New phone can't connect to a previous Samsung phone

You can send data from your old phone to your new phone using the Smart Switch app. If you are having difficulty pairing the phones wirelessly, you can refer to our guide for transfer requirements and instructions.
A Samsung phone is connecting to another Galaxy device for data transfer, with a message indicating the connection process.
A Samsung phone is connecting to another Galaxy device for data transfer, with a message indicating the connection process.

New phone can't connect to a previous Samsung phone

Note
If your old device has a blank, broken, or unresponsive screen, check out our other guide to learn how to back up or transfer your data with Smart Switch by connecting the old phone to a TV or monitor.
1

Restart both phones.

Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve minor issues.

  • On devices with a dedicated Power button, press and hold the Power button, and then tap Restart. Tap Restart again.
    Samsung phone restart screen with options for power off, restart, emergency call, and medical info.
  • On devices without a Power button, swipe down from the top of the screen using two fingers, and then tap the Power icon. Tap Restart, and then tap Restart again.
2

Check the wireless transfer requirements.

To successfully transfer data using Smart Switch, your devices must meet the following requirements:

  • Both phones should be turned on and placed within 4 inches of each other.
  • The old phone should have enough battery power to initiate the transfer process.
  • The new phone should be fully charged or have at least 50% battery remaining.
  • Both phones should be connected to the same Wi-Fi network or have sufficient mobile data.
  • The Smart Switch app should be installed and updated on both phones.
  • Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on both phones. Disable Bluetooth on any nearby phones that also have the Smart Switch app installed.

By meeting these requirements, you can ensure a smooth and successful data transfer using Smart Switch.

3

Launch Smart Switch on both phones.

  1. On the old phone, navigate to and open the Smart Switch app, then tap Send data, and then tap Wireless.
  2. On the new phone, navigate to and open the Smart Switch app, then tap Receive data, and then tap Galaxy/Android or iPhone/iPad. Tap Wireless.
    A Samsung phone screen displays Smart Switch with options to
Note
If other nearby phones have the Smart Switch app installed, make sure to remove them from the immediate area.
4

Allow the connection.

On the old phone, tap Connect to allow the connection with your new phone.


A popup message on a Samsung phone screen asks to connect to another device for data transfer, with

5

Initiate the transfer.

On your new phone, choose the content you want to move, and then tap Transfer. Once the transfer is complete, tap Done.


A Samsung phone screen shows the option to transfer selected data, including videos and audio files, with a

6

Try using a USB cable to transfer your information.

If you are still unable to connect the devices wirelessly, check out our other guide to learn how to transfer your content with a USB cable and Smart Switch.
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