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How to Use Samsung Kies

This application supported early-generation Samsung smart devices

By Russell Ware Russell Ware Writer Coombeshead College Former Lifewire writer Russell Ware has written hundreds of cell phone and smartphone reviews and guides in dozens of books and magazines. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on July 18, 2022 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email

In This Article

Expand Jump to a Section How to Use Kies to Transfer Files Backup and Restore With Kies Connecting Your Samsung Phone as a Media Device

What to Know

Choose Normal Mode during installation > connect device to computer via USB cable > launch Samsung Kies.To transfer files from computer to device, go to Library section > tap a heading > Add Photos or Add Music.To create device backup, tap device name > Backup/Restore > Backup > choose what to back up. This article explains how to use the Samsung Kies software, which gives you access to all the media and files on your phone and allows you to quickly and easily create backups or restore your phone.

How to Use Kies to Transfer Files

The Samsung Kies software manages media libraries, contacts, and calendars, and syncs them with Samsung devices. Samsung Kies works only with smartphones and tablets before Galaxy Note III, including Galaxy S4, Note II and related-era hardware. Newer hardware uses the Samsung Smart Switch software instead. During installation, choose Normal Mode rather than Lite Mode. Only Normal Mode lets you manage library and store functions such as transferring files. Lite Mode only allows you to check details about your phone (storage space used, etc.). Connect your Galaxy device to the computer using the supplied USB cable. If it is installed correctly, Samsung Kies should launch on the computer automatically. If not, double-click the Samsung Kies desktop icon. You can also start Samsung Kies first and then wait until you are prompted to connect a device. This method sometimes works better than starting it with the device already plugged in. To transfer files onto your device from the computer, click one of the headings in the Library section (music, photos, etc.), and then click Add Photos or Add Music and follow the instructions. To transfer files from your device to your computer, click the relevant section under the Connected Devices heading, select the items you want to transfer and then click Save to PC. Click on the name of your device at the top of the Kies control panel and you can view storage information, including how much space is remaining. You can also set up auto-sync options here. Samsung Kies

Backup and Restore With Kies

The Samsung Kies software creates backups of almost everything on your device, and then restore a phone from that backup in a few clicks. Connect your Galaxy to the computer using the supplied USB cable. Samsung Kies should launch on the computer automatically. If not, double-click the Samsung Kies desktop icon. As before, click on the name of your device at the top of the Kies control panel. Basic information displays on your phone. Click the Backup/Restore tab at the top of the main window. Select the Backup option then select the apps, data, and information by ticking the box next to each item. You can also Select All using the box at the top. To back up your apps, select All Apps or select them individually. When you have selected everything you want to back up, click the Backup button at the top of the window. Backup time varies, depending on how much you have on your device. Do not disconnect your device during backup. If you want Kies to automatically backup the selected data when you connect to your computer, click Automatically Back Up at the top of the window.

Connecting Your Samsung Phone as a Media Device

Before being able to transfer files, you may need to check that your Galaxy is connected as a media device. If it is not, transfer of files may fail or may not be possible at all. Connect the device to the computer using the USB cable. Open the Notifications panel, and then tap Connected As A Media Device: Media device (MTP). Tap Camera (PTP) if your computer does not support Media Transfer Protocol or not have the appropriate driver installed. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Transfer Files Between an iPhone and a Mac How to Recover Deleted Text Messages on Any Phone How to Back Up Your Android Phone to a PC How to Use Samsung Smart Switch How to Transfer Apps From Android to Android How to Transfer Messages from iPhone to iPhone How to Transfer Music from Computer to iPhone How to Set Up a New Android From an Old Phone How to Restore Your iPhone From a Backup How to Restore Your iPod Touch to Factory Settings How to Reset Restrictions Passcode on an iPhone How to Transfer Photos From any Phone to Your Computer How to Connect an Android to a PC How to Downgrade From Catalina to Mojave How to Transfer Contacts From iPhone to iPhone How to Get Custom Songs in Beat Saber for Meta (Oculus) Quest Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies