Smart Switch Backup

[Members_RGnT6mF]

Hi guys! I am taking a Smart Switch backup on my PC (Galaxy A50), and since I am moving to a POCO smartphon, I wanted to know if I can restore the backup there. I really want your help.

[JerryS]

Hi, I think Smart Switch only transfers to a new Samsung phone. You could use a Google backup on our old phone and a Google restore on the new one, obviously that wouldn't back up Samsung apps and settings. Hope that helps

[Piper123]

Hey there and welcome to the Samsung UK and EU Community Customer to Customer Forum

It is recommended by many on here to not use SmartSwitch to update apps on a new device. This is because apps have many different variants so it is best to get the new one from the Play Store for your new device.

In terms of backing up your images, documents, files, music, texts and call logs etc, I would recommend you use Google as then you can back up almost daily whilst your device is charging (usually overnight) and not lose anything.

Google give 15gb free, 100gb costs about £16 a year and 200gb about £25 a year.

[Moiramon · Accepted solution]

You should get the option of copying data over from your old phone when setting the new phone up. This is a standard android regardless of phone make. You can do it wireless or by usb c cable to each phone. You'll also get options on what to copy over.

[Piper123]

When trading in, Samsung have finally changed their system so you can send your old device back AFTER receiving your new one giving time to follow the steps you rightly advise above 🫠.

Not sure if Xiaomi (Poco) do the same.

[Eager120]

Samsung Smart Switch backups are not directly compatible with non-Samsung phones like POCO. Smart Switch is built specifically for Samsung devices, so restoring its backup onto a POCO won’t work through the same software.
Here’s what you can do instead:
Option 1: Manual Extraction
You can still recover your data manually:
Go to your PC and open the Smart Switch backup folder.
Usually located in: C:\Users\[YourName]\Documents\Samsung\SmartSwitch\backup
Inside, you’ll find separate folders for contacts, photos, messages, etc. Many are in readable formats (e.g., .vcf for contacts, media as normal files).
Copy needed files manually to your POCO using USB.
Option 2: Use Google Account Sync (recommended)
If you synced your Samsung phone with a Google account:
On your POCO phone, log in with the same Google account.
Go to Settings > Google > Backup and restore data like contacts, apps, and calendars.
Option 3: Third-Party Transfer Tools
Apps like:
MobileTrans
iReaShare Phone Transfer
Dr.Fone - Phone Transfer
…can move data from Samsung backups or between devices across brands.
Hope this will be your help.