Switching to a new smartphone is exciting, especially when moving to a device like the newly launched Galaxy Foldables. But the thought of transferring years of contacts, photos, videos, messages and other important data can sometimes make the process feel complicated.

Samsung Smart Switch is designed to make that transition easier. Built into the Galaxy experience, Smart Switch lets users transfer their important data from an existing smartphone to their new Galaxy device, helping them move to the Galaxy Z Fold8 without having to start from scratch.

How to transfer data to Galaxy Z Fold8 with Smart Switch

Getting started with Smart Switch is simple. Users need to have their old smartphone and new Galaxy Z Fold8 ready. The devices can then be connected by scanning a QR code, after which users can choose the data they want to transfer.

Once the selection is made, Smart Switch takes care of the transfer, allowing users to bring their contacts, messages, photos, videos and other supported content to their new Galaxy device.

The process can be especially useful when upgrading to the Galaxy Z Fold8 because users can begin exploring its foldable experience with much of the content they already rely on.

Switching from iOS to Galaxy

Smart Switch can also help users moving from an iOS to the Galaxy.

Contacts, texts and media files can be transferred from an iOS device to Galaxy. Some iOS apps may not transfer directly, but Smart Switch can recommend similar apps for the new Galaxy device, helping users recreate their familiar smartphone experience on Galaxy.

This makes Smart Switch useful not only for Galaxy-to-Galaxy upgrades, but also for people making the move from another smartphone platform to Galaxy.

Does Samsung Smart Switch delete data from the old phone?

No. Smart Switch does not delete content from the previous device.

After the transfer is completed, the data remains on the original phone as well as on the new Galaxy device. This means users can make the move to the Galaxy Z Fold8 without worrying that their existing content will disappear from their old smartphone.

A simpler way to start with Galaxy Z Fold8

For anyone wondering how to switch to Galaxy Z Fold8, Smart Switch takes much of the effort out of the initial setup. Instead of manually moving individual files, users can connect their devices, select what they want to bring across and let Smart Switch handle the transfer.

The result is a smoother path from an existing smartphone to the Galaxy Z Fold8 — allowing users to spend less time setting up their new device and more time experiencing what the latest Galaxy foldable has to offer.

Whether the move is from another Galaxy smartphone or from an iPhone, Smart Switch helps make switching to Galaxy feel less like starting over and more like taking everything that matters with you.

Switching mobile phones used to feel like starting over — transferring photos, messages, and learning a new experience. Yet many continue to make the move to Samsung Galaxy, with nearly half choosing the premium Galaxy S Ultra line. Today switching has never been easier.

Samsung offers a range of features designed to make switching simple whether you’re exploring Galaxy for the first time, setting up your new device, or just starting to use it day to day.

Try Galaxy – Test the Galaxy Experience Before You Switch

If you’re curious to see what Galaxy is all about, you can start by trying it on the device already in your hand.[1] Try Galaxy lets you preview the latest[2] One UI experience on your current phone. It simulates key features, so you can explore how Galaxy works before making the switch. You can get a feel for what it’s like to navigate, customize, and use a Galaxy device at your own pace.

Smart Switch – Bring Everything You Need with You

There’s nothing more frustrating than powering up your new phone only to realize you can’t find what you need. [3] Smart Switch helps you move your contacts, photos, messages, apps, calendars, settings, and more from your old phone to your new Galaxy device.[4] The improved experience is now faster. It walks you through everything step by step and you have the option to transfer wirelessly,[5] with a cable, or from a cloud backup. That means you aren’t starting from scratch with your new phone, it’s already set up with the things you rely on, so you can pick up right where you left off.

Quick Share – Share Easily Across Devices

Need to send a file or photo to friends using different devices? Once you’re up and running with Galaxy you can take advantage of Quick Share, Samsung’s built-in file sharing feature that lets you send photos, videos, and other files seamlessly between Galaxy phones, tablets, and PCs. Plus, share files in full quality using nearby sharing, links, or QR codes across devices and ecosystems.

Quick Share also recognizes nearby Apple devices, making it AirDrop capable,[6] for a more seamless photo, video, and file transfer experience. That means you don’t have to think about who you’re sharing with — it just works.

Switching Made Easy

With the ability to test fan favorite features with Try Galaxy before you buy, keep the information that matters to you, and stay connected across ecosystems, the entire Galaxy onboarding experience is designed to be straightforward, so you don’t miss a beat.

Ready to explore something new? Discover the latest from Galaxy, including the new Galaxy S26 Series, and see how easy it can be to make the switch at Samsung.com.

[1] Internet connection required. Try Galaxy is available on supported Android OS smartphones with the latest version of Samsung Internet or Chrome browser, and iPhone 8 and above with the latest version of safari or Chrome browser. iPhone and Safari are trademarks of Apple Inc.

[2] Phone features may differ depending on model. Network connection my effect experience. Try Galaxy is a simulation of Samsung’s One UI. Actual UX/UI on Samsung devices may differ. You are not accessing actual apps on your device’s functions or hardware when running this app.

[3] Wired transfers from Android devices require the receiving device to have Android 6.0 or later and the sending device to have Android 6.0 or later. Transfers can be completed without a cable through a wireless connection. For wireless connections, the receiving device must have Android 6.0 or later and the sending device must have Android 6.0 or later. Open Smart Switch Mobile in “Settings” on the receiving Galaxy device or download the Smart Switch Mobile app from the Galaxy Store. Data, content and apps available for transfer may vary by transmission method.

[4] Wired transfers from iOS require the receiving device to have Android 6.0 or later and the sending device to have iOS 5 or later. Transfers can be completed without a cable through a wireless connection or iCloud. For wireless connections, the receiving device must have Android 6.0 or later and the sending device must have iOS 12 or later. iCloud transfers require the receiving device to have Android 6.0 or later and the sending device to have iOS 5 or later. Open Smart Switch Mobile in “Settings” on the receiving Galaxy device or download the Smart Switch Mobile app from the Galaxy Store. For wireless transfers, download Smart Switch for iOS from the App Store on your iPhone or iPad. Data, content and apps available for transfer may vary by transmission method. Contacts, gallery, videos, calendars and reminders can be transferred wirelessly from an iOS device.

[5] It is recommended to use a wired connection when transferring diverse sets of data at once.

[6] Quick Share available between select Galaxy devices and compatible Apple devices, subject to change without notice, and provided by Google. Quick Share available between Galaxy smartphones and tablets with Android OS version 10.0 (Q) and One UI 2.1 or above, Galaxy Books released in 2020 or later. Requires Bluetooth connection. AirDrop® is a registered trademark of Apple Inc.