Samsung Smart Switch: Seamlessly Upgrade Devices and Transfer Data with Ease

When we upgrade our old Samsung phones or any other Android or iPhone with new Samsung flagship ones, it makes us think that how hard the process will be to transfer the files, pictures, and messages to the new one. It is actually quite easy. Have you ever heard of Samsung Switch? If you have not, it is exactly both a time and life saver in Samsung devices because it allows the user to keep their data and apps on the older one while seamlessly switching to a new one. 

In this post, we will dive right into Samsung Smart Switch and give as many details as we can. It will start directly with what it is, continue with how to transfer the data and app between the different devices, and finalize with what can be transferred and what to expect from it when it is compared with the Move to iOS app.

In this post

1. What is Samsung Smart Switch and What It Offers?
2. How to Transfer Data and Apps?
1. iPhone to Samsung
1. Requirements for Smart Switch
2. Stages for Smart Switch
2. Samsung Galaxy / Android to Samsung
1. Requirements for Smart Switch
2. Stages for Smart Switch
3. What Data and App Can Be Transferred with Smart Switch?
4. A Brief Comparison of Samsung Smart Switch with Move to iOS
1. Compatibility
2. Features
3. Usability
4. Supported Platforms
5. Performance
5. Conclusion

What is Samsung Smart Switch and What It Offers?

Samsung Smart Switch is integrated with different kinds of devices to get the old data within them and send it to the new one to create your new place in the Samsung Ecosystem. It is possible to transfer the data and apps (messages, call logs, calendar, and so on) from different platforms: other Android devices, Samsung Galaxy, iOS phones, Windows phones, and Windows and Mac computers. Not only that, there are divergent options within different kinds of software systems like data can be transferred via wired, wireless, and SD Card and flash drive on Android/Galaxy devices and the same can be done through wired, iTunes, and iCloud on iOS devices.

However, sending the data option is only available for Samsung devices. What does that sending data mean? It basically means that other kind of software systems only allows the new Samsung device to scan the app and data within their system and transfer them to the upgraded device, they cannot directly send data to Samsung devices.

As the options vary within it, so are the prerequisites. For the wired transfer, as you can imagine, there is no chance to transfer the data without appropriate cables either from lightning to USB-C or USB-C to USB-C. Without further ado, all the needs and steps will be mentioned in the title below.

How to Transfer Data and Apps?

iPhone to Samsung

Requirements for Smart Switch

In order for the transition to be smooth as possible, there are some prerequisites both for the old and the new device. However, these particular lines will focus on the prerequisites that will be needed to get data from the iPhone and prepare the device for the seamless transition.

1. Both of the devices should be charged fully or close to full because there is no chance to charge the devices during the process. 
2. There is a need for any kind of computer for iTunes and iCloud accounts. 
3. In order to transfer the data from the old to the new one, there is a need for a "Lightning to USB-C Cable" or "Lightning to USB Cable" but the latter one requires a "USB-OTG Adapter" which is needed for turning the USB input to USB-C output. 
4. iMessage and Facetime apps should be deactivated in order for the transition to be as smooth as possible and make sure that all the text messages and conversations on the old phone come with you. You may say why? Because Apple uses a different kind of SMS and MMS service that not directly executes the process via the default system but instead through its own system. For that reason, if it is not deregistered, all the messages might still be in iMessage rather than transferred to your new Samsung device and someone trying to reach you through Facetime might not reach you as well. Here is how to disable iMessage and Facetime:
1. Insert the SIM card into your iPhone.
2. Go to Settings.
3. Tap Messages.
4. Turn off iMessage, and go back to the Settings menu again.
5. This time tap Facetime.
6. Turn off Facetime.
5. Since there might be some bugs in the older versions of the iPhone that make things harder when switching data (camera, apps, messages) to your new Samsung device, it is always a good idea to make sure that you are using the latest software version. In this way, it is easy to prevent iPhone-related issues like the need for the latest version of the software for the backup and Samsung-related issues like its compatibility with the current software system you are using on the iPhone.
6. Lastly, all the videos, documents, and pictures are important parts of your life and they should be backed up in iCloud to save them in a secure place, make the transfer easier, and reach the relevant data after the switch as well. It both prevents any data to be lost during the transfer and ensures they can be reachable before and after the smart switch. Here is how to back up the data in iCloud:
1. Connect a stable Wi-Fi (recommended) or Mobile Data.
2. Go to Settings.
3. Find and tap "iCloud".
4. Enable the "iCloud Backup" and start the backup process by tapping "Back Up Now".
5. Wait for the backup process to be completed. It really depends on the files' sizes and the speed of the network.
6. After the completion, proceed with transferring your data from your iPhone to your new Samsung phone with the help of Smart Switch.

Make sure that you have understood all the information above and implemented each step with due concern - otherwise, some data might not be seen in the correct way in your new phone. Your old data will continue to be stored in your iPhone, but you may not find what you are expecting to find in your new Samsung device. 

After you prepared your device ready for the seamless transfer, here it is time to send the data to the new phone. There are some complicated and easy steps throughout the process, but believe it or not, it will be as smooth as butter provided that you apply all the requirements and steps as will be mentioned above and below. 

One last reminder, there are some possible options in some steps which might be easy for one group and hard for the others due to the fact that feel free to go ahead with the one you feel comfortable with and make sense of. 

Stages for Smart Switch

1. The first thing to do is insert your SIM Card into your new device.
2. Open the "Smart Switch" app on your new Samsung Galaxy phone. It should be preinstalled, but in other cases, it can be installed from Google Play Store or Galaxy Store.
3. As long as it is your first time using "Smart Switch", you should see a Terms and Conditions page on the screen. We recommend you to read the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy as well and tap "Allow" only after that. The funny thing with it is that it says "I agree to all" is optional, but it is not possible to proceed without agreeing with all of the permissions.
4. On the next screen, it is possible to see what required permissions are to upgrade the device from an old iPhone to a brand-new Samsung. Namely, Microphone, Calendar, Call Logs, Contacts, Nearby Devices, Notifications, Phone, Photos and Videos, SMS, and Usage Data Access. Each functionality is different. On the one hand, Contacts and Call Logs are just to transfer the particular data within them, on the other hand, Nearby Devices is to search for other devices near your new Samsung.
5. On your new phone, select "Receive Data" instead of "Send Data".
6. Select the "Source" which is iPhone/iPad for this specific example.
7. At this stage, you have two options to connect the old and new devices to transfer the data from one to the other:
1. Wired Transfer: 
1. Provided that both devices have enough battery to complete the process, connect the devices to each other with a Lightning to USB-C cable or Lightning to USB cable but it requires additional adaptors (USB to USB-C). 
2. After that, a pop-up floating notification page will appear on the iPhone which asks whether to trust this new device or not. Keep in mind that it can only be seen as long as iPhone is unlocked.
3. Tap "Trust".
4. Select the apps and data to be transferred to the new device. Either select "All" to transfer all of the app and data or select particular ones. Tap "Find Out What Data Can't Be Transferred" to get more detailed information about what data will stay on your old phone and not come with you on your new adventure. 
5. Some of the apps are exclusive to the iOS operating system and not available on Android devices. On the next screen, Samsung will recommend you some of the alternative versions of these exclusive apps. You may either tap "Skip" to download them manually after the transfer or tap "Install" to install the recommended apps by Samsung.
6. Wait for the transfer to be completed and tap "Go to the Home Screen" at the end. 
2. iCloud Transfer: 
1. On the "Connect to iPhone or iPad" screen, tap "Get Data from iCloud instead" from below. Apply this option as long as you know the credentials for your iCloud accounts (email and password) because these will be needed on the "Sign In" page.
2. Choose the apps and data you want to transfer to your new device. You can either transfer all of them by selecting "All" or choose specific ones. If you want more detailed information about the data that won't be transferred, tap "Find Out What Data Can't Be Transferred". 
3. Wait for the transfer from iCloud to Samsung to complete, and when it's finished, tap "Go to the Home Screen".

Samsung Galaxy / Android to Samsung

Requirements for Smart Switch

As there are some needs for a seamless transfer in iPhones, there are requirements from the old Samsung Galaxy/Android phone to the new Samsung Galaxy. Even though some of the transferring options are the same, there are some unique options for Samsung devices, so there are some unique needs as well and these are as follows: 

1. If the chosen method is "Wired Transfer", the battery on both Android/Samsung devices should be enough to complete the process. Generally speaking, Samsung allows the transfer only and only if when the battery is 20% or more. Even though there is no need to worry about this in "Wireless Transfer", it is not possible to charge the devices during the "Wired Transfer", that's why consider the fact.
2. The duration for transfer will certainly vary according to the size of the documents, photos, and videos on the old device and the stability and speed of the mobile data or Wi-Fi. Related to that fact, it is wise to have the present charger for one or each device.  
3. There will be a certain need for USB-C to USB-C cable or USB-C to USB cable for "Wired Transfer". For the latter cable option, there is also a need for a USB to USB-C adapter which is generally called the USB-TOG adapter. 
4. The last related need is a Windows or Mac computer.

Stages for Smart Switch

After all the things mentioned above are ready or present near you, you may proceed to transfer your data on the old Android/Samsung Galaxy to your newly upgraded device. 

1. Install "Samsung Smart Switch" into both devices. It is preinstalled on the newer versions, but there might be a need for the older ones which can be overcome by downloading it from Galaxy Store or Google Play Store. And after that, open it.
2. On the app, read and accept the Terms and Services and Privacy Policy and allow the required permissions.
3. In order to see whether the transfer of some particular data (like messages and phone calls) is successful or not, insert the SIM Card into the new Samsung device.
4. On the next screen, it will be asked how to complete the process. There are three options:
1. Wired Transfer: 
1. After you have done all the steps above, choose "Send Data" and "Cable/Wired" respectively on the old Samsung phone. This feature is only available for Samsung devices due to the fact that tap "Receive Data" on new Samsung device and allow to the "Allow Access to Your Data" on the older Android one.
1. Choose "Receive Data", "Galaxy/Android" and "Cable/Wired" respectively on the new Samsung phone.
2. Connect the devices with the cable type you have and unlock the old device and tap "Allow" for "Allow Access to Your Data".
3. All the transferable data will be scanned on your old phone and after the scan, choose the data to be transferred and tap "Next".
4. On the old phone, tap "Copy" to send the data to Google and Samsung accounts. Again, only available for Samsung devices.
5. When the transferring process comes to an end, tap "Go to Home Screen" on the new device and tap "Close" on the old device.
2. Wireless Transfer:
1. On the old phone, select "Send Data" and "Wireless" respectively. "Send Data" is only available for Samsung devices, that's why tap "Receive Data" on the new device and allow "Allow Access to Your Data" on the old device.
1. On the new Samsung Galaxy, select "Receive Data", "Galaxy/ Android", and "Wireless".
2. A permission pop-up screen will appear on the old phone, tap "Allow" to connect the devices wirelessly.
3. All the transferable data will be scanned at this stage. After that, select the data to be transferred and tap "Next".
4. Once it is tapped, all the selected data and apps will be transferred to the new Samsung Galaxy phone automatically. 
5. Tap "Go to the Home Screen" on the new device, and tap "Close" on the older one to complete the process.
3. Transfer with SD Card or Flash Drive:
1. Reminder: The following action should be done before the Smart Switch is opened and the required permissions are given. In the first stage, take your external storage device and insert it into the old Android/Samsung device. After that, apply the first three steps. (Open Smart Switch and allow Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Permissions).
2. Neither tap "Send Data" or "Receive Data", instead tap the "SD Card" symbol at the top right of the screen next to three-vertical-dots︙.
3. Tap the SD Card, select the apps and data to be scanned and transferred, and tap "Next".
4. Wait for the transfer to be completed and tap "Next".
5. Tap "Done".
6. Remove the external storage device from the old Android/Samsung device and insert it into the new Android/Samsung device.
7. Launch the Smart Switch app on the new phone.
8. Tap the "SD Card" icon again.
9. Find the saved data and apps under the "Restore from SD Card" title and tap it.
10. Choose the apps to be transferred (Custom, Everything or Just Accounts, Calls, Contacts, and Messages) and tap "Next".
11. Wait until the transfer is completed, and tap "Next" one more time on the current screen.
12. Ultimately, tap "Done".

What Data and App Can Be Transferred with Smart Switch?

On the one hand, between the Samsung devices, the switch is close to perfect because it directly scans all the data and apps within and allows them to be sent to the new Samsung device. Furthermore, Samsung allows both to send data (scanning the transferable data and apps and sending it to a particular device directly from the old device) and receive data (allowing particular permissions for the new Samsung device to scan and transfer apps and data to this device again) only for Samsung devices. On the other hand, there are some shortcomings in data transfer from iOS and other Android devices because it is not possible to send particular kinds of data and apps to the upgraded phone. Even though they are all subject to change by Samsung Electronics without notice, the number and compatibility features may increase or decrease upon the condition of the service provider's desire to transfer information to Samsung phones. 

The hard-labored table right below demonstrates, as it is aforementioned, the exact names of the data and apps to be transferred from the old Samsung Galaxy to the newer one. Based on the given information in this particular row, other device types are compared and contrasted. The best result after "Samsung Galaxy > Galaxy" is "From iPhone to Samsung (Wired)", and it is followed by "From Android to Samsung (All Three Options)" and "From iPhone to Samsung (via iCloud)" in turn. 

Also, we strongly recommend you check out the "Find Out What Data Can't Be Transferred" and "Choose What Apps and Data to Transfer" pages during the stages of the switch because all data here is subject to change and sometimes it is possible for Samsung to get more or less data from a particular old device to the new one. In addition to the provided information below, the live demonstration is equally or more important. 

Apart from that, sending and receiving data and apps on Samsung Smart Switch is completely optional because it allows you to choose what to be transferred and what not to be. It has three different options one of them is Everything, the other is just particular determined ones like Call Logs, Messages, and Contacts and the final one is Custom (determine it yourself).

Device	Data
Samsung Galaxy > Samsung Galaxy (Wired, Wireless, Transfer with SD Card or Flash Drive)	Contact, Call Log, Message, Calendar/Reminder, Photo, Music, Video, Voice Memo, Samsung Notes, Alarm/Clock, Document File, Kids Mode/AR Emoji, Email, Health, Third Party App (APK/Data), Internet, Settings, Home Layout, Wi-Fi
Android > Samsung Galaxy (Wired, Wireless, Transfer with SD Card or Flash Drive)	All of Samsung Galaxy > Samsung Galaxy except Voice Memo, Alarm/Clock, Kids Mode/AR Emoji, Email, Third Party App (Data), Wi-Fi, Home Layout
iPhone > Samsung Galaxy (Wired)	All of Samsung Galaxy > Samsung Galaxy except Call Log, Kids Mode/AR Emoji, Health, Third Party App (Data), Wi-Fi
iPhone > Samsung Galaxy (iCloud)	Contact, Calendar/Reminder, Photo, Video, Document File, Samsung Notes

A Brief Comparison of Samsung Smart Switch with Move to iOS

Compatibility

Move to iOS, as the name suggests, is particularly designed to transfer your Android data into your new iPhone. 

Samsung Smart Switch gets the data from iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, and other Android devices and sends it to the upgraded Samsung device. As it is the case for Move to iOS, Samsung Smart Switch only allows Samsung devices to send data to another Samsung device which means that other kinds of Android and iPhone devices are just intermediate that allow Samsung to extract the data and cannot send the data directly to the Samsung device. 

Features

Samsung Smart Switch has far too many options to transfer data on different kinds of devices which are namely Windows Phones, iOS Phones, Samsung Galaxy Phones, and other Android Phones. Each option falls into different categories in terms of sub-options, that is to say, there are three sub-options for iOS to Galaxy (Wired, iTunes, and iCloud), four sub-options for Galaxy to Galaxy (Wired, Wireless, Transfer with SD Card and Flash Drive, and Transfer with Computer) and so on and so forth. 

Move to iOS offers the relatively same kind of features like transferring messages, contacts and so more between the old and new devices. However, when it is compared with the Samsung Smart Switch, the platforms are limited which is basically an app in the app market of Android phones to create the iOS versions of old Android device.

Usability

There is no clear distinction between the two apps, both of them offers the best quality and convenience to make the process as smooth as possible. Their user interfaces and steps are well-designed and do not involve any kind of unnecessary information or buttons. According to the different needs of each platform (Android and iOS), they offer a new kind of place to make each new user feel at home.

Supported Platforms

Samsung Smart Switch is available on mobile app markets: Google Play Store, Galaxy Store, and App Store and desktop or laptop app markets: Windows Microsoft Store and Mac App Store. 

Move to iOS is only available on any market supported by Android like Google Play Store and Galaxy Store.

Performance

The performance of each app quite specifically depends on the system features of the old device and the stability and speed of the Internet connection. If a 5-10-year-old phone is used to transfer the data, then it does not make sense to compare it with a device that is only 1-2 years old. The same is applicable to the Internet speed and stability, there is no need for comparison between a 15 Mbps Internet download - 3 Mbps Internet upload speed and 100 Mbps Internet download - 15 Mbps Internet upload speed.

For that reason, there is no single answer for this category.

Conclusion

It is quite possible to transfer your data on the old phone to your new Samsung Galaxy phone with ease. It does not matter what kind of software it uses, Samsung has more than one option for each kind of device. Even, each option has its own sub-options. One thing should be kept in mind that, even though the switch is seamless in Samsung Galaxy to Samsung Galaxy, it is not possible to send all kind of data and app on other devices but the work is really satisfying. 

Please leave a comment below if you need assistance while you switch data from an old device into a brand-new Samsung Galaxy phone. We might provide some of the responses to your questions if we are knowledgeable about the issue. Don't worry; in other circumstances, we can provide you access to specific articles written by community members that you may read and utilize to analyze the issue you're trying to solve.