Transfer content with external storage and Smart Switch (2024)

Transfer content with external storage and Smart Switch (1)

External storage devices like microSD cards or USB OTG flash drives are a great way to get extra space on your phone, so you can store more files. 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.

Transfer content with external storage

If you have a lot of space on your external storage device, why not create a backup? That way, transferring your files to a new device will be much faster, and you won't have to move files individually.

  1. If you're going to use an SD card, and both phones support it, insert the SD card into the old phone first. You can also connect a USB flash drive or SSD to your phones' charging port, although you may need an OTG adapter for this.

  2. Next, navigate to and launch Smart Switch.

  3. Tap the SD card icon in the upper right corner, and then tap Back up.

    Transfer content with external storage and Smart Switch (2)

  4. Select what you want to back up. If there's not enough space on your external storage, you can come back later to transfer anything that won't fit.

  5. Next, attach the external storage device into the new Galaxy phone, and then navigate to and launch Smart Switch.

  6. Tap the SD card icon, and then tap Restore. Select what you want to restore, and then tap Restore again.

  7. When it's complete, tap Done. You can repeat this process as many times as you need to get all of your data transferred.

Other answers that might help

  • Transfer content from an iOS device with Samsung Smart Switch
  • Content that can be transferred with Smart Switch

Transfer content with external storage and Smart Switch (3) Transfer content with external storage and Smart Switch (4)

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Transfer content with external storage and Smart Switch (2024)

FAQs

Will a Smart Switch transfer external storage? ›

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.

What data Cannot be transferred using Smart Switch? ›

Items that cannot be backed up with Smart Switch

App data: Data saved in private storage cannot be backed up. Email: Social Hub and Premium accounts (Push email) are excluded. Live wallpapers and themes: Live wallpapers and themes are excluded.

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.

Can you choose which files to transfer with Smart Switch? ›

When you use Smart Switch to set up your new phone, you can decide exactly what you want on your new device. If your old phone is a Galaxy, you'll be able to transfer just about everything, including all your texts, media content, Wi-Fi details and even your home screen settings.

Can you use external storage with switch? ›

No, you cannot use an external hard drive with a Nintendo Switch console.

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

Put your sim into new device before powering your new device on. Set up the phone and update all apps from store's. Check for software update. You can use cloud backup or use smartswitch to transfer everything over from your old device to your new one.

Why are my apps grey after Smart Switch? ›

Even after Smart Switch is terminated, installation continues in the background. Check if the app is being installed in notifications. If you are not installing it, run Smart Switch again and restart the device before checking. If there is a grey icon left continuously, please delete the Smart Switch app and restart.

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.

Do I need Smart Switch on both phones to transfer data? ›

Wirelessly transfer your data with Samsung Smart Switch to another Android phone. Make sure the Smart Switch app is installed on both phones.

Does Smart Switch transfer passwords? ›

The answer: Smart Switch does not transfer passwords. Instead, it can transfer data associated with applications that use passwords, like a messaging app or banking app. This article will provide more information on the Smart Switch features, as well as what passwords cannot be transferred when using Smart Switch.

Does Samsung Smart Switch transfer banking apps? ›

Any apps that haven't been downloaded through the Play Store will need to be downloaded manually. Smart Switch may not be able to transfer login details to specific apps, such as mobile banking apps. Make sure that you know your login details for any apps you wish to use on the new phone.

Does Samsung Smart Switch transfer hidden files? ›

As far as I am aware Smart Switch does not transfer files with a security lock and from 2021 secure Folder Data cannot be backed up. The option would be to move the files out of the secure Folder,transfer to new phone and move to secure Folder if desired.

Does Smart Switch delete data from old phone? ›

If I use Smart Switch, will the data be removed from the old form during the transfer? No the data will still be on the old phone unless you delete it. From experience, I'd recommend using a cable to transfer data than doing it wireless. A 100% none of your data will be deleted.

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

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

To copy apps and data on your new Android device, tap Copy. Follow the on-screen instructions to connect both devices with a cable. Important: If you don't have a compatible cable, you may need to use an adapter or use the wireless method. On your old device, tap Copy.

Can I transfer my SD card to my new phone? ›

Once you have saved your contacts and photos to your SD card, you can remove the SD card from your phone and insert it into your new phone. Then, you can import your contacts and photos from the SD card to your new phone.

Can you transfer data between SD cards on switch? ›

Transferring game data

On the HOME Menu, select "System Settings" → "Data Management" → "Move Data Between System/microSD Card".

How to back up an Android phone to an external hard drive? ›

Automatically back up your phone
  1. On your Android phone, open the Google One app .
  2. At the bottom, tap Storage.
  3. Scroll to 'Backup' and tap View. ...
  4. To review your backup settings, tap Manage backup.
  5. Choose your backup settings. ...
  6. If asked, tap Allow permissions.
  7. At the top left, tap Back.

How to transfer data from one SD card to another Samsung? ›

Android 12. 13, 14
  1. Find and tap Settings → Storage.
  2. Make sure that the pull-down menu under Storage is THIS DEVICE, touch and hold the folder or file you want to transfer.
  3. Tap the menu icon (three vertical dots) → Move to.. / Copy to..
  4. Tap .
  5. Select a destination on the memory card and tap MOVE/COPY.
Oct 31, 2023

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