How to transfer data from Samsung to Samsung (2024)

If you've just purchased, or are about to buy a new Samsung Galaxy device, you'll want to learn how to transfer data from Samsung to Samsung.

While getting a new phone is something we all do periodically, you still obviously won't want to go through the hassle of starting from scratch, loading apps, settings, and files onto your new tablet.Surely there is an easier way?

Samsung's Smart Switch app is the answer we're looking for, making it easy to transfer data from previous device to your shiny new Galaxy Tab S9. In this simple guide, we'll walk you through how to use Smart Switch to bring over your contacts, photos, videos, music, documents, and more in just a few steps.

So, without further ado, here's how to transfer data from Samsung to Samsung.

How to transfer data from Samsung to Samsung: Starting Samsung Switch

Anyone who has booted up a Samsung device recently will know that one of the biggest screens you'll be faced with is the Smart Switch, where you have the opportunity to pull data from your old device through to your new device.

If you've passed this point, don't worry, you can still fire up the Smart Switch app and start up a transfer. If you do transfer data after setting up the device, you'll be presented with two options: send data or receive data. Tap receive data to import your old settings onto the device.

How to transfer data from Samsung to Samsung (1)

The rest of the set up is pretty straight forward, there is a kink in the road when we come to wireless or cable transfer but I'll help you though that. So, with out anymore hesitation, here we go!

Sign up to get the BEST of Tom’s Guide direct to your inbox.

Upgrade your life with a daily dose of the biggest tech news, lifestyle hacks and our curated analysis. Be the first to know about cutting-edge gadgets and the hottest deals.

How to import data wirelessly using Smart Switch

Here's how you import data wirelessly with the Smart Switch app.

1. Select 'Galaxy/Android'

How to transfer data from Samsung to Samsung (2)

(Image: © Future)

At the start of your journey you will be offered the choice between transferring data from a Galaxy device or an iPhone or iPad. Tap Galaxy.

2. Select Wireless

How to transfer data from Samsung to Samsung (3)

(Image: © Future)

Next you'll be presented with the option to connect to your old device with a Cable, or with a Wireless signal. Tap Wireless.

3. Connect your devices together

How to transfer data from Samsung to Samsung (4)

(Image: © Future)

Your devices will start looking for each other, once they have found each other you'll be asked if you want to allow the connection. Tap Allow when the box appears.

4. Wait for your new device to scan your old device

How to transfer data from Samsung to Samsung (5)

(Image: © Future)

Now you'll be presented with a scanning screen. Simply wait for it to complete — this shouldn't take long. If you want it to stop you can always tap Stop at the bottom of the screen.

5. Decide what to transfer

How to transfer data from Samsung to Samsung (6)

(Image: © Future)

After the scan, you'll be presented with the option to transfer everything, which transfers everything on your old device including settings and applications. Alternatively you can choose to transfer just accounts, calls, contacts, and messages. You can tap on any of these options and be brought to step 7, but we are going to wee what happens when we tap on Custom.

6. Select the data to transfer

How to transfer data from Samsung to Samsung (7)

(Image: © Future)

Now you can select the type of data you want to transfer. Once you've done that tap Transfer.

7. Wait for the transfer to take place

How to transfer data from Samsung to Samsung (8)

(Image: © Future)

All there is to do now is wait. How long you have to wait depends on how much data you are transferring over.

8. Hit done

How to transfer data from Samsung to Samsung (9)

(Image: © Future)

Once the transfer is complete you'll be presented with this screen, all there is to do now is tap Done.

How to import data with a cable using Smart Switch

Now let's look at how to transfer data the old fashioned way, using a cable.

1. Select 'Galaxy/Android'

How to transfer data from Samsung to Samsung (10)

(Image: © Future)

At the start of your journey you will be offered the choice between transferring data from a Galaxy device or an iPhone or iPad. Tap on Galaxy.

2. Select Cable

How to transfer data from Samsung to Samsung (11)

(Image: © Future)

Next you'll be presented with the option to connect to your old device with a Cable, or with a Wireless signal. Tap Cable.

3. Connect your devices together

How to transfer data from Samsung to Samsung (12)

(Image: © Future)

Now it's time to connect the devices. Usually the charging cable will work, especially if the cable is USB C to USB C. Plug each end into your devices.

4. Allow access on your old device

How to transfer data from Samsung to Samsung (13)

(Image: © Future)

Once you're connected you'll get a prompt to allow the Smart Switch App on your new device access to the data on your old device. Tap OK.

5. Wait for your new device to scan your old device

How to transfer data from Samsung to Samsung (14)

(Image: © Future)

Now you'll be presented with a scanning screen. Simply wait for it to complete — this shouldn't take long. If you want it to stop you can always tap Stop at the bottom of the screen.

6. Choose what to transfer

How to transfer data from Samsung to Samsung (15)

(Image: © Future)

After the scan, you'll be presented with the option to transfer everything, which transfers everything on your old device including settings and applications. Alternatively you can choose to transfer just accounts, calls, contacts, and messages. You can tap on any of these options and be brought to step 8, but we are going to wee what happens when we tap Custom.

7. Select the data

How to transfer data from Samsung to Samsung (16)

(Image: © Future)

Now you can select the type of data you want to transfer. Once you've done that tap Transfer.

8. Wait for the transfer to complete

How to transfer data from Samsung to Samsung (17)

(Image: © Future)

All there is to do now is wait. How long you have to wait depends on how much data you are transferring over.

9. Hit Done

How to transfer data from Samsung to Samsung (18)

(Image: © Future)

Once the transfer is complete you'll be presented with this screen, all there is to do now is tap Done.

And that's all there is to it! If you'd like to read more Samsung Galaxy tutorials to help you use your new device, we have you covered. Check out our guide to the hidden Samsung Galaxy features everyone needs to know. Don't want to pick up the phone? Learn how to auto answer phone calls on Samsung Galaxy devices. And why not find out how to change your Samsung Galaxy phone's side button?

How to transfer data from Samsung to Samsung (2024)

FAQs

How to transfer data from Samsung to Samsung? ›

Open Smart Switch on your new device and tap Start , then follow the onscreen instructions. You will have the option to choose which data you wish to transfer. While it is transferring, you will see a percentage on the screen letting you know how far through it is.

How do I transfer everything from my old Samsung to my new Samsung? ›

Here's how you import data wirelessly with the Smart Switch app.
  1. Select 'Galaxy/Android' (Image: © Future) ...
  2. Select Wireless. (Image: © Future) ...
  3. Connect your devices together. ...
  4. Wait for your new device to scan your old device. ...
  5. Decide what to transfer. ...
  6. Select the data to transfer. ...
  7. Wait for the transfer to take place. ...
  8. Hit done.
Aug 17, 2023

Does the Samsung Smart Switch transfer everything? ›

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.

Do I put my SIM card in a new phone before transferring data on Samsung? ›

Regardless of the device you're switching from, don't switch your SIM card until the entire transfer is complete. Before you get started, you'll also want to make sure both your old device and new device have at least 20% battery life.

How do I transfer all data from my old phone to my new phone? ›

Choose to copy apps and data from your old device.
  1. If you have a cable to connect your devices, follow the on-screen instructions to copy your data.
  2. If you don't have a cable: Tap No cable? Ok. Tap A backup from an Android phone. To copy your data, follow the on-screen instructions.

What cannot be transferred using a Smart Switch? ›

Items that cannot be backed up with Smart Switch

Calender: Appointments synced with external accounts, such as Google, and calendar stickers are excluded. App data: Data saved in private storage cannot be backed up. Email: Social Hub and Premium accounts (Push email) are excluded.

Does the Samsung Smart Switch transfer passwords? ›

But it seems that Samsung Smart Switch now has option to transfer wifi passwords.

Does the Samsung Smart Switch transfer text messages? ›

Samsung Smart Switch seamlessly transfers contacts, photos, music, videos, messages, notes, calendars and more to virtually any Samsung Galaxy device.

Does the Samsung Smart Switch delete data from a new phone? ›

A 100% none of your data will be deleted. Unless you physically delete it yourself. All it does is copy it to your new device. Whatsapp-chats do not transfer with Smart Switch.

Does Samsung Smart Switch transfer duplicate data? ›

I did see the following statement online: "Please note: Even if the same data is transmitted multiple times, duplicate data is skipped during the data transmission process." (https://www.samsung.com/levant/support/apps-services/what-are-the-data-transfer-options-in-smart-swi...)

Which phone should the SIM card be in when using a Smart Switch? ›

You don't need a SIM card in both phones to use a smart switch. Smart switch works on Wi-Fi and not on SIM card, so you can easily transfer data between your phones without having a SIM card in either one.

What happens if I take my SIM card and put it in a new phone? ›

In summary, when you put your SIM card in another phone, the only data that will be transferred is your own phone number and possibly a few text messages and contacts saved on the SIM card. The rest of your data, including photos, videos, and other files, will remain on your old phone.

Do I need to transfer data before activating a new phone? ›

You should always backup the data on your old phone prior to activating your new phone. The process for backing up and transferring data will depend on the type of phone you are coming from and going to. The easiest way to learn how to transfer data is to follow the steps in our Smart Setup tool.

How to transfer data from old Samsung to new Samsung? ›

Open Smart Switch on your new device and tap 'Start', then follow the onscreen instructions. You will have the option to choose which data you wish to transfer. While it is transferring, you will see a percentage on the screen letting you know how far through it is.

What should I do before switching phones? ›

Make sure you are grabbing the following before you reset your old phone to factory settings:
  1. Phone settings and preferences.
  2. Apps and saved app data.
  3. SMS and call data.
  4. Photos, videos, and music.
  5. Files.
  6. Calendar, contacts, and email.

How do I transfer everything from one Android phone to another? ›

  1. Connect both devices wirelessly. Turn on your new Android phone and follow the on-screen prompts. ...
  2. Select your data. Follow the on-screen instructions to choose what comes with you — contacts, photos, videos and calendar events. ...
  3. Transfer. That's it.

What devices are compatible with the Samsung Smart Switch? ›

Whether your old phone is an Android, iOS, BlackBerry or Windows Mobile device, upgrading to a Galaxy smartphone or tablet is done in one seamless move with Smart Switch. From your contacts to messages, your photos and videos to your music, your calendar events to your apps.

How do I backup my Android phone and restore to a new phone? ›

Start or stop a backup
  1. On your Android phone, open the Google One app .
  2. At the bottom, tap Storage.
  3. Scroll to the device backup section. If this is your first phone backup: Tap Set up data backup. ...
  4. To find your backup settings, tap Manage backup. To back up the data on your phone, turn on Device data. ...
  5. Tap Back up now.

How to transfer data from a broken phone to a new phone Samsung? ›

Use Cloud Backup

If you have enabled the Google auto backup on your Android phone, you can transfer your data from the Google Drive. Many smartphones have synced photos, contacts and other precious data to the backup.

Does Smart Switch transfer SD card data? ›

And if you're worried about ever having to transfer your SD card files, you'll be happy to know that external storage devices work in conjunction with Smart Switch. You can create a backup of your pictures, videos, or documents that will be easily transferrable to a new phone or device.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Domingo Moore

Last Updated:

Views: 6150

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (53 voted)

Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Domingo Moore

Birthday: 1997-05-20

Address: 6485 Kohler Route, Antonioton, VT 77375-0299

Phone: +3213869077934

Job: Sales Analyst

Hobby: Kayaking, Roller skating, Cabaret, Rugby, Homebrewing, Creative writing, amateur radio

Introduction: My name is Domingo Moore, I am a attractive, gorgeous, funny, jolly, spotless, nice, fantastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.