What is Smart Switch and how do I use it

Last Update date : Apr 06. 2022

You got a brand new Galaxy phone and it's awesome. But what's not so awesome is missing all your old photos, videos, and contacts. Well, your worries are over because Samsung Smart Switch lets you seamlessly transfer all your content from your old phone to your new Galaxy phone.

Smart Switch can transfer schedules, alarms, call logs, photos and more to your new Galaxy with Smart Switch from most Android or iOS phones.

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: 

Step 1. Go to Settings > Software update.

Step 2. Tap on Download and install.

Step 3. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Note: Available screens and settings may vary on the device model and software version.

Smart Switch

Download Smart Switch

Get the Smart Switch app on Google Play, or install Smart Switch on your PC or Mac.

GOOGLE PLAY WINDOWS MAC OS

You can transfer your data from both Android and iOS devices over Wi-Fi, with a USB cable or with a PC or Mac. Choose the method you feel most comfortable with and let Smart Switch do the rest.

How to transfer data wirelessly
Wireless transfer
1 Make sure you have Smart Switch on both devices. On newer devices, you will find it at Settings > Accounts and Backup> Smart Switch
2 Select “Send” on your old device and “Receive” on your new Galaxy smartphone. Then tap Wireless on both phones. On your new phone, you may have to select the type of your old phone. Follow any on-screen instructions, since some types of devices may have additional steps.
3 Select items to transfer and click “Transfer”. Once the transfer is complete, tap Done on the new phone and you're good to go.

How to transfer data via USB Cable
Wireless transfer
1 Make sure you have Smart Switch on both devices. On newer devices, you will find it at Settings > Accounts and Backup> Smart Switch
If you will be using USB, simply connect the two phones together using the USB-C connector that came in the box with your new phone.
2 Select “Send” on your old device and “Receive” on your new Galaxy smartphone. and then tap Cable on both phones. Smart Switch will scan the old phone for transferrable content.
3 Select items to transfer and click “Transfer”. Once the transfer is complete, tap Done on the new phone and you're good to go.

Transfer content with an SD card

If you have a large enough capacity microSD card or USB OTG flash drive, you can transfer your data using Smart Switch to back up your old device to the external storage. Before you begin, insert the microSD card or USB OTG storage device into the old phone.

SD card
1 Go to Settings > Accounts and Backup > Smart Switch and select “External Storage” on the Smart Switch app.
2 Select your content and start Back Up.
3 Next, insert the external storage device into the new Galaxy phone, and then launch Smart Switch. Tap the SD card icon, and then tap Restore.
4 Select what you want to restore, and then tap Restore again. When it's complete, tap Done.
You can repeat this process as many times as you need to get all your data transferred.
How to transfer using a PC or a Mac
Transfer via SD card

Your devices need a few things to work with Smart Switch. Have a check below to see if they’re compatible.

Smart Switch for Windows

ㆍOS: Windows 7 or later

ㆍCPU: Pentium 4, 2.4GHz or higher

ㆍRAM: 512GB or higher

Smart Switch for Mac

ㆍOS: Mac OS X 10.5 or later

ㆍCPU: 1.8GHz or higher

ㆍRAM: 512GB or higher

1 Download Smart Switch onto your PC or Mac, then install and open it.
2 Connect your old device to your PC or Mac, then select Backup in the Smart Switch program. Tap Allow on your phone to start the transfer process. Once the backup is complete, select OK and disconnect the phone.
3 Connect your new device to your PC or Mac, then select Restore in the Smart Switch program. Then, Select a different backup, and tap Samsung device data.
4 Deselect any information you don't want to copy, then select OK then Restore now and tap Allow. Your data will now begin transferring.
Frequently asked questions

The icon of message application on the Home screen was changed from Samsung Messages to Android Messages. 

Accelerate innovation in scale by joining forces with Google on a common messaging client as a default messaging app, Samsung has preloaded Android Messages for default messaging application starting from Galaxy S21 series for countries or carriers that can be supported.

This new Android Messages was integrated with key features and services developed together by both Samsung and Google and are a common messaging client based on Android Messages, which incorporates core Samsung features such as the Multi Device Experience (MDE), Smart Switch and S Cloud, within a familiar Samsung OneUI interface. Samsung believes that this change will accelerate RCS (Rich Chatting Service) adoption and help our Galaxy users’ messaging experiences more engaging and delightful.

In addition to these changes, according to a new migration policy of Smart Switch, an app-icon of Android Messages in a new device is placed on all the locations of the previous device where that of Samsung Messages used to place. 

So, the icon of Samsung Messages can be replaced by that of Android Messages after transferring data using the Smart Switch app and the Android Messages is placed on the Home screen by default. 

How to use the Samsung Members app

If you are experiencing difficulties with your Samsung mobile, tablet, or wearables, you can send us a question in the Samsung Members app. Find out more about sending an error report.

How to use the Samsung Members app

Related Questions

We would love to know your feedback to help us improve. Please click the submit button to tell us what you think.

Thank you for your feedback!

Contact Info

Online

Get product support via live chat, email, and more.
Chat Support Learn more

Call

Get product support via our hotlines.



Face to face Support

Whether your product is in or out of warranty, our authorized service centers are ready to help.
Find a service center Book a repair service
View more

Sign Language Support

Book an appointment to connect with our Samsung Sign Language Customer Support for help and advice on our products.
Learn More

Samsung Members
Samsung Members app icon Samsung Members app icon

Connect with Samsung experts and fellow fans for tips on how to get the most out of your Galaxy device. You can also get access to exclusive support features and other exciting perks.
Download Now Join the Community

Right Care, Right Now
Right Care Right Now Right Care Right Now

Let us take care of your Samsung products—anywhere, anytime, always!
Learn More
View more