How to Use Samsung Kies

This application supported early-generation Samsung smart devices

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.

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.

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