up your iOS device using iTunes (Finder) on your PC or Mac.

a laptop screen
2 Connect.

Use a USB cable to connect your phone to your PC. Open the Smart Switch application on your PC and select Restore.

connecting devices on smart switch
3 Restore.

Choose the iTunes (or Finder) backup you want to restore, then click OK.

restore on smart switch
4 Transfer.

The data transfer will start shortly. When the process is complete, tap Done.

smart switch

Ensure that the Smart Switch app on your Galaxy device is updated to the latest version. Although the app comes pre-installed, you can also download it from the Galaxy Store if needed. 

To protect your data during transfer, Smart Switch needs a minimum of 20% battery on each device.

1 Sync with iCloud.

Ensure your latest data is ready for Smart Switch by syncing your iOS device with iCloud.

Step 1. On your iPhone or iPad, open Settings, tap your name, then select iCloud. Tap Show All.

Step 2. Choose Photos and enable Sync this iPhone (or iPad).

Step 3. Return to iCloud settings, select iCloud Drive, and turn on Sync this iPhone (or iPad).

Step 4. Go back and enable syncing for Pages, Numbers, and Keynote.

Step 5. Return to iCloud, select Notes, and enable Sync this iPhone (or iPad).

Step 6. Finally, turn on syncing for Contacts, Calendars, and Reminders.

2 Open Smart Switch App.

On your new Galaxy device, open the Smart Switch app and tap Receive Data, then select iPhone/iPad.
*You can find Smart Switch in the Samsung folder on the Apps screen or by navigating to Settings > Accounts and Backup > Smart Switch.

transfer data
3 Connect to iCloud.

Tap Get Data from iCloud, enter your Apple ID (or email) and password, then select Transfer Wirelessly.

4 Choose data to transfer.

Select the iCloud data you want to transfer and tap Transfer.

searching for data to transfer
5 Complete Transfer.

The transfer will begin shortly. When finished, tap Done.

organizing the transferred data

Ensure that the Smart Switch app on your Galaxy device is updated to the latest version. Although the app comes pre-installed, you can also download it from the Galaxy Store if needed. Get the Smart Switch app from the Apple App Store and install it on your previous iOS device.

To protect your data during transfer, Smart Switch needs a minimum of 20% battery on each device.

1 Open Smart Switch App.

On your Galaxy device, open the Smart Switch app. Select Receive Data, then choose iPhone/iPad.

*To locate the Smart Switch app, go to the Samsung folder on the Apps screen, or navigate to Settings Accounts and Backup > Smart Switch.

transfer data over smart switch
2 Link the devices.

Step 1. Tap Transfer Wirelessly to establish a connection between your iOS device and your new Galaxy device.
*For large data transfers, it’s recommended to use a wired connection, as it supports faster and more efficient data transfer. Ensure both devices are adequately charged before starting the data transfer, as they cannot be connected to a charger during the transfer process.

connect devices on smart switch

Step 2. Install the Smart Switch app by tapping “Get Smart Switch on your iPhone or iPad” and scanning the displayed QR code.

QR code on Smart Switch

Step 3. Once installed, open the Smart Switch app on your iPhone or iPad and choose Transfer wirelessly. Next, scan the QR code shown on your new Samsung Galaxy device to initiate the connection.

connecting devices on smart switch
3 Choose Data to Transfer.

Select the content you wish to move—such as Contacts, Calendar, Photos, and Videos. And when ready, tap Transfer to begin the process.

select data to transfer
4 Complete the Transfer.

The transfer will start automatically. Once it’s complete, tap Done.

organizing the transferred data

Note: 

  • Transmission of some items may be restricted depending on the device manufacturer and the OS version.
  • DRM (Digital Rights Management) applied content cannot be transferred to Smart Switch.
  • Transferring data increases the battery power consumption of your phone.
  • Ensure that your device is sufficiently charged before transferring data. If the battery power is low, data transfer may be interrupted.
  • This feature may not be supported on some devices or computers
  • Only transfer content that you own or have the right to transfer.
  •  our contact center to get help with your inquiry. Our helpful agents will be there to help you.

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