The most constraining moment after buying a new smartphone is the transfer of all data on the device, whether from Android to iOS or vice versa.
Fortunately, Google is now simplifying the process by extending Fast Pair, its Bluetooth Low Energy technology typically used to connect a phone to wireless headphones when they’re close together, to the initial setup screen. . Thus, it is possible to quickly pair Android phones for file transfer.
Currently, Fast Pair data transfer is only available on the new Samsung Galaxy S23 series, although the device from which the data is extracted can be from any manufacturer.
Even so, Fast Pair may be rolled out more widely in the near future. So even if you don’t have a Galaxy S23, this new technology may be of interest to you.
How to use Fast Pair to configure your Galaxy S23?
1. Select your device on the setup screen
After the initial Wi-Fi setup of your Galaxy S23, you will come to the screen that says Setup using another device. You can choose between Galaxy or Android device And iPhone or iPad depending on the device you plan to transfer the data from.
For the purposes of this guide, we will select Galaxy or Android device.
Image: June Wan/ZDNET.
2. Take a picture of the QR code
Once you’ve selected the Android option and your old device is nearby, you should get a Fast Pair prompt to connect to the Galaxy S23. In the future, when Fast Pair becomes more widely available, you’ll likely see a similar prompt for other Android models.
Tap on the prompt and your old device will ask you to turn location services on if you haven’t already. Once enabled, the Camera app should open, allowing you to capture the QR code that is now displayed on your Galaxy S23.
Image: June Wan/ZDNET.
3. Copy apps and data
Your two smartphones are now paired and the Galaxy S23 directs you to the page Smart Switch from Samsung. From there, choose whether you want to transfer your data wirelessly or via cable. Using a cable is usually faster and more reliable for this step.
Finally, select Copy apps and datachoose the files, photos, call logs and more you want to transfer, and let the two phones do the rest.
FAQs
Fast Pair only works on Samsung Galaxy S23?
For now, Fast Pair only works when the Samsung Galaxy S23 is the destination phone. But Google is expected to extend this feature to other Android devices, including its own line of Pixel smartphones.
How long does it take to transfer data to Android?
It all depends on how much data you transfer from your old Android device to your new smartphone. If it’s just apps, the process may only take three minutes. When we tested Fast Pair and Smart Switch, with around 50GB of data, the process took around 30 minutes.
Source: ZDNet.com