Upgrading from one Galaxy to another—whether it’s Galaxy S Series, Galaxy Z Fold/Flip, or a new Galaxy Tab should feel seamless. The good news: Samsung has built a reliable, secure system to move your content quickly using Samsung Smart Switch.

This guide is a complete, practical walkthrough on how to transfer data from Samsung to Samsung the right way, covering the best method (cable), the easiest method (wireless), and a “backup & restore” option using PC/Mac for extra safety.

You’ll also learn what transfers perfectly, what may need a separate login, and what to do if something doesn’t come across.

Before you start: Checklist for Samsung Data Transfer

Do these quick steps first—your transfer will be faster and cleaner:

1. Charge both phones (ideally 50%+).
   

2. Update software on both devices (Settings → Software update).
   

3. Connect to Wi-Fi (especially for wireless transfer).
   

4. Free up space on the new device if needed (large photo libraries can be huge).
   

5. Keep both devices close and avoid switching apps during transfer.
   

6. If you use Secure Folder, ensure you know your Secure Folder lock method and Samsung account credentials (Secure Folder can be included, but it may prompt you during restore depending on your setup).
   

Smart Switch Samsung to Samsung

Fastest + most reliable for large photo/video libraries

If you have a lot of media (photos/videos), cable transfer is the smoothest way to transfer Samsung data.

What you need

• A USB-C to USB-C cable (or your phone’s data cable)
  

• If your old phone is older (USB-A), you may need an adapter
  
  

Step-by-step: Cable transfer

Step 1: On your new Samsung, go to:
Settings → Accounts and backup → Smart Switch (or “Bring data from old device” depending on model/region).
Step 2: Tap Receive data → choose Galaxy / Android.
Step 3: On your old Samsung, open Smart Switch and tap Send data.
Step 4: Select Cable on both devices.
Step 5: When prompted, tap Allow on the old phone to grant access.
Step 6: Choose what you want to move:

• Contacts, Messages, Call logs

• Photos, Videos, Files

• Apps (and some app data)

• Settings and device preferences
  

Step 7: Tap Transfer and keep the cable connected until it finishes.

Pro tip (important): If you’re moving 50–150GB+ of media, cable transfer is usually much more stable than wireless.

How to Transfer Data Wirelessly from Samsung to Samsung

Wireless Smart Switch is perfect if your data is moderate (or you just want convenience).

Step-by-step: Wireless transfer

Step 1: On the new Samsung:
Settings → Accounts and backup → Smart Switch → Receive data → Galaxy/Android.
Step 2: On the old Samsung: open Smart Switch → Send data.
Step 3: Choose Wireless.
Step 4: Approve the connection request on the old device (Allow).
Step 5: Select data categories and tap Transfer.

Wireless is great for:

• Contacts, messages, settings
  

• Smaller photo libraries
  

• When you don’t have a cable handy

What Data Can Be Transferred Using Samsung Smart Switch?

Samsung lists many content types that Smart Switch can move, including contacts, messages, call logs, calendar items, notes, plus media and apps (with some limitations around protected content).

Typically transfers well

• Contacts, Messages, Call history
  

• Photos & Videos (DRM-free content)
  

• Files/Documents
  

• Many apps (Play Store apps generally re-download smoothly)
  

• Many settings (wallpaper, basic preferences)

What may not transfer perfectly

Some apps keep data encrypted or stored on their own servers. Samsung notes that secure or encrypted data, such as WhatsApp chats, won’t transfer via Smart Switch in many cases, and you should use WhatsApp’s own transfer tools.

Also, media with DRM protection may not transfer as standard files. Samsung support notes DRM-free media transfers more reliably.

How to transfer apps + app data properly

When you select “Apps” in Smart Switch:

• Your apps often reinstall automatically on the new phone.
  

• Some apps will still require you to sign in again (banking, enterprise apps, streaming apps). Samsung highlights that many apps store data on their own servers and need login after moving.

Best practice

After transfer, open key apps in this order:

1. Banking / payment apps
   

2. Email / work apps
   

3. Social & messaging
   

4. Shopping apps
   

This reduces “verification chaos” and keeps your 2FA experience smooth.

How to Transfer WhatsApp Chats Between Samsung Phones Safely

Because WhatsApp chats are encrypted, the safest method is WhatsApp’s built-in Transfer chats flow (QR code), not Smart Switch. Samsung support explicitly calls out WhatsApp as an example of encrypted data that may not move via Smart Switch.

Steps to Transfer WhatsApp Android to Android

Step 1:  On the old phone: WhatsApp → Settings → Chats → Transfer chats → Start
Step 2: Follow prompts and scan the QR code on the new device when asked.

Important: Do the WhatsApp transfer before fully activating WhatsApp on the new phone (WhatsApp warns transfers must happen at the right stage).

How to Backup and Restore to PC/Mac using Smart Switch

If you want maximum control—or if you’re migrating a phone with very large data—Samsung also supports Smart Switch on PC/Mac.

This method is useful when:

• You want a clean backup before moving
  

• You’re troubleshooting a tricky transfer
  

• You prefer “backup → restore” rather than phone-to-phone
  

Samsung provides official steps for backing up via Smart Switch on a computer.

Step-by-step Back Up and Restore Samsung Data Using Smart Switch on PC or Mac

Step 1: Install Samsung Smart Switch on your computer.
Step 2: Connect your old Samsung phone via USB cable.
Step 3: In Smart Switch (PC/Mac), choose Backup.
Step 4: Once complete, disconnect the old phone.
Step 5: Connect your new Samsung phone.
Step 6: Choose Restore and restore the latest backup.
This approach is also great if you want to keep a local copy of your device data.

Tips to Transfer Data from Samsung to Samsung Faster and Safer

• Prefer cable transfer for large photo/video libraries.
  

• Keep screens unlocked and avoid switching apps mid-transfer.
  

• Don’t use battery saver during the transfer.
  

• If wireless is slow, switch to cable or move large media later via PC/Mac backup.

Common Issues After Samsung Data Transfer and How to Fix Them

Photos not visible immediately

Sometimes Gallery needs time to re-index media. Give it a few minutes, especially after huge transfers.

Apps installed but logged out

This is normal for security-focused apps. You’ll often need to sign in again. Samsung notes that many apps store data on their own servers and require login.

WhatsApp chats not moved

Use WhatsApp’s transfer flow, not Smart Switch, due to encryption.

Where can I Get Galaxy transfer done correctly

When you upgrade your Samsung at MDS Mobile, our team can help ensure your Samsung to Samsung data transfer is done smoothly especially for large photo libraries, work apps, and key setup steps.

We can support with:

• Full Smart Switch Samsung to Samsung transfer
  

• Cable vs wireless setup (based on your data size)
  

• Post-transfer checks (photos, contacts, essential apps)
  

• Guidance for WhatsApp chat migration using official steps