Smart switch

Move data
fast and easy
with Smart Switch


The content on your previous phone or tablet - favorite photos, contacts, calendar events, notes, device settings and more
- stays with you when you switch to a new Samsung Galaxy.

App icons are displayed on an old phone. The icons pop out of the screen and move over to the right. new Galaxy Flip appears, showing its side and halfway open. The icons go into the Galaxy Flip screen and the phone closes. The Galaxy phone turns toward the front and opens, displaying Transferring data from your old phone screen. It is transferring Images and the transfer rate goes up to 100%. old phone and Galaxy Flip appear, connected with a USB cable. App icons displayed on the old phone are transferred over to the new Galaxy Flip. When the transfer is finished, the Smart Switch app icon appears on the screen. App icons are displayed on an old phone. The icons pop out of the screen and move over to the right. new Galaxy Flip appears, showing its side and halfway open. The icons go into the Galaxy Flip screen and the phone closes. The Galaxy phone turns toward the front and opens, displaying Transferring data from your old phone screen. It is transferring Images and the transfer rate goes up to 100%. old phone and Galaxy Flip appear, connected with a USB cable. App icons displayed on the old phone are transferred over to the new Galaxy Flip. When the transfer is finished, the Smart Switch app icon appears on the screen.

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

Why Samsung Smart Switch?


Smart Switch seamlessly transfers multiple types of data to your new Samsung Galaxy from different devices in the way that works best for you.

On the left are two smartphones and one tablet. On the right is Galaxy phone receiving data through Smart Switch. In the middle is an arrow-like icon indicating that the data is being transferred from previous devices to the new Galaxy. On the left are two smartphones and one tablet. On the right is Galaxy phone receiving data through Smart Switch. In the middle is an arrow-like icon indicating that the data is being transferred from previous devices to the new Galaxy.

Move data from different OS

Regardless of whether you’re coming from another Galaxy, iOS or other Android device, the data you care about can now be brought over to your new Galaxy effortlessly.

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

Two smartphones are shown. Between the devices are USB cable, Wi-fi, storage device and laptop icons. In the middle is connecting the two devices to indicate that data can be transferred through different options. Two smartphones are shown. Between the devices are USB cable, Wi-fi, storage device and laptop icons. In the middle is connecting the two devices to indicate that data can be transferred through different options.

Switch through many ways

Smart Switch lets you choose from many options to connect your devices - from a USB cable, wireless connection, storage device to PC and more.

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

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

Switch various types of data

Smart Switch migrates different types of files to your new Galaxy, including photos, videos, notes, calendar events and even device settings.

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

How to transfer

Ready to transfer data? First, prepare your previous device and then select the preferred way to connect your new Samsung Galaxy.

What is your previous device?

GALAXY

How would you like to connect?
Use Wi-fi or a USB cable
Before you begin

Make sure you have the most up-to-date version of the Smart Switch app installed on both devices. The app is pre-installed but also downloadable from the Galaxy Store.

Smart Switch will run when devices are at least 20% charged to ensure safe data transfer.

Two smartphones are shown. Both are displaying the Smart Switch app icon. Data transfers from the phone on the left to the phone on the right.
Step 1 : Launch

On your new Galaxy device, open the Smart Switch app. Tap Receive data, and then tap Galaxy.

  • * 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.
  • * 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.
Step 2 : Connect

Select a wireless connection or use a USB cable to connect your old device to your new Galaxy device.

  • * 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.
  • * 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.
Step 3 : Select

Select the data you want to transfer. When you are ready to start, tap Transfer.

Step 4 : Transfer

The transfer will begin shortly. Tap Done when it’s finished.

Backup and restore from external storage
Before you begin

Make sure you have the most up-to-date version of the Smart Switch app installed on your devices. The app is pre-installed but also downloadable from the Galaxy Store.

And then insert the microSD card or connect the USB storage device to your Galaxy phone or tablet.

On the left is an external storage icon. On the right is a smartphone displaying the Smart Switch app icon. Data transfer between the two devices.
Step 1 : Launch

On your phone, launch the Smart Switch app and tap the SD card icon in the upper right corner.

  • * 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.
  • * 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.
Step 2 : Select

Tap SD Card under Back up to, and select the data you want to back up from your old device.

  • * If there is not enough space on your external storage, you may need to deselect some items. Or, you may clear the external storage to get enough space for the data to transfer
  • * If there is not enough space on your external storage, you may need to deselect some items. Or, you may clear the external storage to get enough space for the data to transfer
Step 3 : Back up

Follow the on-screen instructions. When finished, tap Done and then remove the external storage from the old device.

Step 4 : Connect

Next, insert the external storage into the new Galaxy device to receive data. Launch the Smart Switch app, and tap the SD card icon.

Step 5 : Restore

Tap Restore. Select what you want to restore, and then tap Next.

Step 6 : Transfer

The transfer will begin shortly. Tap Next and then Done when it’s finished.

Backup and restore from PC or Mac
Before you begin

Make sure you have the most up-to-date version of the Smart Switch app installed on your devices.

The app for Galaxy phone or tablet is pre-installed but also downloadable from the Galaxy Store. For the Smart Switch PC app, download and install it on your Windows PC or Mac.

Smart Switch PC download link :

Windows Mac
  • * Smart Switch will run when devices are at least 20% charged to ensure safe data transfer.
Three devices are shown, all three displaying the Smart Switch app icon. On the left is a smartphone, in the middle is a laptop and on the right is a new smartphone. The data is transferred from the previous smartphone to the laptop first and then moved from the laptop to the new smartphone.
  • * Smart Switch will run when devices are at least 20% charged to ensure safe data transfer.
Step 1 : Connect and launch

Connect your previous phone or tablet to your PC using a USB cable.
On your PC, launch the Smart Switch app and tap Backup to save data from the old device.

Step 2 : Select to back up

Choose the data you want to back up. "Select all" is the default option, but you can deselect some items if you'd like. Clicking on a category will allow you to select specific items in that category. Tap Backup when you are ready.

Step 3 : Back up

The transfer will begin shortly. Tap Done when it’s finished.

Step 4 : Connect and restore

Next, connect your new Galaxy device to your PC using a USB cable.
On your PC, launch Smart Switch and tap Restore to transfer data to the new device.

Step 5 : Select to restore

Select the data you want to restore, and tap Restore.

Step 6 : Transfer

The transfer will begin shortly. Tap OK when the restore is complete.

IOS

How would you like to connect?
Use a USB cable
Before you begin

Make sure you have the most up-to-date version of the Smart Switch app installed on the Galaxy device. The app is pre-installed but also downloadable from the Galaxy Store. You don’t need to install the app on an iOS device.

Check if both devices are properly charged before connecting with a USB cable because connecting to a charger is not available during the transfer.

Two smartphones are shown. The phone in the right is displaying the Smart Switch app icon. Data transfers from the phone on the left to the phone on the right.
Step 1 : Launch

On your new Galaxy device, launch the Smart Switch app. Tap Receive data, and then tap iPhone/iPad.

  • * 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.
  • * 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.
Step 2 : Connect

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 like many standard charging cables, you can use the OTG adapter to plug into the USB-C port.

When the “Trust This Computer?” alert appears on your iPhone or iPad, tap “Trust”.

  • * OTG adapter sold separately
  • * OTG adapter sold separately
Step 3 : Select

Select the data you want to transfer. When you are ready to start, tap Transfer.

Step 4 : Transfer

The transfer will begin shortly. Tap Done when it’s finished.

Additional tips

You can also transfer your WhatsApp chats and photos on your iOS device to your new Samsung Galaxy.

Take the following steps:

  1. 1. When selecting the data to transfer, choose “WhatsApp” under the Apps menu, and tap Transfer.
  2. 2. Scan the QR code and tap Start on your iPhone.
  • * Requires the latest version of WhatsApp on iOS device.
  • * WhatsApp chat history can be transferred only before signing into WhatsApp on the new device. If WhatsApp is logged in before migration or before Smart Switch is done transferring the data, then the app data cannot be transferred.
  • * Requires the latest version of WhatsApp on iOS device.
  • * WhatsApp chat history can be transferred only before signing into WhatsApp on the new device. If WhatsApp is logged in before migration or before Smart Switch is done transferring the data, then the app data cannot be transferred.
Transfer iTunes (Finder) backup data from PC or Mac
Before you begin

Make sure you have the most up-to-date version of the Smart Switch app installed on your devices.

The app for Galaxy phone or tablet is pre-installed but also downloadable from the Galaxy Store. For the Smart Switch PC app, download and install it on your Windows PC or Mac.

Smart Switch PC download link :

Window Mac
A laptop and smartphone are shown. Both are displaying the Smart Switch app icon. Data transfers from the laptop to the phone.
Step 1 : Back up

To make sure all of your latest data is ready for Smart Switch, back up your iOS device with iTunes (Finder) on your PC or Mac.

Step 2 : Connect

Connect your phone to your PC using a USB cable. Launch Smart Switch on your PC, and tap Restore.

Step 3 : Restore

Select the iTunes (Finder) backup data you would like to restore and tap Restore.

Step 4 : Transfer

The transfer will begin shortly. Tap Done when it’s finished.

Move iCloud data
Before you begin

Make sure you have the most up-to-date version of the Smart Switch app installed on your Galaxy phone or tablet. The app is pre-installed but also downloadable from the Galaxy Store.

Smart Switch will run when devices are at least 20% charged to ensure a safe data transfer.

iCloud icon and a smartphone displaying the Smart Switch app icon are shown. Data transfers from iCloud to the phone.
Step 1 : Sync to iCloud

To make sure all of your latest data is ready for Smart Switch, sync your iOS device to iCloud.

  1. 1. On your iPhone or iPad, go to Settings, tap your name, then tap iCloud. Then tap Show All.
  2. 2. Select Photos and turn on Sync this iPhone (or iPad).
  3. 3. Go back to iCloud and select iCloud Drive, then turn on Sync this iPhone (or iPad).
  4. 4. Go back to iCloud and turn on Pages, Numbers and Keynote.
  5. 5. Go back to iCloud and select Notes, then turn on Sync this iPhone (or iPad).
  6. 6. Go back to iCloud and turn on Contacts, Calendars and Reminders.
Step 2 : Launch

On your new device, launch the Smart Switch app and tap Receive data. Then tap iPhone/iPad.

  • * 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.
  • * 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.
Step 3 : Connect

Tap Get data from iCloud instead. Enter your Apple ID or email address and password, and tap Sign in to iCloud.

Step 4 : Select

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

Step 5 : Transfer

The transfer will begin shortly. Tap Done when it’s finished.

Other Android

How would you like to connect?
Use Wi-fi or a USB cable
Before you begin

Make sure you have the most up-to-date version of the Smart Switch app installed on both devices. The app is pre-installed on the new Galaxy device but also downloadable from the Galaxy Store or the Google Play Store.

Smart Switch will run when devices are at least 20% charged to ensure safe data transfer.

Two smartphones are shown. Both are displaying the Smart Switch app icon. Data transfers from the phone on the left to the phone on the right.
Step 1 : Launch

On your new Galaxy phone, launch the Smart Switch app and tap Receive data. And then tap Galaxy/Android.

  • * 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.
  • * 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.
Step 2 : Connect

Select a wireless connection or use a USB cable to connect your old device to your new Galaxy phone.

  • * 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.
  • * 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.
Step 3 : Select

Select the data you want to transfer. When you are ready to start, tap Transfer.

Step 4 : Transfer

The transfer will begin shortly. Tap Done when it’s finished.

Backup and restore from external storage
Before you begin

Make sure you have the most up-to-date version of the Smart Switch app installed on your devices. The app is pre-installed on the new Galaxy device but also downloadable from the Galaxy Store or the Google Play Store.

And then insert the microSD card or connect the USB storage device to your old device.

Three devices are shown. On the left is a smartphone, in the middle is a USB storage device and on the right is a new smartphone. Both smartphones feature the Smart Switch logo onscreen. Data is transferred from the previous smartphone to the USB storage device and then to the new smartphone.
Step 1 : Launch

On your old device, launch the Smart Switch app and tap the SD card icon on the upper right corner. And then tap SD Card under Back up to.

  • * The Smart Switch app is downloadable from Galaxy Store or Google Play Store.
  • * The Smart Switch app is downloadable from Galaxy Store or Google Play Store.
Step 2 : Select and back up

Select the data you want to back up and tap Next. When transfer is complete, tap Done.

  • * If there is not enough space on your external storage, you may need to deselect some items. Or, you may clear the external storage to get enough space for the data to transfer
  • * If there is not enough space on your external storage, you may need to deselect some items. Or, you may clear the external storage to get enough space for the data to transfer
Step 3 : Connect

Next, insert a SD card or connect a USB storage device to your new Galaxy phone. Launch the Smart Switch app and tap the SD card icon on the upper right corner.

Step 4 : Restore

Tap Restore. Select what you want to restore, and then tap Next.

Step 5 : Transfer

The transfer will begin shortly. Tap Done when it’s finished.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Check technical requirements below for Smart Switch compatible devices.

    Phone/Tablet
    Phone and Tablet
    Galaxy/Android iOS
    Android OS version 4.3 or later iOS 5.0 or later
    (iCloud supported device)
    PC for backup and restore
    PC for backup and restore
    Windows PC MAC
    Windows OS 10 or later.
    - If Microsoft Media Feature Pack is not installed on your pc,
    download it form here     		macOS X 10.9 or later

  • 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, you’ll be able to transfer just about everything, including all your messages, multimedia content, Wi-fi settings and even your home screen settings.
    If your old device is iOS, you won’t quite have the same availability to transfer its settings, but you’ll still be able to transfer all your contacts, texts and media files. Some iOS apps may not be transferred, but Smart Switch will recommend similar apps for your new Galaxy.
    See more details on what data the Smart Switch transfers below.

    Types of data the Smart Switch transfers
    Data Galaxy
    → Galaxy    		 iOS
    → Galaxy    		 Other Android
    → Galaxy
    wired/wireless iCloud
    (Sync Server)    		 wired wired/wireless
    Contact Transferable Transferable Transferable Transferable
    Call log Transferable not provided not provided Transferable
    Message Transferable not provided Transferable Transferable
    Calender/Reminder Transferable Transferable Transferable Transferable
    Photo Transferable Transferable Transferable Transferable
    Video Transferable Transferable Transferable Transferable
    Music Transferable not provided Transferable Transferable
    Voice memo Transferable not provided Transferable not provided
    Document file Transferable Transferable Transferable Transferable
    Samsung Notes (Memo) Transferable Transferable Transferable Transferable
    Alarm/Clock Transferable not provided Transferable not provided
    KidsMode/AR Emoji Transferable not provided not provided not provided
    Internet Transferable not provided Transferable Transferable
    Health Transferable not provided not provided not provided
    Email Transferable not provided Transferable not provided
    3rd party app (apk) Transferable not provided Transferable Transferable
    3th party app (Data) Partially transferable not provided not provided not provided
    Wi-Fi Transferable not provided not provided not provided
    Settings Transferable not provided Transferable Transferable
    Home layout Transferable not provided Transferable not provided
    • * 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, wallpaper (pre-installed and Galaxy Themes).

  • 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

  • For Android devices, Smart Switch must be installed on both devices. For iOS devices, the app only needs to be installed on the new Samsung Galaxy device. For more details, see the section "How-to transfer" by 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.

  • No. Devices from other brands are only able to send data through Smart Switch, while Samsung Galaxy devices can both send and receive data using Smart Switch.

  • 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.

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