What Is Smart Switch and How Does It Work?

At one time, transferring contacts and photos to new phones was a tedious task. If we go back in time far enough, people actually had to go to their phone carrier’s store to have content transferred between devices. Fortunately, we now have cool transfer tools like Smart Switch. However, what is Smart Switch, and how does it work?

Smart Switch is a Samsung-developed content transfer application that’s available on iOS and other Android devices, too. It can quickly transfer all sorts of important data from one device to another.

Smart Switch Fully Explained

Smart Switch is a neat application that makes transferring content between devices really easy, even if they aren’t running the same operating system. We’ll answer your most burning questions. Then, we’ll dive into how you can use Smart Switch. Let’s get started.

Compatible Operating Systems and Devices

Smart Switch’s main hook is that you can transfer from another Android to Android or another operating system to Android. So, what does that mean exactly, and which OS works with it? Let’s cover which operating systems you can use with Smart Switch.

Smart Switch is most often used to transfer content between smartphones. Here are the smartphone operating systems you can use with Smart Switch.

When it comes to transferring, the device doesn’t matter as much as the operating system. Unfortunately, if you’re using an older device that no longer receives updates, you can’t transfer data using Smart Switch. Of course, there are other options to transfer your contacts and photos, but this isn’t one of them.

Now that you know which operating systems work, it’s time to move along to more important information.

Smart Switch Data Transfer Types

You may wonder if Smart Switch can transfer everything. Unfortunately, there are some limitations. If you’re transferring content between two devices with the same operating system, you can transfer almost anything. However, if you’re transferring from another operating system (like an iPhone to an Android phone), you may not get everything.

Here are the data types that won’t transfer:

• In-app data for encrypted apps like WhatsApp
• App login information (for most apps)
• DRM (Digital Rights Management) app information

Finally, if you’re transferring from another operating system, only some apps will come over. For example, Smart Switch will attempt to find Google Play Store (Android) alternatives for any App Store (iOS) apps. However, this won’t work if there aren’t readily available apps in the store.

Aside from those options, you can transfer photos, videos, documents, contacts, and even text messages using Smart Switch.

Where to Get Smart Switch

If you’ve decided Smart Switch is the right app to help you, you’ll have to install it. So, where does Smart Switch come from? Smart Switch is developed by Samsung and it is available in the app stores (Google Play, App Store, and Windows).

Most Samsung devices have this app preloaded. You can search for it in the app drawer. Naturally, other devices don’t. To get the app, use these links:

• App Store for iOS
• Google Play Store for Android
• Smart Switch for Windows

When you’re ready to use this software, install the app using the links above. Then, you can transfer all your data between devices.

Note: You’ll need the app on both devices to transfer data.

How Smart Switch Works

You’re almost an expert on this app. However, you still have some learning to do. We’ve covered what it does, compatible devices, and where to get it, but there’s still more to know. If you want to know how it works or how to use it, keep reading.

Getting Started

Before using Smart Switch, you must ensure that both devices are compatible (see the section above). Then, you can go to the app store on your device and install it. Fortunately, you won’t need to sign in or create an account.

Next, you must connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network. Go into your Wi-Fi settings on your iOS, Android, or Windows device and ensure all the devices are paired to the same Wi-Fi network. Furthermore, both must be connected to the same band. For example, you likely have a 2.4GHz and 5GHz network option. If so, check the network name and band to ensure they match.

Pairing the Devices

After you install the app, open it. Click Continue to begin and allow Smart Switch to access your device’s memory. Then, click Let’s Go!

Smart Switch will ask if you want to pair the devices with a cord or wirelessly. Unless you have an adaptor, the cord option is out. If you do have the adaptor, plug the cord into both devices.

Select Transfer Wirelessly if you don’t have the cable or adaptor. Place the two devices within three feet of each other. A QR code will appear on the receiving device, and the camera will activate on the one sending data. Place the sending device over the receiving device to register the code. The devices will pair wirelessly.

Helpful hint: If they don’t connect initially, ensure the Wi-Fi networks match.

Transfer the Data

After the devices pair, it’s time to select the data you’d like to transfer. You can choose your contacts, texts, apps, and more. However, if you’re transferring between operating systems, some of this data may be incompatible. Therefore, it won’t appear as an option or will transfer, but not in its original format.

Furthermore, if you’re transferring information to an existing device, it’s important to ensure that the receiving device has the memory space to accept the new information. If you don’t check this first, you may run into trouble during the transfer process.

Also, it’s critical that both devices remain connected to one another and nearby. Don’t disconnect the cable or leave the Wi-Fi range. This interrupts the transfer, and you’ll need to start all over again.

Why Is Smart Switch Important?

Having worked in the industry for many years, Smart Switch is one of the coolest transfer options out there. While you can use iCloud, Google Cloud services, or One Note to transfer important information, Smart Switch lets us transfer between operating systems.

Because Smart Switch is so versatile, it’s the perfect solution to cross-OS data transfers. However, it may not transfer everything you need. Furthermore, if you’re transferring content between devices with the same OS, the cloud may be a faster and more efficient option.

Wrapping Up

We’ve covered a lot in this article, but we hope we’ve demonstrated that Smart Switch is one of the best transfer options for moving data from one OS to another. Most devices we use today are compatible with Smart Switch, and it really is a go-to transfer option for those of us in the tech industry.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Dilok Klaisataporn/Shutterstock.com.