Recommended Free Tools
Use Samsung Smart Switch to move the game apps, then sign in on the new Galaxy tablet with the same Google Play Games, Google, or publisher account. Smart Switch can transfer applications and some app data, but it cannot guarantee that every game’s local save, login session, protected data, or downloaded files will follow it.
Keep the old tablet until every important game opens on the new one with the correct progress, purchases, and downloadable content. If a game has no cloud account, Google Play Games support, or supported Android backup, its local-only save may not be recoverable.
Understand the three parts of a game transfer
A successful migration has three separate layers:
- App transfer: Smart Switch moves or helps reinstall the game application.
- Save transfer: Google Play Games, Android backup, or the publisher’s cloud service restores progress.
- Account and purchase recovery: The same Google or game-specific account restores ownership, purchases, and linked content.
This is why a game can appear on the new tablet while still opening at level one. Moving the app is not the same as moving its private save files or server-side account data.
Samsung’s current instructions and menu names vary by Galaxy Tab model, Android version, and One UI version. If you do not see the exact path below, open Settings and search for Smart Switch. Samsung’s official transfer instructions are available in its Smart Switch transfer guide.
#1 Best Overall
- POWER FOR ALL YOU DO: Galaxy Tab A11+ gives your family the optimal performance they need for all their day-to-day activities. Power through tasks, relax with a movie or jump into a game — the upgraded chipset⁴ keeps everything responsive
- CHARGES UP FAST. LASTS FOR HOURS: Galaxy Tab A11+ keeps your family going with a long-lasting battery that’s perfect for browsing, streaming and play. When you finally need a boost, fast charging gets you back to 100% quickly.⁵
- MEMORY AND STORAGE THAT KEEP UP: With up to 8GB of memory and 256GB⁶ of storage, Galaxy Tab A11+ gives your family the space and speed to multitask seamlessly and handle large files.
- BIG SCREEN. FAMILY-SIZED FUN: A bright, engaging 11" screen¹ with a refresh rate up to 90Hz delivers natural, fluid motion, making it easy for every family member to stream, play and do what they love.
- SURROUND YOURSELF WITH RICH AUDIO SOUND: Whether you're watching a movie or listening to your favorite playlist, immerse yourself in a cinema-like audio experience with quad speakers powered by Dolby Atmos on Galaxy Tab A11+
Before you transfer anything
- Charge both tablets. Samsung recommends at least 20% battery for cable-based transfers; a fuller charge is safer for a long migration.
- Connect both tablets to Wi-Fi and check that the new tablet has enough free storage.
- Update important games on the old tablet, if updates are available.
- Open each important game and confirm that its latest progress is synchronized.
- Identify the account used by each game: Google Play Games, a Google account, a publisher account, Facebook or another social login, or a game-specific email address.
- Record player IDs, usernames, recovery codes, or support IDs displayed by the game.
- Have a compatible USB-C data cable and, if needed, a USB-OTG adapter if you plan to use a wired transfer.
Do not factory-reset, trade in, or erase the old tablet yet. Smart Switch reporting that a transfer is complete only means the transfer process ended; it does not prove that every game’s progress is usable on the new tablet.
Method 1: Transfer games wirelessly with Smart Switch
Wireless transfer is the simplest option and lets both tablets remain connected to chargers. Place the tablets close together—Samsung’s current instructions specify approximately 4 inches apart for pairing.
- On both tablets, open Settings, search for Smart Switch, and open it. Some Galaxy Tabs also show Smart Switch directly in the app list or under Settings → Accounts and backup → Bring data from old device.
- On the old tablet, choose Send data or Send from this phone, then select Wireless.
- On the new tablet, choose Receive data or Receive on this phone, select Galaxy/Android, and then choose Wireless.
- Accept the connection request on the old tablet.
- When Smart Switch displays the available content, choose Everything or select Custom to choose particular games and other data.
- Start the transfer. Keep the tablets close together, powered on, and connected to power while it runs.
- Wait for Smart Switch to report completion. Then open the Play Store on the new tablet and allow missing games, updates, or additional game resources to install.
Wireless performance depends on the amount of data, tablet hardware, and connection conditions. It is convenient rather than universally faster.
Method 2: Transfer games with a USB cable
A wired transfer is useful when wireless pairing is unreliable or when you want a direct connection. Samsung says cable transfers can move the most types of data, but the tablets generally cannot remain connected to chargers during the wired transfer.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsRank #2
- POWER FOR ALL YOU DO: Galaxy Tab A11+ gives your family the optimal performance they need for all their day-to-day activities. Power through tasks, relax with a movie or jump into a game — the upgraded chipset⁴ keeps everything responsive
- CHARGES UP FAST. LASTS FOR HOURS: Galaxy Tab A11+ keeps your family going with a long-lasting battery that’s perfect for browsing, streaming and play. When you finally need a boost, fast charging gets you back to 100% quickly.⁵
- MEMORY AND STORAGE THAT KEEP UP: With up to 8GB of memory and 256GB⁶ of storage, Galaxy Tab A11+ gives your family the space and speed to multitask seamlessly and handle large files.
- BIG SCREEN. FAMILY-SIZED FUN: A bright, engaging 11" screen¹ with a refresh rate up to 90Hz delivers natural, fluid motion, making it easy for every family member to stream, play and do what they love.
- SURROUND YOURSELF WITH RICH AUDIO SOUND: Whether you're watching a movie or listening to your favorite playlist, immerse yourself in a cinema-like audio experience with quad speakers powered by Dolby Atmos on Galaxy Tab A11+
- Connect the tablets with a compatible USB-C-to-USB-C data cable. If the ports or cable require it, use a compatible USB-OTG adapter.
- Open Smart Switch on both tablets.
- On the old tablet, choose Send data → Cable.
- On the new tablet, choose Receive data → Galaxy/Android → Cable.
- Approve the connection when prompted.
- Select the games and other content to move, then tap Transfer.
- Leave the tablets connected until Smart Switch confirms completion.
Use wireless instead if keeping both tablets charging is more important than using a cable. Samsung’s detailed cable instructions are in its USB Smart Switch guide.
Restore progress after the app transfer
Games that use Google Play Games
Google Play Games saves are available only for games that support the relevant synchronization features. Google explicitly says that not all games automatically save progress.
- Sign in to the new tablet with the same Google Account used on the old tablet.
- Open the game and accept its Google Play Games sign-in prompt, if shown.
- Check the game’s achievements or leaderboard screen to confirm that the correct Play Games profile is active.
- If the game opens with missing progress, close it and check its Play Store listing. Look for an indication that it Uses Google Play Games.
- If multiple Google accounts are on the tablet, switch to the account used on the old device and reopen the game.
- Update the game and Google Play Games, then restart the tablet if synchronization does not appear immediately.
Google’s game-data recovery guide explains how to check the account and when to contact the developer.
Games with their own cloud or publisher account
Many games do not use Google Play Games for saves. Instead, progress is tied to a publisher account, social login, or an in-game cloud-save system.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Rank #3
- 8.7 Inches, 90Hz Display (220.5mm), 1340 x 800 (WXGA+), TFT, 16M colors, Android 15, One UI 7, with Updates coming. Charger Not Included.
- 64GB ROM, 4GB RAM, Mediatek Helio G99 (6nm), Octa-core, Mali-G57 MC2 GPU, MicroSD card slot for upto 2TB of expanded memory (SD Card sold seperate).
- Rear Camera: 8MP, AF, Front Camera: 5MP, 5100 mAh battery, Bluetooth 5.3, USB Type-C 2.0
- No SIM Card Slot / Network - Wi-Fi Only. USB Version C USB 2.0 Location Technology GPS, Glonass, Beidou, Galileo, QZSS Earjack 3.5mm Stereo Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac 2.4GHz+5GHz, VHT80 Wi-Fi Direct Yes Bluetooth Version 5.3
- International Latin American Model - No Warranty. WIFI Version: (Important: Country selection may not be available during setup. select any country, as Country will updated later after Connecting to WIFI in Settings. English Language is available.)
- On the old tablet, open the game’s Settings, Account, Cloud Save, or similar screen.
- Link or verify the publisher account, email address, social login, or other recovery method.
- Write down the player ID and any recovery information.
- Install the game on the new tablet.
- Sign in using the same method, then choose Restore, Load cloud save, or the equivalent option.
Smart Switch cannot bypass a game’s account system or independently retrieve progress stored on the developer’s servers.
Games with local-only saves
A game may store progress only in the old tablet’s private app storage. That data may not transfer if the game does not support Android backup, uses encrypted or protected storage, blocks backup restoration, changes substantially between versions, was installed outside Google Play, or has been removed from the Play Store.
If a game has no cloud account, no Google Play Games synchronization, and no supported backup mechanism, there may be no reliable way to move its progress to another tablet.
Reinstall games and recover purchases
Open the Play Store on the new tablet and use the same Google Account that originally installed or purchased the game. Google Play content is associated with that account, so compatible purchases can generally be reinstalled without buying them again. Google explains the process in its reinstallation guide.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallRank #4
- INTERNATIONAL MODEL — No Warraty. United States may not appear during initial country/region setup. Select an available region to complete setup. English language is available and the tablet can be used on Wi-Fi in the U.S.
- 128GB ROM, 6GB RAM, Mediatek Dimensity 7300 (4 nm), Octa-core, Mali-G615 MC2 GPU, 4x Dolby Atmos Stereo Speakers, Dolby Atmos
- The 20W UL Fast Charger Cube Included is a generic accessory and is not a Samsung-branded charger. 11.0” TFT LCD, 90Hz, 1920x1200 (WUXGA), Android 16 (upto 7 Major Upgrades), One UI 8
- No SIM Card Slot / Network - Wi-Fi Only Device.
- Rear Camera: 8MP, AF, Front Camera: 5MP, Video: 1080p, 7040mAh battery, Bluetooth 5.1, USB Type-C 2.0
If a paid game asks for payment again, check the following:
- The correct Google Account is active in the Play Store.
- You are viewing the same game edition and not a different regional listing, subscription, or platform version.
- The game is still available and compatible with the new tablet.
- The purchase was made through Google Play rather than through a separate publisher store.
- Any publisher account associated with the purchase is also signed in.
Google Play purchases cannot be transferred between Google Accounts. If the purchase is missing after verifying the account, keep the receipt and contact the game developer or Google Play support as appropriate.
What Smart Switch can—and cannot—guarantee
| Item | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Game application | Often transferred or reinstalled, but compatibility and availability vary. |
| Cloud-linked progress | Can usually be restored after signing in to the correct service and account. |
| Local-only progress | May transfer, but there is no general guarantee. |
| Google Play ownership | Usually available with the same Google Account if the game remains compatible and available. |
| Downloaded game resources | May need to download again on the new tablet. |
| Login sessions | Often do not transfer because of security restrictions. |
| Mods or external files | May require manual copying and may not work on the new tablet. |
If the game opens at level one
- Confirm that the game is installed from the same store and is compatible with the new tablet.
- Check the active Google Account and Google Play Games profile.
- Check whether the game uses Google Play Games or its own account system.
- Sign out and back in within the game, if that option exists.
- Update the game and Google Play Games, then restart the tablet.
- Use the game’s restore or cloud-load option.
- Do not clear the game’s storage yet. Clearing storage can remove the only local copy on the new tablet before you have determined whether a cloud save exists.
- If the problem continues, contact the developer with the player ID, account email or login method, old and new tablet models, approximate progress, and purchase receipts.
Google does not manage individual game accounts or each game’s in-app data. When Play Games recovery fails, the developer is usually the party that can verify or restore server-side progress.
If the old tablet is unavailable
Open the game on the new tablet and try the same Google, Play Games, publisher, or social account first. You can also reinstall compatible games from the Play Store using the original Google Account.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Best Value
- DIVE INTO THIS DISPLAY: All of your fun content pops on the 10.9" screen. Catch up on plans for the day while you cook breakfast, scroll your social feed in the evening or read an article in bed. Vision Booster adjusts the brightness to your environment
- BATTERY FOR LONG-LASTING ENTERTAINMENT: Enjoy long-lasting fun. Finish your favorite series or book with a battery that can last up to 16 hours.¹ Need energy quick? Get a full charge in about two hours with Super Fast Charging.²
- WRITE, DRAW, DO IT ALL: S Pen is mightier than your average writing tool. The responsive design and intuitive integration with intelligent features make drawing, jotting down notes and even doing math easier than ever
- SPACE TO KEEP WHAT MATTERS MOST: More storage means deleting less apps, photos, videos and files. Galaxy Tab S10 Lite comes with up to 256GB³ of storage. And if you need even more, you can add up to 2TB with a microSD card.⁹
- THE POWER OF ENHANCED PERFORMANCE: Galaxy Tab S10 Lite boasts an Exynos 1380 processor that lets you stream, scroll, note, search and even multitask with ease
During Android setup, you may be able to restore a previous Google backup. This can recover supported apps and app data, but Android warns that apps outside Google Play and data from apps that do not use Android backup may not copy. A backup therefore cannot guarantee recovery of a local-only game save. See Google’s Android transfer and backup guidance.
If the old tablet was factory-reset and the game had only local storage, recovery may be impossible. The developer’s account-recovery process is the remaining practical option.
Using a microSD card or USB drive
On compatible Galaxy tablets, Smart Switch can use external storage as an intermediate backup:
- Insert a compatible microSD card or USB-OTG flash drive into the old tablet.
- Open Smart Switch and select its external-storage backup option.
- Choose the content to back up.
- Move the storage device to the new tablet.
- Open Smart Switch and restore the backup.
Not every Galaxy Tab supports microSD cards, and external storage does not guarantee restoration of encrypted or protected game saves. It is best treated as another migration route, not as a way to defeat a game’s backup restrictions.
Final verification checklist
Before erasing the old tablet, verify every important game individually:
- The game is installed and fully updated.
- The correct account and player profile are displayed.
- Progress, settings, achievements, and multiplayer access are present.
- Paid content and downloadable content are visible.
- Cloud saving or account linking is enabled.
- Large additional game downloads have completed.
- Player IDs, receipts, and recovery details are saved somewhere safe.
Only after these checks pass should you factory-reset, sell, or trade in the old Galaxy tablet.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
