How to Transfer Contacts from Old Phone to Samsung Galaxy (One UI 6 & 7 Guide)

 Introduction

Switching to a new Samsung Galaxy phone is exciting, but transferring contacts can be tricky if you don’t know the right steps. Whether you’re moving from another Samsung, Android, or even an iPhone, Samsung provides multiple methods — including Smart Switch, Google Account sync, and SIM card transfer — to make the process seamless.
This guide will show you all available methods with detailed menu paths, ensuring every contact safely moves to your new Samsung device running One UI 6 or 7.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Using Samsung Smart Switch

Samsung Smart Switch is the most reliable tool for migrating contacts, messages, photos, and more.

Option A: Wireless Transfer

1. Install Smart Switch on your old phone (available on Google Play or Samsung Galaxy Store).

2. On your new Samsung phone, open Smart Switch:

   • Settings → Accounts and Backup → Smart Switch

3. Tap Receive Data → Wireless

4. Select your old device type (Android or iOS)

5. Follow the on-screen instructions to connect both devices

6. Select Contacts (and any other data you want)

7. Tap Transfer

📍 Tip: Keep both devices close and connected to power for faster transfer.

Option B: Using Cable

1. Connect old and new phones using a USB cable + OTG adapter

2. Open Smart Switch on the new phone → Tap Receive Data → Cable

3. Follow instructions and select Contacts → Transfer

Step 2: Transfer via Google Account

If both phones are Android devices, syncing contacts with a Google account is fast and safe.

1. On the old phone:

   • Go to Settings → Accounts → Google → Select Account → Account sync → Contacts → Toggle ON

2. Wait for synchronization to complete

3. On the Samsung Galaxy:

   • Go to Settings → Accounts and Backup → Accounts → Add Account → Google

   • Log in with the same account

4. Enable Sync Contacts → Wait a few minutes for all contacts to appear in the Contacts app

📍 Menu path:
Settings → Accounts and Backup → Accounts → Google → Sync → Contacts

Step 3: Transfer via SIM Card

If your old phone supports SIM card storage:

1. On the old phone:

   • Open Contacts → Menu → Export → SIM card

   • Save contacts to SIM

2. Insert SIM card into the Samsung Galaxy

3. Open Contacts → Menu → Import → SIM card

4. Select All contacts → Import

💡 Note: SIM cards have limited storage (~250 contacts) and may not save email addresses or photos.

Step 4: Transfer from iPhone Using iCloud

If you’re moving from an iPhone:

1. On the iPhone: Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud → Contacts → Toggle ON

2. On a computer, open iCloud.com → Contacts → Export vCard

3. Send the vCard to your Samsung via email

4. Open the file on Samsung → Tap Import to Contacts

Step 5: Use External SD Card or USB Storage

1. On old phone: Contacts → Export → .VCF file → Save to SD card/USB drive

2. Insert storage into Samsung

3. Open Contacts → Menu → Import → SD card/USB

4. Select VCF file → Import

Troubleshooting / Common Issues

Contacts Not Showing After Transfer

• Ensure all contacts are synced to the correct account

• Check Contacts app → Menu → Contacts to display → All accounts

Duplicate Contacts

• Use Settings → Accounts and Backup → Smart Switch → Merge duplicates

• Or Contacts app → Menu → Manage contacts → Merge contacts

Some Fields Missing (Email, Photo)

• SIM card transfers do not support additional fields

• Use Smart Switch or Google account sync for full information

Additional Tips

• Backup Before Transfer: Always back up your old phone using Smart Switch or Google Drive to prevent accidental data loss.

• Wi-Fi Recommended: For large contact lists or combined data transfer, use Wi-Fi to speed up the process.

• Keep Devices Charged: Ensure both phones are at least 50% charged to avoid interruptions.

• Update Apps: Update Smart Switch on both devices for compatibility with One UI 6 & 7.

• Check Samsung Cloud: Contacts can also sync via Samsung Cloud:
  Settings → Accounts and Backup → Samsung Cloud → Contacts → Sync

Conclusion

Transferring contacts to your new Samsung Galaxy device running One UI 6 or 7 is straightforward when using Smart Switch, Google Account sync, SIM card, or iCloud.
By following these step-by-step instructions, you’ll ensure all your contacts — along with emails, photos, and notes — are safely moved without loss.

Whether you’re upgrading from another Samsung, Android, or iPhone, these methods give you full control over your data and a seamless transition to your new device.

FAQ

1. Can I transfer contacts without internet?
Yes, using USB cable + Smart Switch or SIM/SD card transfer, internet is not required.

2. Why are some contacts missing photos or email addresses?
SIM card transfers do not include additional fields; use Smart Switch or Google sync instead.

3. Can I transfer contacts from multiple accounts at once?
Yes, add all accounts on your new Samsung and enable Sync Contacts for each.

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