Moving to a new smartphone Samsung is always an exciting time, but transferring data often becomes a headache. Especially when it comes to saving contacts, applications with settingsphotos and even correspondence history. Many users waste hours manually copying files or encounter synchronization problems. In fact, the process can be simplified to 10-15 minutes if you know the nuances of working with tools and alternative methods. solutions to little-known life hacks. You will learn how to avoid losing information when changing devices, what settings should be checked in advance, and why some applications (for example, banking) cannot be transferred using standard methods. And also - how to restore data if something went wrong. Samsung Smart Switch, Google Account and alternative methods.

In this article we will look at 5 ways to transfer data - from official solutions to little-known life hacks. You will learn how to avoid losing information when changing devices, what settings should be checked in advance, and why some applications (for example, banking) cannot be transferred using standard methods. And also - how to restore data if something goes wrong.

If you are moving from Xiaomi, Huawei or another brand to Galaxy S24, A55 or Z Flip6, the instructions below are suitable for any models on Android 10 and later. The main thing is to properly prepare both devices and choose the optimal method depending on the amount of data.

📊 How much data do you usually transfer to a new smartphone?
Up to 5 GB (photos, contacts)
5–20 GB (photos, videos, applications)
More than 20 GB (full backup)
I can’t stand it, I set it up from scratch

1. Preparing devices before transfer

Before starting the transfer, make sure that both smartphones are ready for the procedure. This will eliminate synchronization errors and data loss.

On old device check:

  • 🔋 Battery charge - at least 50%. Data transfer may take up to an hour, and draining during the process will interrupt the operation.
  • 📶 Stable Internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile network). For cloud methods, you will need to upload/download data.
  • 🔐 Disabling the screen lock (PIN, pattern key). Some methods require an unlocked screen on both devices.
  • 📂 Free space — on the new one Samsung there must be at least 20% more than the amount of data being transferred.

On new Samsung perform:

  • 📱 Initial setup to the "Copying data" screen. Do not skip this step - later it will be more difficult to move on to it.
  • 🔄 Updating the software to the latest version via Settings → Software Update. This will eliminate bugs in Settings → Software update Disabling battery optimization → Application restrictions Smart Switch.
  • 🚫 Disabling battery optimization For Smart Switch (V Settings → Device care → Battery → Application restrictions).
⚠️ Attention: If your old phone used root access or custom firmware, some methods (for example, Smart Switch) may not work correctly. In this case, give priority to cloud services (Attention: Root access is the official application for transferring data, but it does not always cope with (for example, or bank clients). If It is critically important to save the history of correspondence; export it manually in advance through the settings of these applications.Google Drive, Samsung Cloud).

Samsung Smart Switch - official application for transferring data, but it does not always cope with applications from third-party manufacturers (For example, Viber, Telegram or bank clients). If it is critical to save your chat history, export it manually in advance through the settings of these applications.

2. Method 1: Smart Switch (cable or Wi-Fi)

Samsung Smart Switch - the most reliable method for transfer all types of data, including:

  • 📞 Contacts, call log, SMS/MMS
  • 📷 Photos, videos, music
  • 📱 Applications (including data of some of them)
  • 📅 Calendar, notes, alarm clocks
  • 🎮 Home screen settings and wallpaper

The application supports transfer from most brands (Xiaomi, Huawei, OPPO etc.), but there are nuances:

  • 🔌 Cable transfer faster and more stable, but requires an original USB cable (it is better to use the one that came with the kit c Samsung).
  • 📶 Wi-Fi is more convenient, but can slow down with a large amount of data (from 10 GB).
  • ❌ Not transferred: data of some applications (for example, WhatsApp requires a separate backup), VPN settings, Wi-Fi passwords (on Android 10+).

Step-by-step guide (cable method):

  1. Install Smart Switch on both devices (you can download from Google Play or Samsung official website).
  2. Connect the phones with a cable via an adapter USB-C → USB-C (or USB-A → USB-C for older models).
  3. On the new one Samsung select Get data → Cable.
  4. On your old phone, confirm the data transfer (permission to access files may be required).
  5. Select data types to transfer and wait for completion. Do not disconnect the cable and do not lock the screens until the process is completed!

Is the application installed on both devices?

Is there an original cable for connection?

Is there enough space on the new Samsung?

Is battery optimization disabled for Smart Switch?

Are contacts synchronized with Google (in case of failure)-->

If the transfer is stuck at the "Data Preparation" stage, try:

  • Reboot both devices.
  • Use a different cable or USB port.
  • Clear cache Smart Switch in the application settings.
⚠️ Attention: On some models Huawei (for example, P40 Pro) Smart Switch may not see applications due to EMUI restrictions. In this case, use the method with Google Account (section 3).

3. Method 2: Transfer via Google Account (cloud)

If you have already enabled synchronization with Google, most of the data will automatically appear on the new one Samsung after logging into your account. This method is suitable for:

  • 📞 Contacts, calendar, notes (Google Keep).
  • 📧 Letters (Gmail) and events.
  • 📱 Some application settings (for example, Chrome, YouTube).
  • 📷 Photos and videos (if enabled Google Photos).

How to check synchronization on an old phone:

  1. Open Settings → Accounts → Google.
  2. Select your account and check if synchronization is enabled for Contacts, Calendar, Disk i etc.
  3. If not, turn it on and wait for completion (it can take up to an hour if there is a large amount of data).

On the new one Samsung:

  1. When you turn it on for the first time, select Copy data → From the cloud.
  2. Login to the same account Google.
  3. Select data to restore (contacts, applications from Play Market etc.).

Method limitations:

  • ❌ Applications is not transferred —only their list for automatic installation from Play Market.
  • ❌ Data inside applications (for example, saves in games) may not be restored.
  • ❌ Photos in original quality are synchronized only when connected to Wi-Fi.
💡

If you use Google Photos to transfer media files, check the storage settings in advance: Settings → Backup & Sync → Upload Quality. Select "Original Quality" to avoid compression.

Data Type Smart Switch Google Account Samsung Cloud
Contact ✅ ✅ ✅
Applications (+ data) ✅ (partially) ❌ (list only) ❌
Photo/video ✅ ✅ (via Google Photos) ✅ (up to 15 GB)
SMS/MMS ✅ ❌ ✅
Wi-Fi settings ❌ (Android 10+) ❌ ✅

4. Method 3: Samsung Cloud (backup)

Samsung Cloud — cloud storage from Samsungthat offers 15 GB for free (for comparison: Google Drive gives only 5 GB per account). This method is convenient if:

  • You have already used devices Samsung previously.
  • You need to transfer SMS, call log or Samsung settings (for example, Bixby, Samsung Pay).
  • It is not possible to use a cable or Smart Switch.

How to make a backup on the old one Samsung:

  1. Open Settings → Accounts and archiving → Backup and recovery.
  2. Select Archive data and specify file types (contacts, messages, applications, etc.).
  3. Click Archive and wait for completion.

How to restore to a new one Samsung:

  1. When you turn it on for the first time, select Recover data → Samsung Cloud.
  2. Login to the same account Samsung.
  3. Select the latest backup and confirm the restoration.
⚠️ Attention: Samsung Cloud does not support transferring data from devices of other brands! This method only works when switching from Samsung to SamsungFor other cases. use Smart Switch or Google Account.

If you do not see the option Samsung Cloud in the settings, check:

  • Your account region Samsung (in some countries service is unavailable).
  • Software version (on Android 13+ the path to the settings may differ: Settings → Cloud and accounts).

5. Method 4: Manually transfer files (without applications)

If you need to transfer only media files (photos, videos, music) or documents, you can do without specialized tools. This method is universal and works on any device.

Manual transfer methods:

  • 💻 Via a computer:
    1. Connect the old phone to the PC via USB (select mode File transfer).
    2. Copy files from folders DCIM (photo), Downloads (downloads), Music to a separate folder on your PC.
    3. Connect new Samsung and transfer the files back.
  • 📁 Via memory card (microSD):
    1. Copy the files to the memory card on the old phone.
    2. Insert the card into the new one Samsung and transfer the data to the internal one memory.
  • ☁️ Through cloud services:
    1. Upload files to Google Drive, Dropbox or Yandex Disk from your old phone.
    2. Download them to a new one Samsung.

    • Where to look for key folders on Android: 

    Internal memory:

    /DCIM/ – Photos and videos
    

    /Pictures/ – Screenshots and images from applications
    

    /Downloads/ – Downloaded files
    

    /Music/ – Music
    

    /Documents/ – Documents (PDF, Word, etc.)

    ⚠️ Attention: When copying via PC, avoid dragging and dropping entire folders (for example, DCIM).Some files (for example .thumbdata) may cause errors on the new device. It is better to selectively transfer only the necessary media files (JPG, MP4, PNG, etc.).
    How to transfer game saves without root access?

    Many games (for example, Genshin Impact or Clash of Clans) store saves in the cloud linked to your account (Google Play Games, Mi Account, Facebook). To transfer progress:

    1. Make sure that the game is linked to your account (go to the game settings).

    2. Install the game on a new one Samsung from the same account.

    3. Launch the game and select "Restore Progress" (usually prompted automatically).

    If the game does not support cloud saves, try using Helium (requires a PC) or Swift Backup (requires root).

    6. Method 5: Transferring applications with data (advanced)

    Standard methods (Smart Switch, Google) do not always transfer data inside applications (for example, settings Nova Launcher, progress in games or cache Spotify). To do this, you will need specialized tools.

    Ways to transfer applications with data:

    • 🔄 Titanium Backup (requires root):
      1. Install Titanium Backup on your old phone.
      2. Make a backup of the necessary applications (Backup/restore → Batch backup).
      3. Transfer the backup file to a new one Samsung (via PC or cloud).
      4. Install Titanium Backup on a new device and restore the data.
    • 🖥️ ADB Backup (without root, but more difficult):
      1. Connect the old phone to the PC and turn it on USB debugging (Settings → About phone → Build number - tap 7 times, then return in Settings → System → For developers).
      2. Run the command in the terminal (PC): 
        adb backup -apk -obb -shared -all -f backup.ab
      3. Move the file backup.ab to a new one Samsung and restore: 
        adb restore backup.ab
  • ☁️ Cloud application services:
    1. Some applications (for example, WhatsApp, Telegram) have built-in data export/import. Use them!
    2. For WhatsApp: Settings → Chat → Backup (saved in Google Drive).

      3. Which applications CANNOT be transferred:

      • 🏦 Banking applications (SberBank, Tinkoff, etc.) - for security reasons, you will have to install them again and log in.
      • 🔒 Applications with DRM protection (for example, Netflix, Disney+) - may require re-authorization.
      • 📱 System applications (for example, Samsung Health) - data is transferred only through Samsung Cloud.
      💡

      To transfer application data without root access, the best option is to use the built-in backup functions of the applications themselves (for example, export chats in WhatsApp or synchronization with the cloud in games).

      7. What to do if the transfer is unsuccessful?

      Even if you follow the instructions, problems may arise: Problem 1: Smart Switch does not see the old one. device

      Problem 1: Smart Switch does not see the old device

      • 🔌 Check the cable - use the original USB-C → USB-C (not cheap Chinese analogues).
      • 🔄 Reboot both phones.
      • 📱 On the old phone, turn on the mode File transfer (MTP) when connected to a PC.
      • 🛠️ Update Smart Switch to the latest version.

      Problem 2: Contacts were not transferred

      • 🔍 Check if contact synchronization is enabled from Google (Settings → Accounts → Google → Contact synchronization).
      • ☁️ Export contacts to a file .vcf:
        1. Open Contacts → Settings → Import/Export → Export to file.
        2. Move the file to a new one Samsung and import it.

      Problem 3: Applications are installed, but data is lost

      • 🎮 For games, check whether the account is linked to Google Play Games or Facebook.
      • 📱 To launch applications (for example, Nova Launcher), try restoring the settings from backup (Settings → Backup inside the application).
      • 🔧 Use Titanium Backup or Swift Backup (if you have root).

    Problem 4: There is not enough space on the new one Samsung

    • 🗑️ Clear the cache of unnecessary applications (Settings → Applications → Storage → Clear cache).
    • ☁️ Transfer some files to the cloud (Google Photos, OneDrive).
    • 📁 Use a memory card (if the model Samsung supports memory expansion).
      • 💡

      If after transferring wallpapers or widgets to the new one, try restarting the device. home screen settings only after reboot. Samsung wallpapers or widgets are missing, try rebooting your device. Sometimes the system applies home screen settings only after reboot.

      8. Additional tips for Samsung users

      After a successful data transfer, you should follow several steps so that the new one Samsung works optimally:

      What to configure after the transfer:

      • 🔒 Security:
        1. Set up face/print unlock (Settings → Biometrics and security).
        2. Enable Samsung Knox for protection of corporate data (if necessary).
      • 🔋 Battery:
        1. Activate Adaptive battery (Settings → Device care → Battery → Advanced).
        2. Disable background activity for unnecessary applications.
      • 📶 Network:
        1. Enable Wi-Fi Calling and VoLTE for better call quality (Settings → Connections → Additional settings).
    • 🎵 Sound:
      1. Set up Dolby Atmos for speakers or headphones (Settings → Sound and vibration → Sound quality).

    • Applications that should be installed on Samsung:

    • 🛡️ Samsung Members — for diagnostics and advice on the device.
    • 🔍 Good Lock — for fine-tuning the interface One UI.
    • 📁 Files by Google — for cleaning debris and management files.
    • 🎮 Game Launcher — for optimizing games (already preinstalled on most models).

      • If you switched from iPhone to Samsung, pay attention to lack of analogues of some functions (for example, AirDrop is replaced by Quick Share, and iMessage by Samsung Messages or Google Messages). To transfer data from iOS use a special version. Smart Switch for iPhone.

      FAQ: Frequently asked questions about data transfer

      ❓ Is it possible to transfer data from Android to Samsung without a computer?

      Yes, use it! data-i="394">via Wi-Fi or Smart Switch via Wi-Fi or Google Account to synchronize contacts, photos and applications. Cloud storage (Google Drive, Samsung Cloud) is also suitable for manually transferring files.

      ❓ Why were messages from WhatsApp not transferred?

      WhatsApp does not support transferring chats via Smart Switch. To save the correspondence:

      1. On your old phone, make a backup in Google Drive (WhatsApp Settings → Chat → Backup).
      2. Install WhatsApp new Samsung and log into the same account.
      3. Restore chats from backup when you first start.
    Important: Use the same phone number and account Googleas on the old device.

    ❓ How to transfer Wi-Fi passwords?

    On Android 10 and newer passwords Wi-Fi is not transferred via Smart Switch or Google for security reasons. Alternative methods:

    • 📝 Manual entry: Write down passwords in advance or take a photo of the QR codes of access points.
    • 🔧 Applications for export: Use WiFi Password Viewer (requires root) or Samsung Smart Switch (sometimes works on older versions of Android).
    • 🖥️ ADB command: Connect the phone to the PC and run: 
      adb pull /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml

      (requires root access and technical knowledge).

    ❓ How long does it take to transfer data?

    The time depends on the amount of data and the method:

    • 🔌 Smart Switch via cable: 5–30 minutes (up to 50 GB).
    • 📶 Smart Switch via Wi-Fi: 20–60 minutes (depending on network speed).
    • ☁️ Google Account: From 10 minutes to several hours (synchronization in the background).
    • 💻 Manual transfer: 5–15 minutes (only for selected files).
      • Tip: If the transfer takes too long, break the data into parts (for example, first contacts and photos, then applications).

    ❓ You can