Restore data to your new Galaxy Z Fold8

Your new Galaxy Z Fold8 is ready for a fresh start, without leaving your important data behind. Samsung Smart Switch makes it easy to transfer your contacts, photos, videos, messages, apps, settings, calendars, and other content from your previous device. Whether you're setting up your Galaxy Z Fold8 for the first time or you've already completed the initial setup, this guide walks you through the easiest ways to restore your data.
App icons transferring from a blue phone onto a purple Galaxy Z Fold8 screen.
App icons transferring from a blue phone onto a purple Galaxy Z Fold8 screen.

Restore data to your new Galaxy Z Fold8

Get your devices ready

Before you begin, take a few moments to prepare both devices. This helps ensure your data transfer goes as smoothly as possible.

Prepare both devices

  • Charge both devices: Data transfers can take several minutes depending on how much content you're moving. Make sure both devices are sufficiently charged before you begin.
  • Keep both devices nearby: Place your old and new devices next to each other throughout the transfer to help maintain a stable connection.

Prepare your old device

  • Connect to Wi-Fi: If you're transferring data wirelessly, make sure your old device is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network before you begin.
  • Turn on Bluetooth: Bluetooth helps your new Samsung Galaxy discover your old device and start the transfer more quickly.
  • Install or update Smart Switch: If Smart Switch is not installed or is out of date on your old device, install or update the app before you begin.
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Transfer data to your new device during initial setup

Restoring your data while setting up your new Galaxy Z Fold8 is the quickest way to get started. During the initial setup, Smart Switch guides you through the process so you can restore your contacts, photos, videos, messages, apps, settings, calendars, and other important content from your previous device. You can restore your data wirelessly or with a USB cable.
Note
During the setup process, you may be prompted to turn on certain features, install or update Smart Switch, or grant permissions needed to transfer your data and complete the initial setup. The prompts you see may vary depending on your previous device, software version, and current settings.
  1. Turn on your new phone for the first time, and then select your preferred language.
  2. Tap Start, and then agree to the terms and conditions on the screen.
  3. Make sure your previous device is turned on and unlocked. When prompted, select Galaxy or Android device or iPhone or iPad on the new phone.
    A Galaxy Z Fold screen showing the Easy setup with another device page with options to select device type.
  4. Using your previous device, scan the QR code displayed on your new phone.
    A Galaxy Z Fold screen showing the Scan the QR code page with a QR code displayed on the right.
  5. Your new phone may automatically connect to the same Wi-Fi network. If not, enter your Wi-Fi password to continue.
    Note: A wireless transfer is the easiest way to set up your new Samsung Galaxy and move your data. If you can't connect to Wi-Fi, you can also transfer your data using a USB cable by selecting that option during setup.
  6. Continue following the on-screen instructions until you reach the Copy apps & data screen, and then tap Next.
  7. Continue following the on-screen instructions until you reach the Select data to transfer screen. Then, choose the option that best matches your needs:
    • Everything Transfers all supported content.
    • Just calls, contacts, and messages: Transfers only essential communication data.
    • Custom: Lets you choose exactly what you want to transfer.
  8. Follow the on-screen instructions to start the transfer. Wait until the transfer is complete, and then tap Done on your older device.
  9. Finish setting up your new phone by following the on-screen instructions.
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Transfer data from your previous device after initial setup

If you didn't transfer your data while setting up your Galaxy Z Fold8, you can still restore it later. Smart Switch lets you bring over your contacts, messages, photos, videos, apps, settings, and other important content from your previous device at any time. Whether you realized you forgot your messages, contacts, photos, or other important data, you can restore it without resetting your Galaxy Z Fold8.
Note
  • During the transfer process, you may be prompted to turn on certain features, install or update Smart Switch, or grant permissions required to transfer your data. The prompts you see may vary depending on your previous device, software version, and current settings.
  • A wireless transfer is the easiest way to move your data to your new Samsung Galaxy. If you're transferring data wirelessly, connect both phones to the same Wi-Fi network before you begin. If you can't use Wi-Fi, you can also transfer your data using a USB cable by selecting that option during the procedure.
  1. On your new phone, open Settings, and then tap Accounts and backup.
  2. Tap Transfer data for device setup. If you have not installed Smart Switch, you'll need to do it now.
  3. Tap Receive on this phone.
    A Galaxy Z Fold screen showing the Transfer your data page with Receive on this phone highlighted in blue.
  4. Tap Galaxy or Android device or iPhone or iPad.
  5. Using your older device, scan the QR code displayed on your new phone.
    A Galaxy Z Fold screen showing the Get connected page with a QR code to scan on the right side.
  6. On your older device, tap Connect when prompted.
  7. On your new phone, choose one of the following options:
    • Everything: Transfers all supported content.
    • Just accounts, calls, contacts, and messages: Transfers only essential your accounts and communication data.
    • Custom: Lets you choose exactly what you want to transfer.
      A Galaxy Z Fold screen showing the Select data to transfer page with Everything highlighted in blue.
  8. Follow the on-screen instructions to start the transfer. Wait until the transfer is complete, and then tap Done on both devices.
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Restore data from your accounts

Smart Switch is the easiest way to restore data from your previous device to your new Galaxy Z Fold8. However, some of your information may already be available through the accounts you use every day. Simply signing in with the same accounts on your new phone can automatically restore emails, contacts, calendars, photos, files, app settings, and other information.

 

For example, signing in to your Samsung account restores supported Samsung services and settings, while your Google Account syncs contacts, calendars, passwords, and other Google services. If you use cloud storage services such as Microsoft OneDrive, Dropbox, or Google Drive, signing in to those apps gives you access to your files again. Many other apps also store data online, so your preferences and information may automatically become available after you sign in.

 

Keeping your accounts up to date offers benefits beyond setting up a new phone. If your Galaxy Z Fold8 is ever lost, stolen, damaged, or replaced, your Samsung account, Google Account, and other supported services can help you recover your information more easily. Many accounts also include security features that help protect your data while making it easier to sign in to your apps and services across your devices.

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