By Jenefey Aaron

Updated on 2025-08-11

100 % Helpful

Ultimate Guide to Samsung SideSync[Most Comprehensive]

By Jenefey Aaron

2025-08-11 / Transfer

There has never been a greater need to rapidly exchange files between your phone and computer to create a backup of valuable files or share music and videos. As a Samsung user, you might have already heard of the Samsung SideSync software, which makes it easy to transfer data between your phone and computer. But how does it do its job? Here, you'll find the key features, advantages, disadvantages, and how to go about downloading, installing, and actually using the SideSync tool!

Part 1. Everything You Need to Know About Samsung SideSync

Overview of SideSync
Key Features of Samsung SideSync
How to Download and Install SideSync?
Pros and Cons: Is SideSync Still Worth Using？

Part 2. iCareFone: Best Alternative to Samsung SideSync

Part 3. How to Use SideSync to Sync Data？

Part 4. Frequently Asked Questions About SideSync

Afficher Plus

Part 1. Everything You Need to Know About Samsung SideSync

Overview of SideSync

Samsung SideSync, launched in 2013, is a software created to connect Samsung phones or tablets with computers to use both devices together. It lets users view and control their phone directly from a PC screen. This makes it simple to send messages, use apps, move files, or even make calls without picking up the phone.

SideSync is especially helpful for professionals who want to stay productive without switching between devices all the time. Originally made for Samsung's ATIV PCs and Galaxy devices, SideSync later worked with most Windows and macOS computers. Though some older devices needed a USB cable while newer ones could connect over Wi-Fi.

Key Features of Samsung SideSync

Here are the key features of the SideSync tool in detail:

SideSync Screen Mirroring: Shows the phone's screen on a computer, allowing users to control it with a mouse or keyboard. Touchscreen PCs could also be used to control the phone.
Full Phone Control: Users could fully operate their phone from the PC—open apps, type, and navigate using the mouse and keyboard, with mouse buttons acting like phone touch commands.
SideSync Transfer Files to PC: Allows quick drag-and-drop file transfers between phone and computer, like photos, videos, and documents, and there's no need for cables or cloud storage.
Text & Call Access: Let users send texts and handle phone calls from the computer, with pop-up alerts and headset support for answering calls.
Shared Clipboard: Enabled copy-paste between phone and PC, making it easy to move text or content across devices.
Automatic Backup: Could back up phone data to the computer automatically, helpful for data protection, but could use a lot of space.
Multitasking: Let users run mobile apps alongside PC programs for a smoother, all-in-one workflow.

How to Download and Install SideSync?

The following are the step-by-step instructions to download SideSync and install it.

You must first fulfill the system requirements of the device where you wish to download the SideSync tool:

For Windows PC:

OS: Windows XP SP3 or newer (32/64-bit).
CPU: 1.8 GHz or better (Core 2 Duo recommended).
RAM: At least 1 GB.
Storage: 500 MB free space.
Screen: 1024x768 resolution or higher.
Extra: Windows Media Player 11+, DirectX 9.0C (for XP).

For Mac:

OS: macOS 10.7 or later.
CPU: 1.8 GHz or faster.
RAM: 1 GB.
Storage: 500 MB free space.

For Samsung Devices:

Phones: SideSync APK Android 4.4 (KitKat) or newer.
Tablets: Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or newer.

Note:

Not supported on Galaxy S9 and newer models.

Next, download and install the SideSync tool on your PC, Mac, or Samsung device:

On PC or Mac:

Head to Samsung's official SideSync page or a trusted site like FileHorse.
SideSync download for PC Windows 10 or the correct version, e.g., SideSync_4.7.5.203.exe for your Windows version.
Run the installer and follow the setup guide.

On Samsung Devices:

Download SideSync from Galaxy Store or Google Play Store.
Some devices may also need the "Phone Screen Sharing" app.

Pros and Cons: Is SideSync Still Worth Using？

Pros:

Functions smoothly with Galaxy phones and tablets, keeping a consistent Samsung-style interface.
Let users control their phone from a PC, making it easier to manage apps, files, and messages without switching devices.
Drag-and-drop feature makes moving files between phone and computer quick and simple.
Combined screen sharing, file transfers, call/text management, and phone control in one app.
Runs smoothly without slowing down your computer.

Cons:

Incompatible with non-Samsung devices and doesn't support newer models like the Galaxy S9 and later.
Samsung stopped updating SideSync and moved to a newer app, Samsung Flow.
Wireless connections could be unstable, and older devices often needed a USB cable for a stable link.
Auto backups could fill up PC storage without warning.
Only available for Windows and macOS.

Part 2. iCareFone: Best Alternative to Samsung SideSync

As SideSync only supports Samsung devices, a better alternative would be to employ Tenorshare iCareFone. It supports iPhone to PC/Mac transfer and vice versa. The tool can move 30+ file types, including contacts, messages, videos, photos, and more, between iPhone and PC/Mac. It also offers:

Backup selective iPhone files to a computer quickly, as compared to iCloud or iTunes.
Transfer the data, including WhatsApp, from an iPhone to a computer or external drives.
Examine and export backup data, and restore it to your device.
It can move music between an iPhone and a computer without iTunes.
Find out installed apps that are hidden and upgrade or remove apps installed on iPhone through a computer.
Access iPhone files on your computer and organize bookmarks as well as Apple TV videos.
Convert Apple Music to MP3/FLAC without quality loss.
Access apps such as BGMI and TikTok even though they may be banned in your country.
Provides iPhone backup & testing, developer mode, and AI wallpapers (Mac only).
Supported on the latest iOS 26, iPhone 16 series, as well as Windows 11.

Follow the instructions beneath to use Tenorshare iCareFone to transfer data between an iPhone and a PC/Mac.

Download and install Tenorshare iCareFone on your PC/Mac. Then, attach your iPhone to the same computer and unlock it.
If asked, choose “Trust This Computer” on your iPhone. Once your iPhone is recognized, tap “Manage.”
Choose the files to move to the computer from your iPhone. Hit “Export.” Select “Import” if you want to transfer files from your PC/Mac to your iPhone.

Part 3. How to Use SideSync to Sync Data？

Here's how to use the application SideSync to sync data between your Samsung phone and PC/Mac:

After you install the SideSync tool, connect your devices:

USB: Plug your Samsung phone into the PC/Mac with a USB cable. Enable USB Debugging if asked.
Wi-Fi: Open SideSync on both devices. On your PC/Mac, choose Wi-Fi mode and select your phone from the list. Confirm the connection on your phone.

If you want to transfer files:

Open the SideSync app on your respective device.
Choose "My Files" to access SideSync data on the Samsung device.

Pick "File Manager" on PC/Mac.
Drag and drop files between PC/Mac and phone (photos, videos, docs, etc.).

To use the keyboard and sharing function:

On your PC/Mac SideSync window, click "More" > "Keyboard and Mouse Sharing."

Move your mouse past the edge of your PC screen to start controlling your phone.
Now you can use your PC's mouse and keyboard on your phone.

Part 4. Frequently Asked Questions About SideSync

Q1. How to solve SideSync not working issues?

If SideSync won't connect, make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network or try another USB cable. Also, turn off any firewall or antivirus software that might block the connection. For Wi-Fi issues, restart both devices and reinstall SideSync, as outdated drivers or software like Samsung Kies can cause problems. Enable USB debugging if asked. Besides, SideSync may not function on work-managed devices or newer models like the Galaxy S9+.

Q2: Can I use SideSync on macOS?

Yes, you can use SideSync on macOS 10.7 or later for screen mirroring, file sharing, and managing calls or texts. However, it only supports Samsung devices, and some users face issues with the tool on macOS Sierra or newer.

Q3. Does SideSync support file transfer for all file types?

Yes, SideSync lets you drag and drop files like photos, videos, documents, and DRM-free media. It doesn't support app data, encrypted files, or system folders. For more file types or full data transfers, use tools like Smart Switch for Samsung devices or Tenorshare iCareFone for iPhone/iPad.

Q4. What is Samsung Flow, and how is it different from SideSync?

Samsung Flow replaced SideSync for newer devices like the Galaxy S9+. It offers features like wireless notifications, copy-paste between devices, and secure hotspot sharing. However, it doesn't support screen mirroring or keyboard/mouse control like SideSync. Flow allows folder transfers but needs Android 6.0+ and Windows 10/11. Whereas SideSync is still better for older Samsung devices made before 2018.

Q5. What are Samsung SideSync supported devices and chipsets？

SideSync supports Samsung phones with Android 4.4 or later and tablets with Android 5.0 or later. It doesn't support newer models like the Galaxy S9, S10, or later. On computers, it needs Windows XP SP3 or newer, or macOS 10.7+, with at least an Intel Core 2 Duo 2.0 GHz processor and 1GB of RAM. It's designed for x86/x64 systems, though specific chipsets aren't listed.

Conclusion

SideSync is a useful tool for linking Samsung phones and tablets to a PC or Mac. It lets users control their phone, move files, send messages, and mirror the screen. But it's now outdated, doesn't function with newer models like the Galaxy S9+, and may not run well on newer macOS versions.

A better option today for iOS users is Tenorshare iCareFone. It supports iPhone-to-PC/Mac transfers, backs up files, manages app data like WhatsApp, and supports the latest iOS and Windows. The tool also allows selective file transfer and backup.

Downloads: