Moving to a new smartphone Samsung is always an exciting moment, especially when it comes to the safety of personal data. Many users are afraid of losing valuable photos, contacts or messages when changing devices. Fortunately, transferring data from one Android devices to another via a computer is a reliable and controlled process that allows you to avoid typical mistakes when using cloud services or wireless technologies.

In this article we will examine 5 working methods data transfer - from standard tools Samsung Smart Switch before manually copying files via ADB. You'll learn how to properly prepare both devices, which apps to use for different types of data (contacts, media, applications), and how to avoid common problems, such as version incompatibility Android or loss of photo quality. We will pay special attention transferring data from devices based on pure Android (Pixel, Xiaomi, OnePlus) to Samsung smartphones with the One UI shellas nuances with account synchronization often arise here.

If you have never done such manipulations before, don’t worry. We will describe each step in detail, provide instructions with screenshots (in text format) and warn about possible pitfalls. And for experienced users, we have prepared advanced methods, including working with ADB and backups via Titanium Backup.

1. Preparing devices and computer for data transfer

Before you begin the transfer, you need to make sure that both smartphones and computer are ready for the procedure. Skipping this step can lead to failures, data loss, or even damage to the device file system.

Start with a scan device compatibility. Make sure that the old smartphone runs Android 5.0 or newer, and the new one Samsung supports Smart Switch (most models after 2016). Also check the version One UI on the target device - some functions (for example, transferring applications) may require One UI 3.0 or higher.

  • 📱 On an old Android device: update the firmware to the latest version, delete unnecessary files (especially from the folder Download), check the free space (at least 10% of the memory).
  • 📱 On the new Samsung: perform the initial setup before logging into your account, but do not connect Google account - this may interfere with the correct data transfer.
  • 💻 On the computer: Install the latest drivers for both devices (can be downloaded from the manufacturers' websites), disable the antivirus (it can block data transfer), prepare USB cables (preferably original ones).
⚠️ Attention: If data encryption is enabled on your old device (Settings → Security → Encryption), the transfer process may take 2-3 times longer. We recommend temporarily disabling encryption or using the backup method via Titanium Backup.

It is also worth considering the type of connection: for maximum transfer speed, use the port USB 3.0 (usually marked in blue) on the computer and high-quality cables that support high-speed data transfer. If you are transferring a large number of photos in RAW or video format 4K, it is better to divide the process into several stages to avoid overheating of the devices.

📊 How much data do you plan to transfer?
Up to 5 GB
5–20 GB
20–50 GB
More than 50 GB

2. Method 1: Using Samsung Smart Switch via PC

Samsung Smart Switch is the official solution from Samsung to transfer data that supports most functions, including contacts, messages, photos, music and even some application settings. This method is suitable for users who want to transfer data as quickly as possible and without manually sorting files.

To use Smart Switch via a computer, follow these steps:

  1. Download and install Samsung Smart Switch on your PC (available for Windows i macOS).
  2. Connect the old Android device to the computer via a USB cable. In the connection menu on your phone, select the mode File transfer (MTP).
  3. Run Smart Switch on your PC and wait until the app detects the device. Click Backup and select the types of data to save (we recommend leaving all the checkboxes except Applicationsif you do not want to transfer their settings).
  4. After the backup is complete, disconnect the old device and connect the new one SamsungIn the app, select Restore and specify the created backup.
Data type Smart Switch supported Notes
Contact ✅ Yes Transferred along with call history
Messages (SMS/MMS) ✅ Yes Including attachments (photos, videos)
Photos and video ✅ Yes The folder structure is preserved
Applications and their data ⚠️ Partially Not all applications are supported
System settings ❌ No Only basic parameters (Wi-Fi, wallpaper)

One of the key advantages of this method is saving the folder structure. For example, if on the old phone the photos were organized into albums (DCIM/Camera, Pictures/Screenshots), on the new Samsung they will remain in the same folders. However, there are also limitations: Smart Switch does not transfer data from some applications (for example, WhatsApp or banking apps), and also does not support backup to external drives.

Install Smart Switch on PC|

Update the firmware on both devices|

Connect the old device in MTP mode|

Create a backup|

Connect the new Samsung and restore data-->

3. Method 2: Manually transferring files through Windows Explorer

If you need to transfer only certain files (for example, photos, music or documents), you can do without additional software by using standard Windows Explorer or Finder on macOS. This method gives complete control over the process, but requires more time and attention.

Here are step-by-step guide:

  1. Connect old Android device to your computer via a USB cable. In the phone notification menu, select the mode File transfer (MTP).
  2. Open This computer (Windows) or Finder (macOS) - your device will appear as a removable disk (usually with the model name phone).
  3. Go to the folders with the necessary data:
    • 📷 DCIM - photos and videos
    • 🎵 Music - music files
    • 📄 Documents or Download - documents and downloads
  • Copy the files to your computer (for example, to a folder on your desktop). To speed up the process, you can archive folders in ZIP.
  • Disconnect the old device, connect the new one Samsung and move the files to the appropriate folders.
    • ⚠️ Attention: If you transfer manually do not copy files directly from the folder Android/data this may cause applications to malfunction on the new device. To transfer application data, use specialized tools like Titanium Backup or Helium.

    The advantage of this method is selective transfer. For example, you can transfer only photos from the last year or specific documents. However, there are also disadvantages: Samsung may have a different folder structure (for example, Pictures instead of DCIM), and some files (for example, contacts in the format .vcf) will need to be imported manually through the appropriate applications.

    💡

    If you are transferring a large number of small files (for example, screenshots), first archive them in ZIP. This will speed up the copying process and reduce the risk of data loss if the connection is lost.

    4. Method 3: Transferring contacts and calendars through a Google account

    Contacts, calendar events and some settings can be transferred without connecting to a computer using synchronization with a Google account. This method is suitable if you want to save data in the cloud and access it from any device. However, for complete control over the process, we will look at how to manage synchronization via a computer.

    Instructions:

    1. On old Android device go to Settings → Accounts → Google and make sure synchronization is enabled for Contacts, Calendar and Task.
    2. Wait for synchronization to complete (you can check it in Settings → Accounts → Google → Synchronization).
    3. On your computer, open your browser and go to the site Google Contacts. Log in using the same account as on your old phone.
    4. Check that all contacts are displayed correctly. If necessary, export them to a file .vcf (click More → Export).
    5. On the new one Samsung add the same Google account and enable synchronization. Contacts and calendar events will be automatically updated.

      6. This method is especially convenient if you you use several devices (for example, a smartphone and a tablet) and want the data to always be up to date. However, remember that to transfer them you will need to use third-party applications like Google Contacts does not save call and SMS history. What to do if the contacts do not are synchronized? Google Contacts does not save call and SMS history - to transfer them you will need to use Smart Switch or third party apps like SMS Backup & Restore.

      What to do if contacts are not syncing?

      If contacts are not displayed on the new device, check:

      1. Internet connection (synchronization only works online).

      2. Google account settings on the new phone (is contact synchronization enabled).

      3. Possible limitations of a corporate account (if you use work Google).

      4. Conflicts with other accounts (for example, Samsung Account may be blocking synchronization).

      If the problem persists, export your contacts to a .vcf file on your computer and import them manually through the Contacts app on Samsung.

      5. Method 4: Transferring applications and their data (for advanced users)

      One ​​of the most difficult aspects when changing a smartphone is transfer applications and their data. Standard tools like Smart Switch often fail to cope with this task, especially when it comes to games with progression or specialized apps. To do this, you will need to use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) or third-party utilities like Titanium Backup.

      Important: this method requires root access on an old device (for Titanium Backup) or at least turned on mode USB debugging (for ADB). If you are not confident in your skills, it is better to skip this section or seek help from a specialist.

      • 🔧 Method 1: Titanium Backup (requires root)
        1. Install Titanium Backup from a third-party source (for example, 4PDA).
        2. Create a backup copy of all applications and their data (Batch action → Backup all user applications).
        3. Copy the folder TitaniumBackup from the internal memory to computer.
        4. Move the folder to a new one Samsung, install Titanium Backup and restore the data.
      • 🖥️ Method 2: ADB (without root, but with restrictions) 
        adb backup -apk -obb -shared -all -f backup.ab

        This command will create a full backup of applications and their data to a file backup.ab. However, you can restore it on a new device only if the application signatures match (which is unlikely if you change the manufacturer).

    ⚠️ Attention: Transferring application data may disrupt their operation on the new device, especially when it comes to banking apps or instant messengers tied to the device (for example, WhatsApp). In some cases, it is easier to reinstall the application and log into your account than to risk losing data.

    For most users, the optimal solution would be selective transfer: copy only really important data (for example, saving games via Google Play Games or exporting chats from Telegram), and reinstall the remaining applications from Google Play.

    💡

    Transferring applications is the most risky stage. If the application is critical (banking, instant messengers), it is better to configure it again on a new device rather than risk losing access.

    6. Method 5: Transfer via backup to recovery (TWRP)

    For users who have custom recovery (TWRP)installed on an old device, it is possible to create a full backup of the system and restore it to a new one Samsung. This method is only suitable for experienced users and has many limitations, but it allows you to transfer almost all data, including system settings.

    Instructions:

    1. On the old device, boot into TWRP (usually by pressing Power + Volume Up).
    2. Select Backup and mark partitions Data, System (optional), Boot.
    3. Save the backup to an external memory card or a drive connected via OTG.
    4. Copy the backup file to your computer, then transfer it to the external card of the new one Samsung.
    5. On the new device, install TWRP (if supported) and restore the backup via Restore.

    This method has critical limitations:

    • ❌ The new device must be on the same version Android (or a close one).
    • ❌ Not all models Samsung support TWRP (especially new flagships with Knox).
    • ❌ System restore can cause failures if the hardware is very different.

    We recommend using this method only in extreme cases, for example, if the old device has unique settings that cannot be transferred otherwise. For most users, a combination of Smart Switch and manually transferring files is enough.

    7. Common mistakes and their solutions

    Even if you strictly follow the instructions, problems may arise. Let's look at the most common errors and how to eliminate them.

    Problem Possible cause Solution
    Smart Switch does not see the device Outdated drivers, incompatible USB cable Update drivers via Samsung USB Driver, try a different cable
    Photos were transferred, but are not displayed in the gallery The media database is not updated Restart the device or use the application Rescan Media
    Contacts are duplicated after transfer Conflict between Google and Samsung accounts Disable contact synchronization in Samsung Account
    Applications are not restored Incompatibility of Android versions or application signatures Install applications again from Google Play

    If you encounter an error that is not in the table, try these universal steps:

    1. Restart both devices and the computer.
    2. Check whether USB debugging is turned on on your old phone (Settings → About phone → Build number - press 7 times to unlock developer mode).
    3. Disable the firewall and antivirus on your computer.
    4. Try using a different USB port (preferably USB 3.0).

    If the problem persists, contact support Samsung or thematic forums (for example, 4PDA), indicating the device model and error text.

    Is it possible to transfer data from iPhone to Samsung via a computer?

    Yes, but for this it is better to use Samsung Smart Switch directly (via a USB cable between devices) or iCloud. Transferring via a computer is possible, but requires additional manipulations with exporting data from iTunes.

    Why does Smart Switch not transfer some applications?

    Smart Switch does not support data transfer for applications that use secure storage (banking apps, some instant messengers) or are tied to the device (for example, WhatsApp requires a separate transfer of chats).

    How to transfer game saves to a new Samsung?

    Most modern games save progress in the cloud (for example, through Google Play Games or a developer account). For games without cloud synchronization, you can use Helium or manually transfer save files (usually located in /Android/obb or /Android/data).

    Is it possible transfer data without a computer?

    Yes, the following are suitable for this:

    • 🔄 Samsung Smart Switch (direct connection via USB-OTG or Wi-Fi Direct).
    • ☁️ Cloud services (Google Drive, Samsung Cloud).
    • 📱 Applications for data transfer (for example, Clone Phone from Huawei).

    However, transferring via a computer is more reliable, especially for large amounts of data.

    What to do if some photos are missing after transferring to Samsung?

    Check the following folders on the new device:

    • DCIM/Camera — photos from the camera.
    • Pictures/Screenshots — screenshots.
    • Download — downloaded files.

    If photos are not displayed in the gallery, update the media database using the application Rescan Media or restart the device.