Smart switch

Make your data transfer simple

Switching to a new device? Smart Switch makes it hassle-free. Easily bring over photos, contacts, calendar events, device settings and more, regardless of the OS you're using. Select the data you want and transfer it across devices in a snap.1

An old smartphone's screen displays various app icons, which scatter outside the device. A new smartphone slides in from the side, absorbing the scattered icons. It rotates to face forward and the Smart Switch icon appears on its screen. The scene zooms out, showing the home screens of both smartphones side by side. Lines flow from the old smartphone to the new one, representing data transfer. Weather and Samsung Health widgets appear on the new smartphone, along with the wallpaper and apps copied from the old device. The new smartphone spins and faces forward, once again showing the Smart Switch icon.

Why Samsung Smart Switch?

Smart Switch makes it easy to transfer various types of data to your new Galaxy, whether you're switching from iPhone or another Android device.

Move data from different OS

On the left, there are a smartphone, a tablet and a laptop. On the right, a smartphone is shown, receiving data from three devices through Smart Switch. On the left, there are a smartphone, a tablet and a laptop. On the right, a smartphone is shown, receiving data from three devices through Smart Switch.

Whether you're switching from Android or iOS, the data you care about can now be brought over to your new Galaxy effortlessly.2

Switch through many ways

Two smartphones are shown with an arrow pointing from the left device to the right device. At the bottom, Wi-Fi, USB cable, laptop, storage device icons are shown, indicating that the data can be transferred through different options. Two smartphones are shown with an arrow pointing from the left device to the right device. At the bottom, Wi-Fi, USB cable, laptop, storage device icons are shown, indicating that the data can be transferred through different options.

Choose how you want to switch your device with Smart Switch. You can move to a new device wirelessly, or via a USB cable, external storage and more.3

Switch various types of data

A smartphone shows 'Select data to transfer' screen. Surrounding the phone are various app icons, indicating the type of data that can be transferred through Smart Switch. A smartphone shows 'Select data to transfer' screen. Surrounding the phone are various app icons, indicating the type of data that can be transferred through Smart Switch.

Smart Switch transfers different types of data from iPhone or another Android device to your new Galaxy, including photos, videos, notes, calendar events and even device settings.4

How to transfer

Ready to transfer data from iPhone to Galaxy? Prepare your previous device, then select the preferred way to connect to your new Samsung Galaxy. You can move photos and contacts, even without a cable.

Beyond a simple USB cable connection, you can backup and restore your data using USB storage devices (including Micro SD cards) or the Smart Switch PC app.

Before you begin

Make sure you have the most up-to-date version of the Smart Switch app installed on both devices. The app is pre-installed but also downloadable from the Galaxy Store.

Smart Switch will run when devices are at least 20% charged to ensure safe data transfer.

Windows Mac Apple app store
Choose how to transfer

Galaxy or other Androids to Galaxy

Watch video

For Galaxy and other Androids

Wi-Fi or USB cable


Two smartphones are shown with an arrow pointing from the left device to the right device. Smart Switch icon is shown on both devices, indicating that the data is transferred through Smart Switch. Two smartphones are shown with an arrow pointing from the left device to the right device. Smart Switch icon is shown on both devices, indicating that the data is transferred through Smart Switch.

For Galaxy

PC


Two smartphones are displayed with a laptop between them. The first arrow is pointing from the phone on the left to the laptop. The second arrow is pointing from the laptop to the phone on the right. Smart Switch icons are displayed on three devices, showing that the data is transferred through Smart Switch. Two smartphones are displayed with a laptop between them. The first arrow is pointing from the phone on the left to the laptop. The second arrow is pointing from the laptop to the phone on the right. Smart Switch icons are displayed on three devices, showing that the data is transferred through Smart Switch.

For Galaxy

External storage


A storage device icon and a smartphone are displayed. Arrows are pointing in both directions between them, showing the data transfer. Smart Switch icon is displayed on the smartphone, showing that the data is transferred through Smart Switch. A storage device icon and a smartphone are displayed. Arrows are pointing in both directions between them, showing the data transfer. Smart Switch icon is displayed on the smartphone, showing that the data is transferred through Smart Switch.

For other Androids

External storage


Two smartphones are displayed with a storage device between them. The first arrow is pointing from the phone on the left to the storage device. The second arrow is pointing from the storage device to the phone on the right. Smart Switch icons are displayed on the smartphones, showing that the data is transferred through Smart Switch. Two smartphones are displayed with a storage device between them. The first arrow is pointing from the phone on the left to the storage device. The second arrow is pointing from the storage device to the phone on the right. Smart Switch icons are displayed on the smartphones, showing that the data is transferred through Smart Switch.

iOS to Galaxy

Watch video

For iOS

USB cable


Two smartphones are shown with an arrow pointing from the left device to the right device. Smart Switch icon is shown on the right device, indicating that the data is transferred through Smart Switch. Two smartphones are shown with an arrow pointing from the left device to the right device. Smart Switch icon is shown on the right device, indicating that the data is transferred through Smart Switch.

For iOS

Wi-Fi


Two smartphones are displayed with an arrow pointing from the left device to the right device. Smart Switch icons are shown on both devices, indicating that the data is transferred through Smart Switch. Two smartphones are displayed with an arrow pointing from the left device to the right device. Smart Switch icons are shown on both devices, indicating that the data is transferred through Smart Switch.

For iOS

iTunes (Finder)


A laptop and a smartphone are displayed with an arrow between them. The arrow is pointing from the laptop to the smartphone. Smart Switch icons are shown on both devices, indicating that the data is transferred through Smart Switch. A laptop and a smartphone are displayed with an arrow between them. The arrow is pointing from the laptop to the smartphone. Smart Switch icons are shown on both devices, indicating that the data is transferred through Smart Switch.

For iOS

iCloud


The iCloud icon and a smartphone are displayed with an arrow between them. The arrow is pointing from the iCloud icon to the smartphone. Smart Switch icon is shown on the smartphone, indicating that the data is transferred through Smart Switch. The iCloud icon and a smartphone are displayed with an arrow between them. The arrow is pointing from the iCloud icon to the smartphone. Smart Switch icon is shown on the smartphone, indicating that the data is transferred through Smart Switch.

Effortless data transfer across devices

Keep your data
where it belongs

Smart Switch works across more than just smartphones. Transfer your data from Galaxy Book, Galaxy Watch, Galaxy Buds and even Galaxy Ring. Simply select the data you want to move in the data options and pick up right where you left off on your new device.20,21

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Check technical requirements below for Smart Switch compatible devices.

    Phone/Tablet
    Phone and Tablet
    Galaxy/Android iOS
    Android OS 5.0 or higher iOS 5.0 or higher
    - When using Wi-Fi, Smart Switch is supported on iOS 12 or higher
    PC for backup and restore
    PC for backup and restore
    Windows PC MAC
    Windows OS 10 or higher
    - If Microsoft Media Feature Pack is not installed on your PC,
    download it from here     		MacOS X 10.13 or higher

  • On Smart Switch, you can choose which device you want to transfer data from and see what types of data can be transferred. If your previous device is a Samsung Galaxy model, you’ll be able to transfer just about everything, including all your messages, multimedia content, Wi-Fi settings and even your home screen settings.
    See more details on what types of data Smart Switch can transfer below.

    Types of data the Smart Switch transfers(Android Devices to Galaxy)
    item Android Devices → Galaxy
    Galaxy → Galaxy
    Wi-Fi Direct / Cable     		Other → Galaxy
    Wi-Fi / Cable
    Contact Contacts (including photos) Transferable Transferable
    Messages SMS, MMS Transferable Transferable
    Gallery Photos Transferable Transferable
    Music Music (DRM-free content) Transferable Transferable
    Playlists Transferable Transferable
    Videos Videos (DRM-free content) Transferable Transferable
    Documents PPT, XLS, DOC, PDF Transferable Transferable
    Calls Call log Transferable Transferable
    Missed calls Transferable Transferable
    Call block list Transferable Non-transferable
    Alarm/Time Alarm time, On/Off, Other settings Transferable Non-transferable
    World clock list Transferable Non-transferable
    Voice memos Voice recordings, Memo files Transferable Non-transferable
    Internet Bookmark, Most visited sites Transferable Transferable
    Calendar Schedule Transferable (Device content only) Transferable (Device content only)
    Memos Memo content, Date Transferable Non-transferable
    Home Home layout
    (icon positions, app folders, etc.)     		Transferable Non-transferable
    Installed apps (folder) Transferable Transferable
    App data transfer (may vary by app) Transferable Non-transferable
    Home/Lock screen Image Transferable Non-transferable
    Settings Basic Settings
    (Keyboard, Ringtone, Accessibility, Language, B/T, Notification, ETC)     		Transferable Non-transferable
    Timeout Transferable Transferable
    Dark mode Transferable Transferable
    NFC Transferable Transferable
    Location Transferable Transferable
    Vibration Feedback Transferable Transferable
    Wearable Watch Transferable Transferable
    • *Transferable data list may change without notice.
    • *Certain data cannot be transferred such as but not limited to read-only contacts, emergency alerts, temporary messages, failed to send messages, calendar from synced accounts, chat history or some other data protected by 3rd-party provider's policy, encrypted or DRM (Digital Rights Management)-protected media file or personal app data, wallpaper (pre-installed and Galaxy Themes).

  • If your old device is an iOS model, you’ll still be able to transfer data from iPhone to Galaxy including all your contacts, texts and media files. This makes your iPhone to Galaxy migration smooth and simple. Some iOS apps may not be transferred, but Smart Switch will recommend similar apps for your new Galaxy device.
    See more details on what types of data Smart Switch can transfer below.

    Types of data the Smart Switch transfers(iOS Devices to Galaxy)
    Item iOS → Galaxy
    iCloud Cable PC Wireless
    Contact Contacts (including photos) Transferable Transferable Transferable Transferable
    Messages SMS, MMS Non-transferable Transferable Transferable Non-transferable
    iMessages Non-transferable Transferable Transferable Non-transferable
    Photos Taken photos/ Download photos Transferable Transferable Transferable Transferable
    Music Music (include D/L) (DRM-free content) N/A Transferable N/A Non-transferable
    Playlists N/A Transferable N/A Non-transferable
    Videos Recorded videos & DRM-free content Transferable Transferable Transferable Transferable
    Documents Pages/Keynotes/Numbers Transferable Transferable Transferable Non-transferable
    PPT, XLS, DOC, PDF Transferable Transferable Transferable Non-transferable
    Calls Call log (including Facetime) Non-transferable Non-transferable Non-transferable Non-transferable
    Missed calls Non-transferable Non-transferable Non-transferable Non-transferable
    Call block list Non-transferable Transferable Transferable Non-transferable
    Alarm/Time Alarm time, On/Off, Other settings Non-transferable Transferable Transferable Non-transferable
    World clock list Non-transferable Transferable Transferable Non-transferable
    Voice memos Voice memo titles, Files Non-transferable Transferable Transferable Non-transferable
    Internet Bookmarks, Reading list Non-transferable Transferable Transferable Non-transferable
    Calendar Schedule Transferable Transferable Transferable Transferable
    Memo Memo content, Dates Transferable Transferable Transferable Non-transferable
    Reminders Reminder list Transferable Transferable Transferable Transferable
    Home Installed apps (folders) Non-transferable Partially transferable Partially transferable Non-transferable
    Home layout Non-transferable Transferable Non-transferable Non-transferable
    Home/Lock screen Image Non-transferable Transferable Transferable Non-transferable
    • *Transferable data list may change without notice.
    • *Certain data cannot be transferred such as but not limited to read-only contacts, emergency alerts, temporary messages, failed to send messages, calendar from synced accounts, chat history or some other data protected by 3rd-party provider's policy, encrypted or DRM (Digital Rights Management)-protected media file or personal app data, wallpaper (pre-installed and Galaxy Themes).

  • With Smart Switch, you can transfer all your contacts, texts and media files from iPhone to Galaxy. However, the types of data may differ depending on how you transfer ― via cable, iCloud, PC or wireless connection. For more details, see the question 'How to transfer data from iPhone to Galaxy?'

  • Smart Switch is already preloaded on most of the newer Samsung Galaxy phones or tablets.
    You can find it on the Home screen or in Settings > Accounts and backup > Smart Switch.
    On older ones or other Android devices, you may need to download it from the Galaxy Store or Google Play Store.

    If you use a PC (Windows PC or Mac) and want to back up from an old device or restore to a new device, you can download the Smart Switch PC app directly from the link below.

    Smart Switch PC download link:
    Windows Mac OS

  • For Android devices, Smart Switch must be installed on both devices. For iOS devices, the app must be installed when the data is being transferred wirelessly, but it doesn't need to be installed when transferring the data through a wired connection or iCloud. For more details, see the section "How-to transfer" for each use case.

  • No. Smart Switch does not remove any content from either device. When the transfer is complete, the data will exist on both devices.

  • No, once the transfer begins, you can perform other tasks on your device. On the new Samsung Galaxy device, swipe down the Quick setting panel from the top of the screen to check the progress of the transfer.


    Note : While transferring data, multi-tasking is available but not recommended.
    However, while transferring data from an iOS device to a Galaxy device through a wireless connection, do not turn off the screen or go to the home screen of your iPhone or iPad. Multi-tasking is not available when transferring data from an iOS device wirelessly.

  • No. Devices from other brands are only able to send data through Smart Switch, while Samsung Galaxy devices can both send and receive data using Smart Switch.

  • With Smart Switch PC installed on your PC or Mac, you can do the following tasks:

    1. 1. Back up data from your previous Samsung Galaxy device to PC, and restore the data to your new Galaxy device.
    2. 2. Restore iTunes backup data to your new Galaxy device.
    3. 3. Prompt you to update your device's software and display options for updates.
    4. 4. For Windows PC, display Outlook Sync menu and let you sync Outlook data on your Windows PC to your phone. For Mac, display Sync menu and let you sync contact/calendar data on your Mac to your phone.

  • On the Smart Switch screen, 'Select all' is the default option, but you can simply deselect the items you don't want to transfer.

  • If Smart Switch does not connect to your PC, you can do the following tasks:

    1. 1. Try using a different USB port: If you use a front USB port or USB hub for your desktop PC, the connection may be unstable due to a weak signal.
    2. 2. Try using a different USB cable: If the USB cable is damaged, the connection may be unstable.
    3. 3. Reinstall Samsung USB Driver: Open Smart Switch on your PC > More options (the three vertical dots) > Reinstall device driver

Why Galaxy

Life opens up with Galaxy

Openness is what we believe in. Samsung Galaxy was created to open possibilities. The less boundaries the world has, the farther we all can go.

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  1. Transferable data may vary depending on the device OS (Android or iOS), OS version, and/or connection option.
  2. Check technical requirements for Smart Switch compatible devices from the FAQ section.
  3. Available connection option may vary depending on device OS, manufacturer or availability of expandable storage.
  4. Transferable data may vary depending on the device OS (Android or iOS), OS version, and/or connection option.
  5. You can find the Smart Switch app on the Galaxy phone or tablet by navigating to the Samsung folder on the Apps screen, or going to Settings > Accounts and backup > Smart Switch.
  6. If you have a large amount of data to transfer, a wired connection is recommended because it is relatively faster. Make sure your devices are properly charged beforehand since connecting to a charger is not available during such transfer.
  7. Wired transfers from Android™ devices require Android™ 4.3 or later on both the sending and receiving devices. Transfers are available over wireless connection, provided both the sending and receiving devices have Android™ 4.0 or later.
  8. You can find the Smart Switch app on the Galaxy phone or tablet by navigating to the Samsung folder on the Apps screen, or going to Settings > Accounts and backup > Smart Switch.
  9. If there is not enough space on your external storage, you may need to deselect some items. Or, you may clear the external storage to get enough space for the data to transfer.
  10. The Smart Switch app is downloadable from Galaxy Store or Google Play Store.
  11. If there is not enough space on your external storage, you may need to deselect some items. Or, you may clear the external storage to get enough space for the data to transfer.
  12. You can find the Smart Switch app on the Galaxy phone or tablet by navigating to the Samsung folder on the Apps screen, or going to Settings > Accounts and backup > Smart Switch.
  13. OTG adapter sold separately
  14. Wired transfers from iOS require the receiving device to have Android™ 4.3 or later and the sending device to have iOS 5 or later. Transfers are available over wireless connection or through iCloud, provided the receiving device must have Android™ 4.0 or later and the sending device must have iOS 12 or later. iCloud transfers require the receiving device to have Android™ 4.0 or later and the sending device to have iOS 5 or later.
  15. Requires the latest version of WhatsApp on iOS device.
  16. WhatsApp chat history can be transferred only before signing into WhatsApp on the new device. If WhatsApp is logged in before migration or before Smart Switch is done transferring the data, then the app data cannot be transferred.
  17. You can find the Smart Switch app on your Galaxy phone or tablet by navigating to the Samsung folder on the Apps screen, or by going to Settings > Accounts and backup > Smart Switch.
  18. If you have a large amount of data to transfer, it is recommended to use a wired connection, as it can transfer a larger amount of data at once. Make sure your devices are properly charged beforehand since connecting to a charger is not available during such a transfer.
  19. You can find the Smart Switch app on the Galaxy phone or tablet by navigating to the Samsung folder on the Apps screen, or going to Settings > Accounts and backup > Smart Switch.
  20. This feature is available on Wear OS with Android 13 OS (T OS) and above, and both the old and new phones must have GMS v23.15.17 or above. Galaxy Watch must be connected to the user's old phone. Both the user's old phone and new phone must be logged into the same Samsung account and Google account.
  21. Smart Switch requires Windows OS when used on Galaxy Book.