How to transfer data from Samsung to Samsung

Jul 03, 2023

If you're changing Galaxy devices, here's how to transfer data from Samsung to Samsung

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.

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.

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!

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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?

Instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.

Elliot MulleyGoodbarne is a Staff Writer at Tom’s Guide covering news, reviews, buying guides with wit and charm. He has had a keen interest in mobile, tablets, laptops, and everything in between since his first phone, the Samsung U600. Starting at Mobile News, Elliot has been writing about mobile and the business of technology since 2016, and has edited four trade magazines in that time, attending award shows for three of them. He has attended a range of industry events including 5G launches, device announcements, and trade events, where he developed a nose for picking up on trends, interviewing executives, and networking with the tech community. In his spare time, Elliot can usually be found watching, playing, or attending sporting events. With season tickets to West Ham United and Surrey County Cricket Club he often spends weekends in winter in a foul mood and evenings in the summer with a smile on his face. Outside of sport Elliot enjoys cooking, pubs next to rivers, and chilling out with a G&T, Whiskey, or Port after a solid week of excellence.

You can now use an iPad as a Nintendo Switch screen — here’s how

Microsoft Event September 21: New Surfaces, Windows 11 AI Copilot and more

How to disable WhatsApp saving pictures to camera roll

By Peter WolinskiAugust 24, 2023

By David CrookesAugust 24, 2023

By Jackie DoveAugust 24, 2023

By Elle RedmanAugust 23, 2023

By Peter WolinskiAugust 23, 2023

By Malcolm McMillanAugust 23, 2023

By Katie MortramAugust 22, 2023

By Alyse StanleyAugust 21, 2023

By Richard PridayAugust 21, 2023

By Terri WilliamsAugust 21, 2023

By Philip MichaelsAugust 21, 2023