Smart Switch frequently asked questions

How do I use Smart Switch to transfer my content?

Check out our complete guide to transferring your content with Smart Switch.

What devices are supported by Smart Switch?

To find out if your device is compatible with Smart Switch, please review the app's compatibility page.
Note: You may only transfer content from a non-Galaxy phone to a Galaxy phone with Smart Switch; it does not work the other way around.

What do I need to use the Smart Switch Mobile app?

iOS: Before running the Smart Switch app, you will need your Apple iCloud ID and password. If you don't use iCloud, you will need a Lightning cable, and if necessary, the appropriate adapter for the USB port on the destination phone.

Android: The Samsung Smart Switch app must be installed on both devices.

Does my old content get overwritten by Smart Switch?

No, your data is not overwritten. Existing content remains when the content is added to your new Galaxy device.

How does Smart Switch Mobile handle my old apps?

First, Smart Switch scans all the apps previously downloaded and purchased on your iOS device or Android device. Then, Smart Switch provides two lists. One is a list of apps that are also available on Google Play Store but are made for Android. If an exact match is not available, the second list will provide recommendations for substitute apps. For example, Find My iPhone is available only in the Apple store. Smart Switch will recommend an Android app such as Find My Phone.

Why don't I see a match or recommendation for a particular app?

If no match or recommendation is available for a particular app, it means that no matching or similar app could be found.

Is App Match available outside of the United States?

No, the Smart Switch app and recommendation match tool is currently available only in the United States.

Will my game app data be transferred with Smart Switch? 

No. Smart Switch will reinstall the game app but cannot transfer the game data.

Will Smart Switch transfer multiples of the same contact?

If multiple contacts in the Contact app are considered to be the same contact (for instance, the same name and number), they will be combined and displayed as one contact.

I don't want to transfer a certain type of content. What do I do?

On the Smart Switch Basic Information screen, simply deselect the content type you don't want to transfer.

Does Smart Switch need to be installed on both devices or only the new one?

For Android devices, Smart Switch should be installed on both devices. For iOS devices, the app only needs to be installed on the new Galaxy device.
Note: You may only transfer content from a non-Galaxy phone to a Galaxy phone with Smart Switch; it does not work the other way around.

Do I need to keep Smart Switch Mobile open while transferring content?

No, once the transfer is initiated, you can close Smart Switch and perform other tasks. The Notification Panel will display the transfer progress as it happens in the background.

Can I transfer the contents from my old phone using a microSD card?

You can transfer the contents from the old phone to a microSD card, and then restore the contents on your new Galaxy phone.

Does Smart Switch delete content from the old phone?

Smart Switch does not remove any content from either phone. When the transfer is complete, the data will exist on both devices.

What else can Smart Switch do?

Smart Switch can create device backups by transferring your device's data to external storage.