How to transfer contacts to another Samsung phone: an expert guide

Changing a smartphone is always stressful, associated not so much with mastering a new interface, but with the risk of losing important information. The most valuable asset for most users remains the phone book, which contains hundreds of numbers of colleagues, friends and delivery services. Fortunately, the ecosystem Android and proprietary tools Samsung offer many effective ways to migrate data, making the process as automated as possible.

In this article we will analyze in detail all the current transfer methods: from cloud synchronization to the use of specialized PC software. You'll learn how to avoid duplicate entries and what to do if standard features fail. Regardless of whether you have an old device or a new flagship, there is a solution for any situation.

Before you begin active actions, make sure that both devices are charged at least 50-60%. The process of copying large amounts of data can be energy-intensive, and a sudden power outage can interrupt the operation midway. Also check that you have a stable Internet connection if you plan to use cloud services.

Using Samsung Smart Switch: the most complete method

Branded application Smart Switch from the South Korean giant is the undisputed leader among migration tools. It allows you to transfer not only contacts, but also messages, system settings, icon placement, and even Wi-Fi passwords. This is the best choice for those who switch to Samsung from any other Androidsmartphone.

To get started, you need to install the application on both devices. On new models Galaxy it is often preinstalled in the folder Samsung folder or available in the settings menu. On an old phone, you need to download the app from Google Play. After launch, select the device role: “Sender” on the old gadget and “Receiver” on the new one.

⚠️ Attention: When transmitting data via cable, make sure that you are using an original or certified wire. Cheap charging cables often do not support data transfer, which will result in a connection error.

The connection can be established in three ways: via Wi-Fi Direct, USB cable or backup. The cable method is faster and more stable, especially if the volume of contacts is large and photographs are attached to them. Select the type of data to transfer by checking the “Contacts” box and start the process.

It is important not to interrupt the process and keep the device screens on. Smart Switch automatically recognizes incompatible data formats and offers to adapt them. After completion, you will receive a phone completely ready for use with the saved phone book structure.

Synchronization via Google Account: cloud standard

The simplest and most universal method that works out of the box on any Android. If you have previously used a smartphone based on this OS, your contacts are most likely already saved in the cloud. To check, go to the website contacts.google.com from your computer and make sure there are records.

To transfer contacts to a new one Samsung, just enter the same email address during the first setup Gmail. The system will automatically offer to synchronize data. If the phone is already configured, follow these steps:

• 📱 Open Settings and select section Accounts and archiving.
• ☁️ Click Manage accounts and select your Google profile.
• ✅ Make sure the switch next to "Contacts" is active.

After synchronization is enabled, data will begin to download in the background. The speed depends on the number of entries and Internet speed. This method is ideal for those who want to have an up-to-date copy of their phone book at any time, accessible from any device.

⚠️ Attention: If you see an empty phone book after logging into your account, check the display filter. In the Contacts application, click on the three dots in the corner and make sure that “All contacts” is checked, and not just “Phone contacts.”

The advantage of the method is its independence from the physical integrity of the old phone. Even if the previous device is broken or lost, but your Google account is known, you can easily restore all numbers on the new one. Galaxy.

Transfer via SIM card: classic method

Although this method is considered outdated due to limitations in the volume and quality of transferred information, it remains the only possible option if both phones do not have access to the Internet or are malfunctioning. SIM card stores basic data: name and number.

The process is as follows: on your old phone, open the contacts app, go to the control menu (usually the three dots or the More button) and select Import/Export Contacts. Then specify the source “SIM card” and the destination “Phone” or “Google Account”.

After copying to a new device, the data may appear in the form of "Contacts" SIM". It is recommended to immediately copy them to internal memory or the cloud, since storage on a SIM card is less reliable. To do this, repeat the import/export procedure, but this time selecting the source “SIM” and the recipient “Google”.

The main drawback of the method is the truncation of long names and the inability to save additional fields, such as email, address or profile photo. In addition, SIM cards are limited to approximately 250-500 entries, which may be critically few for modern users.

Import via VCF file: working with files

Format VCF (vCard) is a universal standard for electronic business cards. It allows you to create one file containing the entire phone book and transfer it in any convenient way: via Bluetooth, instant messengers, email or USB cable.

On your old device, export contacts to a VCF file. The path is usually located in the contacts menu: Manage contacts → Import/export → Export to device memory. Find the resulting file (often called contacts.vcf) in the file manager and send it to a new one Samsung.

What to do if the VCF file does not open?

If the system does not prompt you to import when you try to open a file, try changing the file extension or use a third-party vCard reading application. Also make sure that the file is not damaged when transferred via instant messengers (sometimes they change the extension).

Once you receive the file on your new phone, just click on it. The system Android automatically recognizes the format and offers to import records. You can choose where to save contacts: to the phone memory, to SIM or to a Google account.

This method is good because it allows you to make local backups. You can store a file with contacts on your computer or flash drive as a backup copy for a “black case”. This is especially useful if you often change firmware or experiment with system settings.

Using Samsung Cloud and OneDrive

Device owners Samsung have access to their own cloud storage, which is now integrated with Microsoft OneDrive. This is a powerful tool for those who are deeply integrated into the brand ecosystem. Synchronization occurs automatically if Wi-Fi is available.

To activate the function, go to Settings → Accounts and archiving → Samsung Cloud. Log in to your Samsung Account and enable contact synchronization. On the new phone, just log in to the same account, and the data will be updated automatically.

Option	Google Contacts	Samsung Cloud	Smart Switch (PC)
Speed	High	Medium	Maximum (cable)
Internet required	Yes	Yes	No (for cable)
Saving photos	Yes	Yes	Yes
Complexity	Minimal	Low	Average

It is important to note that Samsung Cloud has limits on free storage (usually 15 GB, shared with OneDrive). For contacts alone, this is more than enough, but if you plan to back up photos and videos, you may run out of space.

Problem solving and common errors

Even when using automated systems, sometimes failures occur. Most often, users are faced with a situation where contacts have “disappeared” or are displayed as duplicates. This is not a critical error, but a feature of the indexing system.

If you see duplicates, use the built-in merge function. In the Contacts application, click on the three dots, select Manage contacts → Merge contacts. The system itself will find duplicate entries and offer to combine them into one card.

⚠️ Attention: The menu interface and item names may vary slightly depending on the shell version One UI and the model of your smartphone. If you don't find the item you need, use the settings search.

If contacts are not synchronized, try clearing the cache of the Contacts and Google Play Services applications. Go to Settings → Applications, find the desired application, select Storage → Clear cache. This will not delete your data, but it will reset temporary files that are interfering with your work.

Sometimes the problem lies in a full Google Account storage. If the cloud space runs out, new synchronization will not occur. Free up space or delete old unnecessary backups so that the process can resume.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Can I transfer contacts if the screen of an old phone is broken?

Yes, it is possible. If the sensor works or you can connect a USB mouse via an OTG adapter, you can control your phone and start syncing with Google. The method of removing the SIM card will also help if the numbers are stored on it.

Is it safe to transfer contacts over public Wi-Fi?

Using public networks to transfer personal data is not recommended due to the risks of interception. It is better to use home Wi-Fi, mobile data or cable connection via Smart Switch.

What to do if the names were written in hieroglyphs during transfer?

This is an encoding problem. Try exporting contacts in CSV format via your computer, changing the file encoding to UTF-8, and then importing them back into Google Contacts, where they sync to your phone.

How long does it take to transfer 1000 contacts?

When using Smart Switch via cable or Google sync, it takes 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Via Bluetooth or SIM card, the process can take up to 10-15 minutes.