Transfer content from an iOS device with Samsung Smart Switch

Congrats on your new device! You'll be happy to learn that the Smart Switch app lets you seamlessly transfer all your content from your previous iOS phone to a Samsung Galaxy phone or Galaxy tablet. You can also create a backup of your iOS device and sync data using Smart Switch for a Mac or PC.
Galaxy S24 Ultra in front of a blurred iPhone Galaxy S24 Ultra in front of a blurred iPhone
Galaxy S24 Ultra in front of a blurred iPhone Galaxy S24 Ultra in front of a blurred iPhone

Transfer content from an iOS device with Samsung Smart Switch

Note
Security and privacy are the utmost concern at Samsung. Samsung does NOT store your Apple account information on your device or anywhere else. The Apple ID and password you enter are immediately used to log in to the iCloud backup server and never stored on the device or anywhere else. Smart Switch allows you to transfer content to a Galaxy device. It cannot transfer data to an iOS device. You can download Smart Switch for your phone, tablet, Mac, or PC.

Sync your iOS device to iCloud

To make sure all of your latest content is ready for transferring, first you'll need to sync your iOS phone to iCloud.

iCloud screen showing available storage space

On your iOS phone, navigate to Settings, and then tap your Apple ID. Tap iCloud, then tap Show All, and then select the data to sync by tapping the switch(es). The sync will occur automatically.

Note
If you are not familiar with using iCloud, visit the iCloud setup site.
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Transfer content wirelessly on your iOS phone

When you're ready, transferring all your content from your iCloud to your new phone or tablet is simple. Remember, you need to sync your iOS device's data to iCloud first before transferring.

  1. Launch Smart Switch on the new Galaxy phone or tablet.
  2. If this is your first time using Smart Switch, you will need to tap Agree and then tap Allow to accept the terms of service.
  3. Then, tap Receive data. Tap iPhone/iPad, and then tap Get data from iCloud instead at the bottom of the screen.
  4. Enter your Apple ID and password, and then tap Sign in to iCloud. You'll get a prompt on your iPhone; tap Allow to see the verification code.
  5. Enter the verification code on your Galaxy device, and then tap Connect. Tap OK on the iPhone to clear the code popup.
  6. Select the data you want to transfer, and tap Transfer.

The following data can be transferred from iCloud:

  • Personal content: Contacts, Schedule, Calendar, Notes, Call history, and Bookmarks.

    Note: Your personal content is safe with Smart Switch. All information transferred from iCloud backup servers to your device is encrypted and never exposed to any other Samsung or third party devices.
  • App data: Photos, Live Photos, Videos (DRM free content only), Documents, Recommended apps, and Voice Memos.
  • Settings, etc: Wi-Fi and Alarms.
Note
iTunes music and videos cannot be transferred from iCloud. Unencrypted iTunes music can be transferred to your phone or tablet by simply copying the M4A files from a PC with your iTunes library. You can also transfer your music files directly from a PC.
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Transfer content via USB cable

Note
The USB-OTG adapter is provided in-box with the Galaxy S10+, S10, S10e, Note10+, Note10+ 5G, and Z Flip. If you are transferring a large amount of data, we recommend using Wi-Fi so that both devices can be plugged into chargers during the transfer.

You can also use a USB cable to transfer content between your iOS phone and your new Galaxy phone or tablet. However, you will need both the iOS cable that came with your iOS phone and a MicroUSB to USB adapter (OTG cable). Also, make sure both devices are charged beforehand since you can't charge them during the transfer.

  1. Launch Smart Switch on the new Galaxy phone or tablet, and then tap Receive data.
  2. Tap iPhone/iPad. Connect the two devices using the iOS phone's lightning cable and a USB-OTG adapter.
    Galaxy and iPhone options in the Smart Switch app on a Galaxy phone
  3. If you're adding a new trusted device, you'll have to tap Trust, then you may have to enter your device’s unlock code to confirm the trust. Tap Next on the Galaxy phone or tablet.
  4. Select the content you want to transfer, and then tap Transfer.
  5. When finished, tap Done on the new device, and tap Close on the old phone.

The following data can be transferred with a USB cable:

  • Personal content: Contacts, Schedule, Calendar, Messages, Notes, Call history, and Bookmarks.

    Note: Your personal content is safe with Smart Switch. All information transferred from iCloud backup servers to your phone or tablet is encrypted and never exposed to any other Samsung or third party devices.
  • App data: Photos, Music (DRM free content only), Videos (DRM free content only), Documents, Recommended apps, and Voice Memos.
  • Settings, etc: Wi-Fi and Alarms.
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Create a backup on a computer

You should also consider backing up the content from your old phone to a PC or Mac. That way, you'll still have your data even if iCloud isn't available or if you can't remember your Apple ID.

  1. Connect your old phone to your computer with a USB cable, and tap Allow on your phone.
  2. Navigate to and open Smart Switch on your computer, and then select Backup.
    Backup highlighted in the Smart Switch app on a PC
  3. Select the types of files you want to transfer, and then select Backup. Your computer will begin backing up your data.
  4. When it’s finished, a notification will appear to let you know it’s done. Select OK.
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Default save location on a computer

When using a PC or Mac to back up your data, the files will be stored in a default location. You can also choose a specific location instead if you wish. To help you find your stored data, here are the default locations:

  • Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista: C:\Users\[username]\AppData\Roaming\Samsung\Smart Switch PC
  • Windows 10: C:\Users\[username]\Documents\Samsung\SmartSwitch
  • Mac OS X: /Users/[username]/Documents/Samsung/SmartSwitch/backup
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Sync your data with a computer

You can also sync your device’s data to your PC or Mac. This ensures you will have the same content on your computer and phone or tablet.

On a PC

  1. On your PC, open Smart Switch, and select Outlook Sync.
    Outlook Sync highlighted in the Smart Switch app on a PC
  2. If needed, sign in with your Microsoft Outlook credentials. Then, select Sync Preferences for Outlook.
  3. Choose what you want to sync, and then select OK.
  4. Select Sync Now, and then select Confirm when you are finished.

On a Mac

  1. Choose the content to sync from your computer, and then select Sync Now.
  2. On your Mac, open Smart Switch, and then select Sync.
    Sync highlighted in the Smart Switch app on a Mac
  3. When the syncing is complete, select Confirm.
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