How to transfer Samsung to Samsung with Smart Switch

Smart Switch is built into every Galaxy phone. It copies apps, photos, messages, contacts and most settings in one go.

Agha Ali Abbas24 September 20261 min read

Before you start

Charge both phones to at least 50 percent, or keep them plugged in.
Update Smart Switch on both from the Galaxy Store or Play Store.
Check the new phone has enough free storage for your photos and videos.

The fix

Wireless transfer

1
Open Smart Switch on both phones.
On a brand new phone, the setup screens offer it for you.
2
Tap Send data on the old phone and Receive data on the new one.
3
Choose Galaxy/Android, then Wireless.
4
Tap Allow on the old phone when asked.
5
Select what to copy and tap Transfer.

The fix

Cable transfer (moves the most data)

1
Connect both phones with a USB-C to USB-C cable.
2
Open Smart Switch on the new phone and choose Receive data, then Cable.
3
Tap Allow on the old phone and then Transfer.

What will not come across

Banking and some payment apps, which need you to sign in again.
Samsung Wallet cards, which you add again on the new phone.
Google Authenticator codes, unless you export them or use cloud sync.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use Smart Switch after I already set up the new phone?

Yes. Open Settings › Accounts and backup › Bring data from old device on the new phone. Anything already on the new phone stays.

Does Smart Switch move WhatsApp chats?

Usually yes, between two Galaxy phones. If chats are missing, back up WhatsApp to Google Drive on the old phone and restore it on the new one.

How long does the transfer take?

From a few minutes to over an hour, depending on how many photos and videos you have. A cable is faster than Wi-Fi.

How-To

Back up your Android phone

Back up your Android phone to Google with Google One, back up photos with Google Photos, or use Samsung Cloud, Smart Switch or a computer. Step by step.

24 September 20261 min read