How to Transfer Data from Android to Samsung via Wi-Fi: 5 Proven Methods

Switching to a new smartphone Samsung — is always an exciting moment, but transferring data from the old Android devices can turn into a real headache if you don't know the nuances. Especially when it comes to transmission Wi-Fi — a method that seems simple only at first glance. In this article, we'll examine all the current wireless transfer methods: from proprietary Samsung Smart Switch to universal solutions like Google Account or Send Anywhere.

The main advantage of Wi-Fi transmission is no need for cables, adapters, or limited cloud storageHowever, there are some pitfalls here: the speed depends on the Wi-Fi standard (on Samsung Galaxy S23 With Wi-Fi 6E the transfer will be faster than on Galaxy A12 With Wi-Fi 5), and some methods require pre-configuration of both devices. We've tested each method on real devices and compiled checklists to save you time searching for solutions.

Important: If you are transferring data from Huawei, Xiaomi or other brands, some steps may differ. For example, Xiaomi blocks transmission through Smart Switch without any additional manipulation. More details on this in the relevant section.

1. Samsung Smart Switch: The Official Method for Galaxy Devices

Samsung Smart Switch — is a proprietary solution from a Korean manufacturer, optimized for transferring data between devices GalaxyThe application supports transmission contacts, messages, photos, videos, music, calendars, notes, and even some settings (for example, wallpaper or Wi-Fi settings). The main advantage is integration with the ecosystem Samsung, which guarantees minimal data loss.

To take advantage Smart Switch via Wi-Fi, follow these steps:

• 📱 Install the application Samsung Smart Switch on both devices (available in Google Play And Galaxy Store). On new models Samsung (For example, Galaxy S24) it is pre-installed.
• 🔗 Open the app on both smartphones and select the option Wireless transfer (or Wireless (in the English version).
• 📶 Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network or activate Wi-Fi Direct (the app will suggest this automatically).
• 🔄 On your old device, tap Submit data, on the new one - Get dataWait for the scanning to complete.
• ✅ Select the data types to transfer and confirm the process. Do not disconnect until the transfer is complete!

The transfer speed depends on the data volume and the device model. For example, transferring 50 GB of photos and videos With Galaxy S20 on Galaxy S23 Ultra took us about 40 minutes when connected to the router with Wi-Fi 6. If you use Wi-Fi Direct, the speed may be lower due to protocol limitations.

Install Smart Switch on both devices|Charge both smartphones to at least 50%|Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network|Free up space on the new device (at least +10% of the transferred data volume)|Disable power saving modes-->

⚠️ Attention: If your old device has a custom firmware installed (for example, LineageOS), Smart Switch It may not recognize it or transfer data partially. In this case, use the alternative methods in the following sections.

2. Wi-Fi Direct: a universal protocol for all Android devices

Wi-Fi Direct — is a technology that allows devices to exchange data directly, without the need for a router. It works on most modern smartphones, including Samsung, Xiaomi, Realme and others. The main advantage is high transmission speed (up to 250 Mbps under ideal conditions) and no dependence on an external network.

To transfer files via Wi-Fi Direct:

1. Activate Wi-Fi Direct on both devices:
   • On Samsung: Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi → Wi-Fi Direct.
   • On other Androids: Settings → Wi-Fi → Advanced → Wi-Fi Direct (path may differ).

On one of the devices, select the option Create a group (or Start searching).

On the second device, find the name of the first one in the list of available ones and connect to it (PIN confirmation may be required).

Use any file manager (for example, Files by Google or Solid Explorer) for data transmission.

Limitations of the method:

• 🚫 Not all apps support data transfer Wi-Fi Direct (For example, WhatsApp or Telegram they won't let you export chats this way).
• 📱 On some devices (eg. Huawei With EMUI 12+) the function may be hidden or work unstably.

3. Google Account: Sync contacts, calendars, and photos

If you only need to transfer contacts, calendars, notes, and photos, the most reliable way is synchronization via Google AccountThis method doesn't require a direct connection between devices and works even if they're on different networks. The main drawback is the volume limitation. Google Photos (only 15 GB is available for free, after that there is a paid subscription).

Transfer instructions:

• 🔄 On your old device, open Settings → Accounts → Google and enable synchronization for the required data (contacts, calendars, Google Keep etc.).
• 📸 For photos, open the app Google Photos, log in to your account and wait for the download to complete (check in Settings → Backup).
• 📱 On the new one Samsung add the same account Google and enable sync. Data will start downloading automatically.

Important: If you use Samsung Contacts or Samsung Calendar, their data is not synchronized with Google by default. To transfer them, export them in the format .vcf (for contacts) or .ics (for calendars) and upload manually.

⚠️ Note: If an account was used on the old device Mi Account (on Xiaomi) or Huawei ID, data from these ecosystems is not synchronized with GoogleThey need to be exported separately.

4. Send Anywhere: Cross-platform transfer without restrictions

Application Send Anywhere — one of the most universal solutions for transferring files between devices. It works on the principle P2P (peer-to-peer), meaning data is transferred directly without uploading to the server. All file types are supported, including APK applications, archives, and documents.

How to use Send Anywhere:

1. Install the app on both devices (available in Google Play And Galaxy Store).
2. On the sending device, select the files and press SendThe application will generate 6-digit code or QR code.
3. On the receiving device, enter this code or scan the QR code. The transfer will begin automatically.

Advantages Send Anywhere:

• 🚀 Transfer speed up to 10 MB/s (depending on the network).
• 🌍 Works between Android, iOS, Windows And macOS.
• 🔒 Data is encrypted using the protocol TLS.

Flaws:

• 📴 When transferring large amounts of data (e.g., 30+ GB), connection interruptions may occur. In this case, split the files into smaller chunks.
• 💰 The free version limits the size of a single file to 10 GB.

Samsung Smart Switch|Wi-Fi Direct|Google Account|Send Anywhere|USB-C Cable|Other-->

5. Local network (FTP/HTTP server): for advanced users

If you prefer manual control over the process, you can arrange for data transfer via local FTP or HTTP serverThis method requires minimal technical skill but offers maximum flexibility. For example, you can transfer files selectively and pause and resume transfers.

Instructions for transfer via FTP server:

• 📲 Install an FTP server on your old device (for example, FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer).
• 🌐 Start the server and write down the address (usually in the format ftp://192.168.xx:port).
• 📱 On the new one Samsung Connect to this address through any file manager (enter login/password if required).
• 📁 Copy the files you need to your new device.

Alternative - HTTP server (for example, through an application Servers Ultimate). It works similarly, but uses the protocol HTTP, which may be more convenient for transferring large files.

How to speed up local network transfer?

Use a router with support Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax standard) - it provides speeds of up to 9.6 Gbps under ideal conditions.

Disable background processes (such as automatic app updates) on both devices that may consume data.

If you are transferring a lot of small files (for example, photos), pack them in .zip-archive - this will reduce transfer time by 30-40%.

This method is especially useful if you need to transfer specific data, For example:

• 🎵 Local playlists of music apps (eg. Poweramp).
• 📂 Launcher or widget settings.
• 📄 Application database files (if they are not copy-protected).

6. Transferring apps and their data: what you need to know

One of the most challenging aspects of switching to a new device is transferring installed applications and their dataUnfortunately, none of the methods listed above guarantees 100% success. Here's what you can do:

• 📦 List of applications: Google Play saves installation history. On the new device, open Play Store → Library and reinstall the required applications.
• 🔄 Application data:
  • For games with support Google Play Games (For example, Genshin Impact) use cloud saving.
  • For messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) make a backup copy in the application settings.
  • For other apps try Titanium Backup (required) root rights).

Important: Some apps (such as banking apps or DRM-protected apps) prohibit data transfer For security reasons, you'll have to set them up from scratch.

⚠️ Attention: When transferring data from banking applications (for example, Sberbank Online or Tinkoff) through Smart Switch Or, the backup may be protected from unauthorized access. In this case, log in again or contact the bank's support team.

Comparison of data transfer methods

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about transferring data to Samsung

❓ Is it possible to transfer data from iPhone to Samsung via Wi-Fi?

Yes, but not through Smart Switch. Use Send Anywhere or Google Drive to transfer files. To transfer contacts and calendars, sync them with iCloud, then export to Google Account.

❓ Why can't Smart Switch see my old device?

Please check the following points:

• Both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (or activated Wi-Fi Direct).
• The old device has the option enabled Submit data.
• Disable any VPN or firewall that may be blocking the connection.
• If the old device is - Xiaomi, enable it in the developer settings Debugging over Wi-Fi.

❓ How do I transfer passwords from Chrome to a new Samsung?

Passwords are synchronized via Google AccountMake sure your old device is set to save passwords. Settings → Google → Manage Google Account → Security → PasswordsOn the new one Samsung Log in to the same account and the passwords will be loaded automatically.

❓ Is it possible to transfer data without losing photo/video quality?

Yes, if you use Smart Switch, Send Anywhere or a local server. These methods transfer files in their original resolution. But Google Photos By default, it compresses images if you run out of space on your account. To avoid compression, select the option Original quality in the backup settings.

❓ What should I do if the transmission is interrupted?

If the transmission is interrupted:

• Check the battery charge on both devices (should be at least 20%).
• Restart Smart Switch or other application used.
• If used Wi-Fi Direct, reconnect the devices.
• For large files (>10GB), split them into parts or use a cable USB-C.