How do I transfer my data from my old Android phone to my new one?

How do I transfer my data from my old Android phone to my new one?

This FAQ is about how to transfer data from an old Android phone to a Galaxy phone. If you want to transfer data from an iOS device to a Galaxy device, you can find out more about how to do this.


You can use Smart Switch three ways: via Wi-Fi, using a USB cable, or using a PC or Mac.

Please note that to transfer data using Smart Switch:
Both devices must have a minimum of 500MB free space in internal memory.
If you are using a wired connection, your device must support a Transferring media files (MTP)' USB option to allow content to be transferred.
Before you start, find out if your device is compatible with Smart Switch. If you are transferring data from a non-Galaxy device, you will need to download Smart Switch from the Google Play Store.

How to transfer using USB or Wi-Fi

  1. Make sure you have Smart Switch on both devices. On newer devices, you will find it at Settings > Accounts and backup. The options you need will be under the heading Smart Switch. On older devices, you may need to download it from the Google Play Store.
  2. Open Accounts and backup on your new device. Under Smart Switch tap Bring data from old device
  3. Tap Receive data
  4. Select Galaxy/Android
  5. Select Wireless or Cable depending on the method you want to use
  • If you are using Wi-Fi, make sure your devices are close together and that you have a stable internet connection.
  1. If you are using USB, simply connect the two phones together using the USB-C connector that came in the box with your new phone.
  2. Follow the on-screen instructions to transfer data from your old Android device.
  3. 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 it is. The time taken will depend on the amount of data and the strength of your connection.

How to transfer using a PC or Mac

  1. Download Smart Switch onto your PC or Mac, then install and open it
  2. Connect your old device to your PC or Mac, then select 'Backup' on the Smart Switch program, then 'Allow' on your phone to start the process. Once the backup is complete, select 'OK' and disconnect the phone
  3. Connect your new device to your PC or Mac, then select the 'Restore' on the Smart Switch program, then choose 'Select a different backup', then 'Samsung Device data'
  4. Deselect any information you don't want to copy, then select 'OK' then 'Restore now' and 'Allow'. Your data will now begin transferring

Types of content that can be transferred via Smart Switch

When transferring, you will have the option to choose which types of content are transferred. However, there is some data that Smart Switch can't transfer:

  1. Most app data will transfer, however any secure or encrypted data (e.g. WhatsApp chats) will not be transferred. Find out more about transferring WhatsApp chats.
  2. Many apps that require you to sign in with a username and password store data on their own servers. Make sure you have performed a back-up or saved your data before logging into apps on your new phone.
  3. Any apps that haven't been downloaded through the Play Store will need to be downloaded manually.
  4. 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.
  5. The Google Play Store and the Apple App Store are two separate sites and have a different selection of games and apps. If you are transferring from an iOS device, Smart Switch will try to download an Android alternative to your apps. If there isn't an Android alternative it won't be transferred.
  6. Any content with DRM (Digital Rights Management) cannot be transferred by Smart Switch.

Can't make calls to contacts that were transferred

If you have problems calling a contact that you've just transferred from another device, check the phone number.


Some contacts may have been stored on the old device with both the area code '+44' and the '0' in the phone number e.g. +44 (0) 7777777777. If so, the number may start with '+440' after being transferred, making the contact number invalid.

Update the contact number so that instead of starting with '+440' it starts with either '+44' or '0'.


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