How to Transfer Data to a New Samsung Galaxy Phone Using Wi-Fi, USB-C, or PC

 

Transferring Your Data to a New Samsung Galaxy Phone (S24 or Other)

Are you the proud owner of a brand new Samsung Galaxy phone, or thinking about getting one? This guide will show you how to transfer your data from your old Android phone to your shiny new Galaxy device.

There are three ways to transfer your data:

• Wi-Fi: This is a convenient option that doesn't require any cables.
• USB-C cable: A wired connection can be faster and more reliable than Wi-Fi.
• Computer: If you prefer, you can use your computer as an intermediary for the transfer.

Important Note: All three methods rely on Samsung's Smart Switch app, which needs both your old and new phone to be running Android 4.3 or later.

Switching from iPhone? We've got separate guides for those looking to make the switch from iPhone to Android or vice versa.

This guide focuses on transferring data between Android phones, using each of the three methods mentioned above.

Transferring Your Data to a New Samsung Galaxy Phone (S24 or Other)

Ready to switch to a new Samsung Galaxy phone?

This guide will walk you through transferring your data from your existing Android phone to your shiny new Galaxy device.

There are three methods to choose from, depending on your preference:

• Wi-Fi Transfer: A convenient option that eliminates the need for cables.
• USB-C Cable Transfer: This wired connection offers faster and more reliable speeds compared to Wi-Fi.
• Computer-Assisted Transfer: If you prefer, you can use your computer as an intermediary for the data migration.

Requirements:

• Two Android phones (one must be a Samsung Galaxy) running Android 4.3 or later
• Samsung Smart Switch app (downloadable from Google Play Store if needed)
• Stable Wi-Fi connection (for Wi-Fi transfer)
• USB-C cable (optional, for wired transfer)
• PC running Windows 7 or later (optional, for computer-assisted transfer)

Choosing Your Transfer Method

Wi-Fi Transfer: This is the simplest method, ideal for those who dislike cables or lack a USB-C cable.

USB-C Cable Transfer: This wired option offers faster and more reliable transfer speeds, especially for large datasets.

Computer-Assisted Transfer: If you prefer using your computer or have a lot of data to transfer, this method allows you to back up your old phone's data to your computer and then restore it to your new Galaxy phone.

Transferring Data via Wi-Fi

1. Enable Smart Switch: Ensure Smart Switch is activated on both your old and new phones. Most new Samsung phones come with Smart Switch pre-installed. If you're transferring from a non-Galaxy device, download the app from Google Play Store (requires Android 4.3 or later and 1.5GB of storage space).

2. Launch Smart Switch: Open Smart Switch on both devices. Accept the terms and conditions if it's your first time using the app. Grant necessary permissions to proceed.

3. Connect to Wi-Fi: Make sure both phones are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. On your old phone, tap "Send data" followed by "Wireless." On your new Galaxy phone, tap "Receive data" followed by "Galaxy/Android" and then "Wireless."

4. Initiate Transfer: Tap "Allow" on your old phone and choose the data you want to transfer. Tap "Next" to begin the migration process. A progress bar will indicate the remaining time. Once complete, tap "Go to the Home screen."

Transferring Data via USB-C Cable

1. Connect Phones with Cable: Follow steps 1 and 2 from the Wi-Fi transfer method (enable Smart Switch and launch the app on both devices). Then, physically connect the two phones using the USB-C cable that came with your new Samsung phone.

2. Start Transfer: On your new Samsung phone, select "Backup" within the Smart Switch app and grant permission. Choose the desired data to transfer and tap "Start" to initiate the migration. A progress bar will display the remaining time. Once finished, tap "Go to the Home screen."

Transferring Data Using a PC

1. Download Smart Switch: You'll need to download Smart Switch for your PC (Windows 7 or later required).

2. Connect Old Phone to PC: Use a compatible cable to connect your old phone to your PC.

3. Back Up Old Phone: On your PC, select "Backup" within the Smart Switch interface. Grant permission on your old phone to start the transfer process. Once complete, tap "OK" and disconnect the phone.

4. Connect New Phone to PC: Connect your new Galaxy phone to your PC using a compatible cable.

5. Restore Data to New Phone: On your PC, select "Restore" within the Smart Switch interface. Then, tap "Select a different backup" followed by "Samsung device data." From here, you can begin transferring your data to your new phone.