When you switch to a new smartphone, getting it set up and transferring all of your content is often a headache, but it should be quick and seamless. If you’re hesitant to switch phones because you’re avoiding the hassle, Samsung Smart Switch will put you at ease.

With Smart Switch, you can transfer your apps, contacts, call logs and messages, photos, videos and other content to your new Galaxy device quickly and easily — whether you’re upgrading from an older Samsung smartphone, another Android device, an iPhone or even a Windows phone. Smart Switch also works with tablets — so you can use it when upgrading from an iPad to a newer Galaxy Tab device.

The Smart Switch app gives you two options: transfer via a USB cable or wireless transfer. In each case, you have complete control over the data you move.

Simply follow the instructions for your preferred method and you’ll have your old smartphone’s contents transferred and ready to go on your new Galaxy device in just a few minutes:

Before you begin

Before transferring your content, make sure you have the most up-to-date version of the Smart Switch app installed on your Galaxy device. The app is preloaded and also available in the Google Play Store. If you’re switching from an iPhone, there are a few important steps you need to take before using Smart Switch to avoid losing data:

• Back up your data to your iCloud account.
• Deregister your iMessage account.
• Have your iCloud ID and password handy.

Regardless of the device you’re switching from, don’t switch your SIM card until the entire transfer is complete. Before you get started, you’ll also want to make sure both your old device and your new device have at least 20 percent battery life.

Wired transfer via USB cable

The wired transfer is the recommended method. If you’re transferring over a large amount of content, a wired connection is considerably faster — and allows iPhones to transfer a larger variety of content.

To connect your new Galaxy smartphone with your old device, you’ll need a Lightning-to-USB-C cable, or a Lightning-to-USB-A cable that you can pair with an On-the-Go (OTG) adapter. Many Samsung smartphones ship with an OTG adaptor in the box.

1. Open the Smart Switch app on your new Samsung smartphone and agree to the terms of service.
2. Choose the “Receive data” option and select the type of device you’ll be transferring content from, for example, iPhone or iPad.
3. You’ll now be asked to connect your devices. Connect your iPhone to the Lightning end of the cable, and your new Galaxy device to the USB end. If you are using a USB-A cable (like many standard charging cables), you can use the OTG adaptor to plug into the USB-C port.
4. A pop-up will appear on your old smartphone, asking if you want to trust the connected device. Select Trust and enter your device passcode if prompted.
5. Smart Switch will search your old smartphone for content to transfer.
6. You’ll now see a list of transferrable content. Choose the content you want to move to your new device. Then tap the Transfer button.
7. If you’ve selected apps and you’re transferring from another OS, you’ll be prompted to choose the free Android versions of those apps. Note that paid apps and most in-app purchases from non-Android devices won’t transfer. But you can install paid apps on your new device later.

Once your content is done transferring, you’ll be notified that you can safely disconnect the USB cable and begin using your new smartphone.

Wireless transfer

The wireless transfer method is a quick and easy way to move your content, especially since it requires no cables or adapters. If you’re switching from an older Samsung phone or another Android device, a wireless transfer is your most convenient option. If you’re switching to a Galaxy from an iPhone, a wireless transfer is great for transferring the basics — like your contacts, photos and videos — but you should use a wired transfer method for a more complete switch.

1. On your new Galaxy device, open the Smart Switch app and select “Receive data.”
2. For the data transfer option, select Wireless if prompted.
3. Select the operating system (OS) of the device you’re transferring from. Then tap Transfer.
4. If you’re switching from an iPhone, select “Get data from iCloud instead” at the bottom of the screen; you’ll then be asked to log into your iCloud account. For other Samsung devices, you’ll now open the Smart Switch app on your old device and select “Send data.”
5. Smart Switch will connect to the backup, identify data that can be transferred and present a list. Choose the content you want to move to your new device. When you’re ready, tap Transfer.
6. Once the transfer is complete, you’ll see a summary of all the content you’ve transferred and a prompt to download the Android version of your old apps.
   

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You decide what stays and what goes

When you use Smart Switch to set up your new phone, you have full control over the content you want to transfer, so you can decide exactly what you want on your device. If your old phone is a Galaxy, you’ll be able to transfer just about everything, including all your texts, media content, Wi-Fi details and even your home screen settings.

If your old phone runs iOS, you won’t have quite the same ability to replicate your old device’s setup, but you’ll still be able to transfer all your contacts, texts and media files. Some iOS apps may not transfer, but Smart Switch will suggest equivalent apps for your new device.

If you’re in the market for a new phone but not sure where to start, check out a comparison of Samsung’s Galaxy smartphone lineup. And while you’re working from home, discover how Samsung predicts remote work solutions will reshape business operations — even when offices reopen.