Transferring apps from your Motorola device to a new Samsung phone is a straightforward process, primarily facilitated by Samsung's official data transfer tool, Samsung Smart Switch. This application allows you to move not only your apps but also contacts, messages, photos, videos, music, calendar events, and even device settings, ensuring a seamless transition.
How Do I Transfer Apps from Motorola to Samsung?
The most efficient and recommended way to transfer apps and other data from your Motorola phone to a new Samsung device is by using the Samsung Smart Switch Mobile app. This powerful tool simplifies the migration process, making it easy to set up your new phone with all your essential content.
Using Samsung Smart Switch Mobile App
Samsung Smart Switch supports transfers from Android devices (including Motorola), iOS devices, and even other Samsung phones. You can transfer data wirelessly or via a USB cable.
Step-by-Step Guide for Wireless Transfer:
To begin the transfer, ensure both your Motorola and Samsung phones are sufficiently charged and have a stable Wi-Fi connection.
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Prepare Your Samsung Phone:
- From the home screen of your new Samsung phone, open the Play Store app.
- In the search bar, look for and select "Samsung Smart Switch Mobile".
- Select INSTALL to download and install the app.
- Once installed, select OPEN.
- Review the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service, then select Agree to proceed.
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Prepare Your Motorola Phone:
- Similarly, download and install the Samsung Smart Switch Mobile app from the Play Store on your Motorola phone.
- Open the app on your Motorola phone and agree to the terms.
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Initiate the Transfer:
- On your new Samsung phone, select Receive data.
- Choose Wireless as your transfer method.
- On your Motorola phone, select Send data.
- Choose Wireless as your transfer method.
- On the Samsung phone, select Galaxy/Android as the old device type.
- A connection should be established between the two devices. You might need to enter a PIN displayed on one phone into the other to confirm the connection.
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Select Data to Transfer:
- Once connected, your Motorola phone will scan for transferable data.
- You will see a list of content types, including Apps, contacts, messages, photos, videos, and more.
- Select Apps (and any other data you wish to transfer). Smart Switch will typically identify the apps installed on your Motorola and queue them for download on your Samsung phone from the Google Play Store.
- Tap Transfer.
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Complete the Transfer:
- The transfer process will begin. Keep both phones close to each other and do not interrupt the connection.
- Once the transfer is complete, you'll receive a confirmation.
- On your Samsung phone, tap Go to the Home screen or Done. Your selected apps will now begin installing, and other data will be accessible.
Considerations for App Transfer:
- App Re-download: Smart Switch identifies the apps you have on your old phone and helps your new Samsung phone download them from the Google Play Store. It doesn't transfer the app installation files directly.
- App Data: For many apps, Smart Switch attempts to transfer associated app data (like game saves, chat histories, or app settings). However, the success of app data transfer can vary and depends on how individual app developers have configured their apps.
- Paid Apps: If you transferred paid apps, you won't need to purchase them again as long as you use the same Google account on your new Samsung phone.
- Pre-installed Apps: Apps that come pre-installed on your Samsung phone (e.g., Samsung Health, Bixby) will not be affected or duplicated.
USB Cable Transfer (Alternative Method)
For larger data transfers or if you prefer a more stable connection, you can use a USB cable. You'll need a USB-C to USB-C cable or a USB-A to USB-C cable with a USB OTG (On-The-Go) adapter, depending on your phones' ports.
- Follow steps 1-2 from the wireless transfer guide to install Smart Switch on both phones.
- On your Samsung phone, select Receive data and then choose Cable.
- Connect the two phones using the appropriate USB cable. Your Samsung phone may prompt you to select the cable type (e.g., "Android").
- On your Motorola phone, when prompted, allow the Samsung phone to access its data.
- Proceed with selecting the data to transfer (including apps) as described in step 4 above.
What Else Can Smart Switch Transfer?
Beyond apps, Samsung Smart Switch is designed to transfer a comprehensive range of data to your new Samsung device, ensuring minimal setup time.
| Category | Examples | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Content | Contacts, Call Logs, Messages, Memos, Calendar | Essential for staying connected and organized. |
| Media Files | Pictures, Videos, Music | Keeps your precious memories and entertainment intact. |
| Device Settings | Wi-Fi Settings, Alarms, Wallpapers, Lock Screen | Helps in quickly customizing your new phone to your preferences. |
| Documents | Various file types from your internal storage | Ensures important files are readily available. |
| Apps | Identifies and facilitates re-downloading existing apps | App data transfer is attempted but not guaranteed for all apps. |
Tips for a Smooth Transfer
- Charge Both Devices: Ensure both your Motorola and Samsung phones are fully charged or connected to power during the transfer to prevent interruptions.
- Disable Wi-Fi Hotspot/VPN: Temporarily disable any Wi-Fi hotspot or VPN services on both devices that might interfere with the connection.
- Sufficient Storage: Make sure your new Samsung phone has enough available storage space for all the data you plan to transfer.
- Stay Close: Keep the two devices close to each other throughout the wireless transfer process.
- Update Smart Switch: Ensure you have the latest version of the Smart Switch app installed on both phones for optimal performance. You can check for updates in the Google Play Store.
- Google Account Login: After the transfer, log into your Google account on your new Samsung phone. This will help re-sync many of your apps, contacts, and other cloud-based data.
By following these steps with the Samsung Smart Switch Mobile app, you can easily and effectively transfer your apps and other valuable data from your Motorola phone to your new Samsung device.
