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Thu, Aug 27, 2026 | Updated 03.31PM IST
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Samsung's Smart Switch Update is Easier to Use and Copies More Data

Samsung's Smart Switch Update is Easier to Use and Copies More Data

Samsung's Smart Switch is revolutionizing the way iPhone users transition to Galaxy devices. The new update eliminates the need for users to download the app on their iPhones, allowing for seamless migration of vital data such as passwords, call history, and eSIM information. By removing these hurdles, Samsung strives to facilitate a smoother and more efficient ecosystem switch for consumers eager to experience Galaxy features.
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Updated: Aug 26, 2026, 01:37PM IST
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Samsung's Smart Switch Update is Easier to Use and Copies More Data
Setting up a new phone often entails one tedious task before anything else, like migrating years of photos, messages, and app data across the wire. Samsung has just made that process significantly easier, having updated the Smart Switch software used to transfer data between devices with One UI 9. The company has eliminated an entire setup step for iPhone users and expanded what data can actually be copied over.

What You Must Know:

  • Samsung has improved Smart Switch as part of One UI 9 to make the transfer process more seamless and include more data.
  • iPhone switchers to Samsung Galaxy devices, no longer need to install Smart Switch on their iPhone at all as part of this One UI 9 update; instead, the Galaxy device displays a QR code that the iPhone's camera can scan to begin the transfer.
  • The updated Smart Switch can now migrate passwords and passkeys, call history, accessibility settings, and eSIM information on top of its traditional support for photos, contacts, messages, calendars, and apps.
  • Smart Switch has historically "copied" rather than "moved" data from one phone to the other, which means the original files remain on a phone after a transfer.
  • Some types of data, including WhatsApp messages and DRM-protected files, cannot be transferred through Smart Switch.
In the past, migrating data from an iPhone to a Samsung Galaxy device required installing the Smart Switch application on both devices. This was an extra step that made the process especially tiring. Now, this requirement is no longer needed.
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Now, under the new process, only the Galaxy device needs Smart Switch installed, as it comes pre-installed with Samsung phones. The Galaxy phone generates a QR code that the iPhone owner can scan with no additional apps needing to be downloaded or signed in to on the iPhone as part of the process.

A Broader Range of Data Can Be Transferred

On top of its historical ability to transfer photos, contacts, messages, calendars, and apps, Smart Switch can now migrate the following data types from an iPhone:
  • Saved passwords and passkeys
  • Call history
  • Accessibility settings
  • eSIM information
Passwords, passkeys, and eSIM data have historically been some of the most annoying data items to transfer between platforms, requiring manual re-entry or even a trip to a carrier store for eSIM reactivation: by incorporating them into Smart Switch's standard transfer, Samsung has removed a pain point for iPhone switchers to Galaxy devices, including its newer foldable phones.

Why This Matters?

Phone-switching friction is one of the most-cited reasons people stick with the same ecosystem for years, even when a competing device might suit them better. By removing the need to install anything on an iPhone and widening the range of data it can carry over, Samsung is directly targeting that friction point, making it easier for iPhone users specifically to consider jumping to a Galaxy device, including its foldable lineup, without worrying about starting from scratch.

What Smart Switch Still Can't Do?

Despite the expanded feature set, Smart Switch has some long-standing limitations that remain unchanged: in particular, it still cannot transfer WhatsApp conversation history and some DRM-protected files, app data, and browser histories.
It's also worth understanding how the tool actually works under the hood: Smart Switch copies rather than moves data, which means that after a transfer, your original files, messages, and settings would still remain intact on your old phone rather than being deleted. It's useful as a safety measure, but it's also a responsibility that users are still encouraged to wipe their old device if they plan to sell it.

How Does the New Transfer Flow Compare to the Old One?

With older versions of Smart Switch, an iPhone switcher looking to use their new Samsung Galaxy phone without having to re-type in every single contact and message would have to go to the App Store and load up the application again. Even if someone is not particularly familiar with their old phone, they are likely to know enough to go to the Settings menu, find the Smart Switch application, authorise or permit it to launch, connect the two devices, and initiate a transfer. But for users who are not familiar with Samsung phones, this could be confusing enough to avoid switching entirely.
The new process replaces these steps with something more familiar to people who are used to scanning QR codes, particularly those who are new to the Android ecosystem and use an iPhone. Rather than having to go and find Smart Switch in the App Store, permit it, connect, and initiate a transfer (as an example), the user no longer has to do anything except ensure that their smartphone's applications are up to date, their Galaxy phone is powered on and connected to a stable power supply, and the phone's Camera application is open.
As a general rule, the Galaxy application will handle the vast majority of the legwork of initiating a transfer with Smart Switch: the Galaxy device will generate a QR code for you to view with your iPhone's Camera app and will prompt you through the process. The QR scanner on the iPhone takes care of the majority of the hard work, replacing several application-specific and potentially confusing processes with something more familiar: pointing the camera at a QR code and taking a few actions.

User Feedback About Smart Switch in the Past

Smart Switch has generally been received well, but the reception has been mixed on user input across devices, particularly related to the transfer process. Some said that Smart Switch has a limited feature set beyond its utility as a transfer tool or its ability to help update the Galaxy devices. Others found the process of initiating a transfer to often be hindered by either their connection being dropped or their battery dying midway through. Some users said that the process cannot simply be cancelled: if you begin a transfer and then decide to abort, it may not be possible. Some users also noted that a transfer may miss some data, or may fail to correctly interpret existing information and warned that potential switchers should double-check everything before wiping, reinstalling, or trading in their old device.
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FAQs

Is there a need to install Smart Switch on my iPhone while switching to a Galaxy phone?
iPhone users do not have to install Smart Switch on their device; only the Galaxy device requires Smart Switch. The iPhone simply needs to scan a QR code using the default camera app.
What data types can now be transferred using the new Smart Switch?
Apart from photos, contacts, messages, calendars, and apps, Smart Switch can also transfer passwords/passkeys, call logs, accessibility settings, and eSIM information.
Does Smart Switch delete data from my previous smartphone after transferring data?
Smart Switch only copies information and does not delete the old data in the process.
Can Smart Switch transfer WhatsApp messages?
Smart Switch does not support transferring WhatsApp chats. WhatsApp messages have to be backed up and restored separately using WhatsApp’s built-in tools.
When can I use Smart Switch after getting a new Galaxy device?
Your Galaxy device will automatically prompt you to launch Smart Switch upon initial setup; however, Smart Switch can be used anytime after setup to transfer data from other devices.
Can Smart Switch be used to transfer data between Samsung devices?
Smart Switch still supports transfers between Samsung devices, and in fact, Samsung recommends that transferring data between Galaxy devices tends to yield the best results.
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