Changing a smartphone is always an exciting process, which is often accompanied by the fear of losing important photos, correspondence or contacts. This issue is especially acute when migrating to brand devices, since the Korean giant’s ecosystem offers its own tools that may not be obvious to users of other brands. Fortunately, the company’s engineers have developed a powerful solution called Samsung, since the Korean giant's ecosystem offers its own tools that may not be obvious to users of other brands.
Fortunately, the company's engineers have developed a powerful solution called Smart Switch, which makes the migration procedure as seamless as possible. You do not need to be an IT specialist to successfully complete this process, you just need to follow a logical algorithm of actions.
In this article we will analyze in detail all available methods of transferring information: from wireless synchronization to using a cable, and also discuss the nuances of working with instant messengers and system settings, which are often overlooked.
Preparing devices for migration data
Before you begin the actual process of copying files, you need to make sure that both devices are ready for use. Ignoring this step may lead to connection failures or incomplete transfer of information, which will require repeating the procedure.
Make sure that on the old smartphone and the new device Galaxy The battery charge is at least 50%. Ideally, both devices should be connected to a power source, since active transfer of large amounts of data, especially via Wi-Fi Direct, consumes a significant amount of energy.
Also check the availability of free space on the target device. The amount of available memory must exceed the total weight of the files being transferred. If you plan to transfer the entire contents of the internal memory, and there is less space on the new phone, the process will be interrupted automatically.
⚠️ Attention: If custom firmware is installed on the old device or root access is obtained, standard transfer tools may not work correctly. In such cases, it is recommended to reset the settings to factory settings before migrating.
Don't forget to update the application Smart Switch on both gadgets to the latest version through the store Google Play or Galaxy Store. Developers regularly release patches that correct compatibility errors with new versions of the operating system Android.
Using the Smart Switch application for wireless transfer
The most popular and convenient method of migration is a wireless connection. It does not require searching for cables and adapters, allowing you to start the process literally in a matter of minutes after unboxing your new smartphone.
Launch the application on both devices. On the new phone Samsung select the “Data Recipient” role, and on the old device - “Data Sender”. The system will automatically prompt you to select the connection type, where you need to specify “Wireless.”
After selecting the connection type, the devices will begin searching for each other. As soon as they detect a neighbor, a request to confirm the connection will appear on the screen of the old phone. Click “Allow” to establish a secure communication channel.
- 📱 Make sure that both phones are in close proximity to each other (no further than 50 cm) for a stable signal.
- 🔋 Disable the power saving mode on both devices so that the system does not limit the operation of the Wi-Fi module.
- 🚫 Do not minimize the application or lock your smartphone screens during the scanning and transfer process.
When the connection is established, you will see a list of data categories available for transfer. You can select everything at once or mark only specific items, such as contacts, messages, call logs or media files.
Click the “Transfer” button and wait for the process to complete. The operation time directly depends on the amount of data: transferring several gigabytes of photos can take from 15 to 40 minutes.
Transferring data via a USB-C cable
If the wireless method seems too slow or unstable for you, using a cable is the most reliable alternative. This method ensures maximum transfer speed and minimizes the risk of disconnection.
To implement this method, you will need a cable with connectors USB-C at both ends. If the old device uses a connector Micro-USB or Lightning (for iPhone), you will need an appropriate adapter, which is often included with new flagships. Galaxy.
Connect the cables to both smartphones. A notification about connecting the accessory will appear on the screen of the new device - select data transfer mode or confirm launch Smart Switch in cable mode.
Settings → Device maintenance → Storage → USB connection (file transfer mode)The application interface will change, confirming the physical connection. Further actions are similar to the wireless method: select the content to copy and start the process.
☑️ Check before cable connection
The main advantage of the cable is stability. Even if you accidentally touch the phone, the connection will not be interrupted, unlike Wi-Fi, where interference can stop the download in the middle.
Features of transferring messages and call history
Transferring text messages (SMS/MMS) and call logs often causes difficulties for users switching from Xiaomi, Huawei or Honor to Samsung. Standard Google tools sometimes do not preserve the structure of conversations.
The application Smart Switch can correctly process messenger databases, but there is a nuance. Regular SMS are transferred without problems, but messages from third-party applications require special attention.
To transfer correspondence history to WhatsApp you must use the built-in backup function of the messenger itself before starting the general migration. Create a local copy of chats in WhatsApp settings on your old phone.
| Data type | Transfer method | Nuances |
|---|---|---|
| SMS / MMS | Smart Switch (direct) | Transferred completely, including attachments |
| Call log | Smart Switch (direct) | Dates and duration of calls are saved |
| In-app backup | Same phone number required | |
| Viber / Telegram | Login to your account | History is downloaded from the servers automatically |
After transferring data to a new phone, go to WhatsApp and restore the backup copy when you first launch it. Only after this you will see all old correspondence.
What to do if messages are not displayed?
If, after the transfer, SMS are not visible in the standard Messages application, check whether a third-party SMS application is installed by default. Go to Settings → Applications → Select default applications → SMS application and select the standard Samsung application.
Migration of applications and system settings
One of the most useful functions of the ecosystem Samsung is the ability to transfer not only files, but also the applications themselves along with their data. This allows you to save hours on manually setting up a new device.
When selecting a data type in Smart Switch tick the “Applications” checkbox. The system will analyze the installed software and offer to download its analogues from the store Galaxy Store or Google Play.
It is important to understand that it is not the installation files (APK) that are transferred, but links to them and, if possible, local data. For banking applications and highly secure apps, data is not migrated for security purposes - you will have to log in again.
- 🔐 Banking applications and cryptocurrency wallets require re-configuring biometrics and PIN codes.
- ⚙️ System settings such as brightness, sounds and wallpaper are copied automatically to create a familiar Wednesday.
- 📂 The arrangement of icons on the desktop will closely resemble the structure of the old device.
Some specific applications that are not available in official Samsung stores may not be installed automatically. In this case, they will have to be downloaded manually through a browser or third-party directories.
⚠️ Attention: Interfaces and names of menu items may vary slightly depending on the version of the One UI shell and the model of your smartphone. Always check the manufacturer's latest help materials.
Solving common synchronization problems
Even if you follow all instructions, users may experience technical glitches. Most often, the problem lies in incompatibility of software versions or temporary errors in the network module.
If the process is stuck at a certain percentage (for example, 90%), do not rush to forcefully interrupt it. Wait 10-15 minutes - the system may be processing complex files or indexing the database.
If the transfer stops completely, try rebooting both devices and starting the process again, selecting only those categories of data that were not transferred the first time. The function additional transfer allows you to download missing content without duplicating already copied files.
If the wireless connection is constantly interrupted, try temporarily disabling Bluetooth on both devices to avoid frequency conflicts with Wi-Fi Direct.
Also worth Check to see if your old phone has Do Not Disturb enabled or has strict background activity restrictions on the Smart Switch app, which could be blocking data transfer in the background.
The most common cause of errors is an outdated version of the Smart Switch app on one of your devices. Always update the software before migrating.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to transfer data if the old phone does not turn on?
If the device does not turn on, software transfer via Smart Switch is not possible. You will need to remove the memory card (if the data was stored there) or contact a service center to temporarily restore the functionality of the motherboard in order to read the information.
Is the data on the old phone erased after the transfer?
No, the transfer process works on the principle of copying. All your files, contacts and settings will remain unchanged on your old device. You can delete them yourself or reset the phone to factory settings after successfully checking the new device.
Are passwords from Wi-Fi networks transferred?
Yes, Smart Switch is able to transfer saved Wi-Fi networks and their passwords. After you turn on your new phone, it will automatically connect to known networks without having to re-enter the security key.
What to do if applications do not open after transfer?
Try to clear the cache of the problematic application through the settings or delete it and install it again from the store. Sometimes you need to update the application itself to a version that is compatible with the new version of Android on your Samsung.
How long does it take to transfer 100 GB of data?
When using a USB-C cable, the process will take approximately 20-30 minutes. With a wireless connection, a transfer of this volume can take 1.5–2 hours, depending on the speed of Wi-Fi modules and air traffic.