Smart switch

Switch. Easier

Switching to a new device? Smart Switch makes it hassle-free. Easily bring over photos, contacts, schedules, device settings, account info and even authentication credentials, regardless of the OS you're using. Simply select the data to transfer across devices in a snap.1

Why Samsung Smart Switch?

Smart Switch makes it easy to transfer to your new Galaxy. Whether you're switching from an iPhone or another Android device, you can now transfer even more of your iOS data — no extra app needed.

Move data from different OS

On the left, there is a smartphone, a tablet and a laptop. On the right, a smartphone is shown, receiving data from the three devices through Smart Switch. On the left, there is a smartphone, a tablet and a laptop. On the right, a smartphone is shown, receiving data from the three devices through Smart Switch.

Switching to a Galaxy device has never been easier. Whether you're coming from an Android or iOS device, Galaxy ensures that you can bring all your important data along.2

Switch various types of data

A smartphone shows 'Select data to transfer' screen. Surrounding the phone are various app icons, indicating the type of data that can be transferred through Smart Switch. A smartphone shows 'Select data to transfer' screen. Surrounding the phone are various app icons, indicating the type of data that can be transferred through Smart Switch.

Smart Switch transfers different types of data from iPhone or another Android device to your new Galaxy, including photos, videos, notes, calendar events and even device settings.1,3

Switch through many ways

An arrow points from one smartphone to another. Icons for WiFi, cable, laptop and USB are shown underneath. The smartphone to which data is being transferred to reads on its screen, 'Select a source' with options being 'Galaxy / Android' and 'iPhone / iPad'. An arrow points from one smartphone to another. Icons for WiFi, cable, laptop and USB are shown underneath. The smartphone to which data is being transferred to reads on its screen, 'Select a source' with options being 'Galaxy / Android' and 'iPhone / iPad'.

Choose how you want to switch your device with Smart Switch. You can move to a new device wirelessly, or via a USB cable, external storage and more.4

How to transfer

It's never been easier to switch. More simply and easily than ever, transfer your data from any device with seamless wireless connection on your new Samsung Galaxy.5

For Galaxy or other Androids


An arrow points from a smartphone showing the Smart Switch logo to another smartphone showing a QR code that will be scanned for transferring. An arrow points from a smartphone showing the Smart Switch logo to another smartphone showing a QR code that will be scanned for transferring.

For iOS


Data is transferred from the old smartphone with the camera icon to the new smartphone with a QR code, indicating that QR can be scanned for transfer. Data is transferred from the old smartphone with the camera icon to the new smartphone with a QR code, indicating that QR can be scanned for transfer.

Learn How to use Smart Switch

For all users

How to use Smart Switch on Galaxy smartphone. Move data from an Android or even from iOS. *Technical requirements below for Smart Switch compatible devices. PC: Windows OS 10 or later versions\/MacOS X 10.9 or later versions. Phone\/Tablet: Android™ OS version 5.0 or later, iOS 5.0 or later versions (When using Wi-Fi, iOS 12 or later versions are supported). For details, visit www.samsung.com\/smartswitch. Transfer various types of data to your Galaxy smartphone. A smartphone is surrounded by many different apps. *Connection option may vary depending on the device OS, manufacturer or availability of expandable storage. *Transferrable data may vary depending on the device OS (Android or iOS), OS version, and\/or connection option. 1. Moving data from iOS using a cable. There are 3 ways to transfer to Galaxy. *Use a Lightning-to-USB-C or USB-C-to-USB-C cable to connect your previous iOS device to your new Galaxy device. If you are using a USB-A cable, you may need a USB-A-to-USB-C adapter (sold separately) to plug into the USB-C port. Let’s try moving your data using a cable. Three pairs of smartphones conducting transfers are shown. The Cable option is clearer than the other blurred options. *A device-to-device connection for data transfer via Smart Switch can be made with the USB Type-C cable. iOS to Galaxy. Two smartphones are shown with different app backgrounds. *Results for illustrative purposes. Actual UI may be different. *Data can only be transferred to the same or a higher version of OS. *Galaxy device must have the latest version of the Smart Switch app installed. The app is pre-installed but can also be downloaded from the Galaxy Store or the Google Play Store. Installation is not required on iOS devices. On your Home screen, swipe up. The motion is reflected from the Galaxy smartphone shown. *Results for illustrative purposes. Sequences shortened. Actual UI may be different. Launch. Smart Switch logo. 'Transfer your data' is shown on the Galaxy smartphone screen. Below are options to either 'Send from this phone' or 'Receive on this phone'. Tap 'Receive on this phone' and tap 'iPhone\/iPad' on the screen that says, 'Select a source'. Next, connect the two devices with a cable. Next, connect the two devices with a cable. *A device-to-device connection for data transfer via Smart Switch can be made with the USB Type-C cable. Launch 'Smart Switch' on your new Galaxy. The phones are shown further up-close. The iOS is connected to a cable, and the Galaxy phone screen reads, 'Get connected'. The Galaxy phone is also connected to a cable, and its screen switches to read 'Connecting to transfer your data'. Select the data you want to transfer. The Galaxy phone shows a list of apps with checkmarks next to them. Tap 'Transfer'. Both phones reflect that they are 'Transferring...'. Give Smart Switch a moment to do its magic. On the iOS screen reads, 'Done with this phone' and on the Galaxy, 'Data transfer results' with related graphics to reflect data has been transferred. All done! 2. Moving data from iOS wirelessly. Transfer important data such as 'Contacts\/Calendar\/Images\/Videos'. Launch 'Smart Switch' on your new Galaxy and on your iOS. *Data can only be transferred to the same or a higher version of OS. *For a wireless transfer from iOS, Smart Switch app must be installed on both devices. Galaxy device must have the latest version of the app installed. The app is pre-installed but can also be downloaded from the Galaxy Store or the Google Play Store. For iOS devices, the app can be downloaded from the App Store. Tap 'Let's go' on your old iOS and tap 'Transfer wirelessly'. *If you have a large amount of data to transfer, it is recommended to use a wired connection, as it can transfer a larger amount of data at once. Make sure your devices are properly charged beforehand since connecting to a charger is not available during such a transfer. Scan the QR code. Both phones read, 'Get connected' and have QR codes with the Smart Switch logo in the middle. One smartphone scans the other's QR code. *Keep Smart Switch open on your iPhone or iPad while transferring. *Results for illustrative purposes. Sequences shortened. Actual UI may be different. *The amount of time required may vary depending on the amount of data and the strength of your connection. Data transfer processes are shown on both smartphones. Your data is now right where you need it! 3. Moving data from Android wirelessly. Easily move your favorite apps to a new Galaxy smartphone. Android to Galaxy. Two phones, one old and the other new. Two pairs of smartphones surround one smartphone. The two pairs represent 'Cable' and 'Wireless' transfers. The single smartphone in the middle shows 'Get connected' with the options for Wireless or Cable. Cable or wireless, your choice. Let's try wireless this time. *If you have a large amount of data to transfer, it is recommended to use a wired connection, as it can transfer a larger amount of data at once. Make sure your devices are properly charged beforehand since connecting to a charger is not available during such a transfer. The smartphone pairs disappear, leaving the single smartphone. The Galaxy phone is joined by another Android phone. Tap 'Wireless'. Go to 'Custom'. Tap 'Next'. Select any apps of your choice. Tap 'Done' and then 'Transfer'. All done! Using Smart Switch, you can even move data from messaging apps. Transfer chat history with Smart Switch. Transfer photos with Smart Switch. Transfer videos with Smart Switch. Two phones show texting interactions and media transfers. Even stickers, documents, files and much more! Move your data fast and easy to a new Galaxy with Smart Switch. samsung.com. Samsung logo. How to use Smart Switch on Galaxy smartphone. Move data from an Android or even from iOS. *Technical requirements below for Smart Switch compatible devices. PC: Windows OS 10 or later versions\/MacOS X 10.9 or later versions. Phone\/Tablet: Android™ OS version 5.0 or later, iOS 5.0 or later versions (When using Wi-Fi, iOS 12 or later versions are supported). For details, visit www.samsung.com\/smartswitch. Transfer various types of data to your Galaxy smartphone. A smartphone is surrounded by many different apps. *Connection option may vary depending on the device OS, manufacturer or availability of expandable storage. *Transferrable data may vary depending on the device OS (Android or iOS), OS version, and\/or connection option. 1. Moving data from iOS using a cable. There are 3 ways to transfer to Galaxy. *Use a Lightning-to-USB-C or USB-C-to-USB-C cable to connect your previous iOS device to your new Galaxy device. If you are using a USB-A cable, you may need a USB-A-to-USB-C adapter (sold separately) to plug into the USB-C port. Let’s try moving your data using a cable. Three pairs of smartphones conducting transfers are shown. The Cable option is clearer than the other blurred options. *A device-to-device connection for data transfer via Smart Switch can be made with the USB Type-C cable. iOS to Galaxy. Two smartphones are shown with different app backgrounds. *Results for illustrative purposes. Actual UI may be different. *Data can only be transferred to the same or a higher version of OS. *Galaxy device must have the latest version of the Smart Switch app installed. The app is pre-installed but can also be downloaded from the Galaxy Store or the Google Play Store. Installation is not required on iOS devices. On your Home screen, swipe up. The motion is reflected from the Galaxy smartphone shown. *Results for illustrative purposes. Sequences shortened. Actual UI may be different. Launch. Smart Switch logo. 'Transfer your data' is shown on the Galaxy smartphone screen. Below are options to either 'Send from this phone' or 'Receive on this phone'. Tap 'Receive on this phone' and tap 'iPhone\/iPad' on the screen that says, 'Select a source'. Next, connect the two devices with a cable. Next, connect the two devices with a cable. *A device-to-device connection for data transfer via Smart Switch can be made with the USB Type-C cable. Launch 'Smart Switch' on your new Galaxy. The phones are shown further up-close. The iOS is connected to a cable, and the Galaxy phone screen reads, 'Get connected'. The Galaxy phone is also connected to a cable, and its screen switches to read 'Connecting to transfer your data'. Select the data you want to transfer. The Galaxy phone shows a list of apps with checkmarks next to them. Tap 'Transfer'. Both phones reflect that they are 'Transferring...'. Give Smart Switch a moment to do its magic. On the iOS screen reads, 'Done with this phone' and on the Galaxy, 'Data transfer results' with related graphics to reflect data has been transferred. All done! 2. Moving data from iOS wirelessly. Transfer important data such as 'Contacts\/Calendar\/Images\/Videos'. Launch 'Smart Switch' on your new Galaxy and on your iOS. *Data can only be transferred to the same or a higher version of OS. *For a wireless transfer from iOS, Smart Switch app must be installed on both devices. Galaxy device must have the latest version of the app installed. The app is pre-installed but can also be downloaded from the Galaxy Store or the Google Play Store. For iOS devices, the app can be downloaded from the App Store. Tap 'Let's go' on your old iOS and tap 'Transfer wirelessly'. *If you have a large amount of data to transfer, it is recommended to use a wired connection, as it can transfer a larger amount of data at once. Make sure your devices are properly charged beforehand since connecting to a charger is not available during such a transfer. Scan the QR code. Both phones read, 'Get connected' and have QR codes with the Smart Switch logo in the middle. One smartphone scans the other's QR code. *Keep Smart Switch open on your iPhone or iPad while transferring. *Results for illustrative purposes. Sequences shortened. Actual UI may be different. *The amount of time required may vary depending on the amount of data and the strength of your connection. Data transfer processes are shown on both smartphones. Your data is now right where you need it! 3. Moving data from Android wirelessly. Easily move your favorite apps to a new Galaxy smartphone. Android to Galaxy. Two phones, one old and the other new. Two pairs of smartphones surround one smartphone. The two pairs represent 'Cable' and 'Wireless' transfers. The single smartphone in the middle shows 'Get connected' with the options for Wireless or Cable. Cable or wireless, your choice. Let's try wireless this time. *If you have a large amount of data to transfer, it is recommended to use a wired connection, as it can transfer a larger amount of data at once. Make sure your devices are properly charged beforehand since connecting to a charger is not available during such a transfer. The smartphone pairs disappear, leaving the single smartphone. The Galaxy phone is joined by another Android phone. Tap 'Wireless'. Go to 'Custom'. Tap 'Next'. Select any apps of your choice. Tap 'Done' and then 'Transfer'. All done! Using Smart Switch, you can even move data from messaging apps. Transfer chat history with Smart Switch. Transfer photos with Smart Switch. Transfer videos with Smart Switch. Two phones show texting interactions and media transfers. Even stickers, documents, files and much more! Move your data fast and easy to a new Galaxy with Smart Switch. samsung.com. Samsung logo.

Effortless data transfer across devices

Keep your data
where it belongs

Smart Switch works across more than just smartphones. Transfer your data from Galaxy Book, Galaxy Watch, Galaxy Buds and even Galaxy Ring. Simply select the data you want to move in the data options and pick up right where you left off on your new device.10,11

How to transfer via PC

For Galaxy

Using Smart Switch PC


Two smartphones are displayed with a laptop between them. The first arrow is pointing from the phone on the left to the laptop. The second arrow is pointing from the laptop to the phone on the right. Smart Switch icons are displayed on three devices, showing that the data is transferred through Smart Switch. Two smartphones are displayed with a laptop between them. The first arrow is pointing from the phone on the left to the laptop. The second arrow is pointing from the laptop to the phone on the right. Smart Switch icons are displayed on three devices, showing that the data is transferred through Smart Switch.

For iOS

Using iTunes (Finder)


A laptop and a smartphone are displayed with an arrow between them. The arrow is pointing from the laptop to the smartphone. Smart Switch icons are shown on both devices, indicating that the data is transferred through Smart Switch. A laptop and a smartphone are displayed with an arrow between them. The arrow is pointing from the laptop to the smartphone. Smart Switch icons are shown on both devices, indicating that the data is transferred through Smart Switch.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Check technical requirements below for Smart Switch compatible devices.

    Phone/Tablet
    Phone and Tablet
    Galaxy/Android iOS
    Android OS 6.0 or higher iOS 12 or higher

    *Data transfer from iOS to Galaxy through the upgraded method is available on devices running Android 17 or later, and iOS 26.6 or later, excluding China mainland.

    PC for backup and restore
    PC for backup and restore
    Windows PC MAC
    Windows OS 10 or higher
    - If Microsoft Media Feature Pack is not installed on your PC,
    download it from here     		MacOS X 10.13 or higher

  • On Smart Switch, you can choose which device you want to transfer data from and see what types of data can be transferred. If your previous device is a Samsung Galaxy model, you’ll be able to transfer just about everything, including all your messages, multimedia content, Wi-Fi settings and even your home screen settings.
    See more details on what types of data Smart Switch can transfer below.

    Types of data the Smart Switch transfers(Android Devices to Galaxy)
    item Android Devices → Galaxy
    Galaxy → Galaxy
    Wi-Fi Direct / Cable     		Other → Galaxy
    Wi-Fi / Cable
    Contact Contacts (including photos) Transferable Transferable
    Messages SMS, MMS Transferable Transferable
    Gallery Photos Transferable Transferable
    Music Music (DRM-free content) Transferable Transferable
    Playlists Transferable Transferable
    Videos Videos (DRM-free content) Transferable Transferable
    Documents PPT, XLS, DOC, PDF Transferable Transferable
    Calls Call log Transferable Transferable
    Missed calls Transferable Transferable
    Call block list Transferable Non-transferable
    Alarm/Time Alarm time, On/Off, Other settings Transferable Non-transferable
    World clock list Transferable Non-transferable
    Voice memos Voice recordings, Memo files Transferable Non-transferable
    Internet Bookmark, Most visited sites Transferable Transferable
    Calendar Schedule Transferable (Device content only) Transferable (Device content only)
    Memos Memo content, Date Transferable Non-transferable
    Home Home layout
    (icon positions, app folders, etc.)     		Transferable Non-transferable
    Installed apps (folder) Transferable Transferable
    App data transfer (may vary by app) Transferable Non-transferable
    Home/Lock screen Image Transferable Non-transferable
    Settings Basic Settings
    (Keyboard, Ringtone, Accessibility, Language, B/T, Notification, ETC)     		Transferable Non-transferable
    Timeout Transferable Transferable
    Dark mode Transferable Transferable
    NFC Transferable Transferable
    Location Transferable Transferable
    Vibration Feedback Transferable Transferable
    Wearable Watch Transferable Transferable
    • *Transferable data list may change without notice.
    • *Certain data cannot be transferred such as but not limited to read-only contacts, emergency alerts, temporary messages, failed-to-send messages, calendar from synced accounts, chat history or some other data protected by 3rd-party provider's policy, encrypted or DRM (Digital Rights Management)-protected media file or personal app data and wallpaper (pre-installed and Galaxy Themes).

  • If your old device is an iOS model, you’ll still be able to transfer data from iPhone to Galaxy including all your contacts, texts and media files. This makes your iPhone to Galaxy migration smooth and simple. Some iOS apps may not be transferred, but Smart Switch will recommend similar apps for your new Galaxy device.
    See more details on what types of data Smart Switch can transfer below.

    Types of data the Smart Switch transfers(iOS Devices to Galaxy)
    Item iOS → Galaxy
    Wireless or Cable
    (Upgraded)    		 iCloud PC Cable Wireless
    Contacts Contacts (including photos) Transferable Transferable Transferable Transferable Transferable
    Messages SMS, MMS Transferable Non-transferable Transferable Transferable Non-transferable
    iMessages Transferable Non-transferable Transferable Transferable Non-transferable
    Photos Taken photos/ Download photos Transferable Transferable Transferable Transferable Transferable
    Music Music (DRM-free content) Transferable N/A N/A Transferable Non-transferable
    Playlists Transferable N/A N/A Transferable Non-transferable
    Videos Video (DRM-free content) Transferable Transferable Transferable Transferable Transferable
    Documents Pages/Keynotes/Numbers Transferable (Files app) Transferable Transferable Transferable Non-transferable
    PPT, XLS, DOC, PDF Transferable (Files app) Transferable Transferable Transferable Non-transferable
    Calls Call log (including Facetime) Transferable Non-transferable Non-transferable Non-transferable Non-transferable
    Missed calls Transferable Non-transferable Non-transferable Non-transferable Non-transferable
    Call block list Non-transferable Non-transferable Transferable Transferable Non-transferable
    Alarm/Time Alarm time, On/Off, Other settings Transferable Non-transferable Transferable Transferable Non-transferable
    World clock list Non-transferable Non-transferable Transferable Transferable Non-transferable
    Voice memos Voice memo titles, Files Transferable Non-transferable Transferable Transferable Non-transferable
    Internet Bookmarks, Reading list Non-transferable Non-transferable Transferable Transferable Non-transferable
    Calendar Schedule Transferable Transferable Transferable Transferable Transferable
    Memo Memo content, Dates Transferable Transferable Transferable Transferable Non-transferable
    Reminders Reminder list Non-transferable Transferable Transferable Transferable Transferable
    Home Installed apps (folders) Partially transferable Non-transferable Partially transferable Partially transferable Non-transferable
    Home layout Transferable Non-transferable Non-transferable Transferable Non-transferable
    Home/Lock screen Image Transferable Non-transferable Transferable Transferable Non-transferable
    Passwords Passwords, Passkeys Transferable Non-transferable Non-transferable Non-transferable Non-transferable
    Wi-Fi Connected Wi-Fi information Transferable Non-transferable Non-transferable Non-transferable Non-transferable
    • *Transferable data list may change without notice.
    • *Certain data cannot be transferred such as but not limited to read-only contacts, emergency alerts, temporary messages, failed-to-send messages, calendar from synced accounts, chat history or some other data protected by 3rd-party provider's policy, encrypted or DRM (Digital Rights Management)-protected media file or personal app data and wallpaper (pre-installed and Galaxy Themes).
    • *Data transfer from iOS to Galaxy through the upgraded method is available on devices running Android 17 or later, and iOS 26.6 or later, excluding China mainland.

  • With Smart Switch, you can transfer all your contacts, texts and media files from iPhone to Galaxy. However, the types of data may differ depending on how you transfer ― via cable, iCloud, PC or wireless connection. For more details, see the question 'How to transfer data from iPhone to Galaxy?'

  • Smart Switch is already preloaded on most of the newer Samsung Galaxy phones or tablets.
    You can find it on the Home screen or in Settings > Accounts and backup > Smart Switch.
    On older ones or other Android devices, you may need to download it from the Galaxy Store or Google Play Store.

    If you use a PC (Windows PC or Mac) and want to back up from an old device or restore to a new device, you can download the Smart Switch PC app directly from the link below.

    Smart Switch PC download link:
    Windows Mac OS

  • For Android devices, Smart Switch must be installed on both devices. For iOS devices, the app must be installed when the data is being transferred wirelessly, but it doesn't need to be installed when transferring the data through a wired connection or iCloud. For more details, see the section "How-to transfer" for each use case.

  • No. Smart Switch does not remove any content from either device. When the transfer is complete, the data will exist on both devices.

  • No, once the transfer begins, you can perform other tasks on your device. On the new Samsung Galaxy device, swipe down the Quick setting panel from the top of the screen to check the progress of the transfer.


    Note: While transferring data, multi-tasking is available but not recommended.
    However, while transferring data from an iOS device to a Galaxy device through a wireless connection, do not turn off the screen or go to the home screen of your iPhone or iPad. Multi-tasking is not available when transferring data from an iOS device wirelessly.

  • There's a way to transfer iCloud photos and videos to Google Photo from Apple's https://privacy.apple.com/ website. Check out the https://support.apple.com/es-lamr/118257 page for more information.

  • With Smart Switch PC installed on your PC or Mac, you can do the following tasks:

    1. 1. Back up data from your previous Samsung Galaxy device to PC, and restore the data to your new Galaxy device.
    2. 2. Restore iTunes backup data to your new Galaxy device.
    3. 3. Prompt you to update your device's software and display options for updates.
    4. 4. For Windows PC, display Outlook Sync menu and let you sync Outlook data on your Windows PC to your phone. For Mac, display Sync menu and let you sync contact/calendar data on your Mac to your phone.

  • On the Smart Switch screen, 'Select all' is the default option, but you can simply deselect the items you don't want to transfer.

  • If Smart Switch does not connect to your PC, you can do the following tasks:

    1. 1. Try using a different USB port: If you use a front USB port or USB hub for your desktop PC, the connection may be unstable due to a weak signal.
    2. 2. Try using a different USB cable: If the USB cable is damaged, the connection may be unstable.
    3. 3. Reinstall Samsung USB Driver: Open Smart Switch on your PC > More options (the three vertical dots) > Reinstall device driver

  • If your Galaxy device has an Android OS version below 17 (One UI below 9.0), you can still transfer data in the following way:

    1. 1. Launch the Smart Switch app on your new Galaxy device.
    2. 2. Tap ‘Receive on this phone’ → ‘iPhone/iPad’.
    3. 3. Choose the wireless/cable method and connect the two devices.
    4. 4. You can select the data you want to transfer and proceed.

    ※ For wireless data transfers, please install and proceed with the Smart Switch app from the App Store on your iOS/iPhone.

  • You can back up your data to an SD Card or USB in the following way:

    1. 1. Launch the Smart Switch app on your Galaxy device.
    2. 2. Tap the More options SD card button in the upper-right corner.
    3. 3. Select a storage device.
    4. 4. You can select the data you want to keep, then proceed with the backup.

Why Galaxy

Life opens up with Galaxy

Openness is what we believe in. Samsung Galaxy was created to open possibilities. The less boundaries the world has, the farther we all can go.

Explore more

1. Transferable data may vary depending on the device OS (Android or iOS), OS version, and/or connection option.

2. Check technical requirements for Smart Switch compatible devices from the FAQ section.

3. Availability of eSIM transfer may vary by carrier. A detailed list of available carriers can be found at https://samsung.com/esim-support

4. Available connection option may vary depending on device OS, manufacturer or availability of expandable storage.

5. Data transfer from iOS to Galaxy through the upgraded method is available on devices running Android 17 or later, and iOS 26.6 or later, excluding China mainland.

6. You can find the Smart Switch app on the Galaxy phone or tablet by navigating to the Samsung folder on the Apps screen, or going to Settings > Accounts and backup > Smart Switch.

7. If you have a large amount of data to transfer, a wired connection is recommended because it is relatively faster. Make sure your devices are properly charged beforehand since connecting to a charger is not available during such transfer.

10. This feature is available on Wear OS with Android 13 OS (T OS) and above, and both the old and new phones must have GMS v23.15.17 or above. Galaxy Watch must be connected to the user's old phone. Both the user's old phone and new phone must be logged into the same Samsung account and Google account.

11. Smart Switch requires Windows OS when used on Galaxy Book.