FAQ

General Smart Switch

You should always use the latest version of the Smart Switch to move your content across to Samsung.

Transfer times vary by the amount of content and application data to be copied from an Android device to a Samsung device. Here are some approximate and general estimates content transfer times:

Items Old device Connection method Total transfer time
15.5GB Samsung USB cable (3.0) 4 min
Wireless 7 min
Other Android USB cable (3.0) 5 min
Wireless 7 min
8GB iPhone USB cable (2.0) 7 min
iCloud 35 min
  • Data items and capacity were measured based on internal testing and user average data.
  • Time estimates above include data transmission and data restoring time.
  • Wireless transmission speed can vary depending on position and network environment.
  • Wired speed may differ depending on the other Android device features.
  • When importing data from iCloud, transfer speeds are subject to iCloud server status and network environment.

When moving to Samsung, it’s recommended to connect the USB adaptor to your new phone. Given that the latest Samsung phones are compatible with USB adaptors, you shouldn’t have any compatibility issues.

If your old iPhone’s charging cable does not have a USB-C end, a USB adaptor is required to connect your devices. You can get an adaptor from any Samsung Store (https://www.samsung.com/au/findastore/ ) or call us (1300 362 603 – Option 9 > 1 > 2) to request one.

You can get an adaptor from any Samsung Store (https://www.samsung.com/au/findastore/ ) or call us (1300 362 603 – Option 9 > 1 > 2) to request one.

If your content exceeds the storage capacity of your new Samsung device, you can select less content on Smart Switch before starting the transfer. Alternatively, if your new Samsung device supports a micro SD card, you have the option to increase your storage by adding a compatible micro SD card.

The following multimedia files can be backed up through Smart Switch:

Videos: mpg, mpeg, avi, divx, svi, wmv, asf, pyv, mp4, m4v, 3gp, rm, rmvb, mov, mkv, skm, k3g, flv, and swf.

Music: mp3, wma, wav, pya, ogg, m4a, aac, 3ga, flac, smp, dcf, mid, midi, amr, qcp, and imy.

Images: bmp, wbmp, gif, jpg, jpeg, png, tif, and tiff.

Documents: pdf, ppt, doc, docx, pptx, xls, xlsx, hwp, csv, txt, and xml.

No. Encrypted or digital rights management (DRM) protected content is not compatible and cannot be transferred using Smart Switch.

The sending phone may have a Mobile Device Management (MDM is an app to restrict device features, track the device or collect device logs, etc.). These apps may prevent Smart Switch to read the phone’s content. Please, try to uninstall this MDM app before using Smart Switch.

Even after Smart Switch is terminated, installation continues in the background. Check the notification panel to see the apps’ installation status.

  1. Encrypted backed up data can only be restored on the device it was encrypted on.
  2. Decrypt backed up data on the device it was encrypted on before restoring to another device.
  3. Encrypted data cannot be restored if the device used for encryption was factory reset.

No, Secure Folder is a separate storage space. Smart Switch cannot access or read files in the Secure Folder. To transfer contents from Secure Folder, you need to first move the contents out of the folder and then initiate the data transfer.

Samsung Kies has been replaced by Samsung Smart Switch. An old Kies backup can be transferred to your new Samsung device using Samsung Smart Switch.

You will need:

  • A computer with your Kies back-up (from your old compatible Samsung mobile device)
  • USB charging cable
  • Smart Switch software installed on your computer

 

Download Smart Switch for PC or for Mac at https://www.samsung.com/au/apps/smart-switch/

Install and launch Smart Switch, then connect your compatible Samsung device to the computer and follow these steps:

  • Select 'Restore'.
  • Select 'Change data to restore' button to select the location of Kies back-up.
  • Select Samsung device data as the type of data to restore.
  • Select the back-up data folder location (if required) by clicking on the blue 'File' symbol.
  • Choose the content you wish to transfer, then press 'OK'.

 

**Internet connection required. Data charges may apply.

No, your data is not overwritten. Existing content remains when the content is added to your new Samsung device

First, Smart Switch scans all the apps previously downloaded and purchased on your iPhone or Android device. Then, Smart Switch provides two lists. One is a list of apps that are also available on Google Play Store. If an exact match is not available, the second list will provide app alternatives. For example, Find My iPhone is available only in the Apple Store. Smart Switch will recommend an Android app such as Find My Phone.

No. Smart Switch will reinstall the game app but cannot copy the game data across to your new device.

If multiple contacts in the Contact app are considered to be the same contact (for instance, the same name and number), they will be combined and displayed as one contact.

No, once the transfer is initiated, you can perform other tasks on your phone. The Notification Panel will display the transfer progress as it happens in the background.

Smart Switch does not remove any content from either phone. Smart Switch simply copies your data from your old device to your new Samsung.

Migrating your WhatsApp data just takes two steps. First, connect your iPhone to your new Samsung device using a USB-C Lightning cable. Open Smart Switch on your Samsung device, select ‘Receive data’, ‘iPhone’, and follow the prompts to import data with the QR code.

 

Notes:

*Find My and iOS are trademarks of Apple Inc. Smart Switch is not endorsed by Apple Inc.

Smart Switch supports Windows devices with OS versions 8.1 and 10.

Get started by opening the Smart Switch app on your new Samsung device and select “Receive data”, then select “Windows Phone”.

On your old phone, download and install Smart Switch from Windows Store. Open Smart Switch and tap “Connect”, then select the network and enter the password shown on your new Samsung.

Follow the steps to select and copy your data across to Samsung.

We're here every step of the way

  • Smart Switch in store icon
  • In store
  • Drop into any Samsung Experience Store and chat to our experts.
  • Book a visit
  • Smart Switch live chat
  • Live chat
  • Speak to our automated chat assistant or a live chat agent.
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  • Call our dedicated Switching team
  • On 1300 425 299 (GALAXY)
  • To transfer data from iCloud, internet or data connection is required.
  • Apple, iCloud, and iOS are trademarks of Apple Inc. Smart Switch is not endorsed by Apple Inc.
  • Windows is a trademark of the Microsoft group of companies. Smart Switch is not endorsed by Windows.