Samsung Kies is a program that provides solely for Sammy-based phones and tablets. With it, we can back up and sync our devices, use the app for software updates and transferring music, video and other media from our computers to the smartphones. Furthermore the folks from Sammy created a “Kies Mini’ for offering a watered-down version of the services. In other words, we are shortening what Kies is capable of doing. The miniature variant is used mainly for software updates for mobile phones. Even those who choose to update the firmware manually by using the files available from sources such as Sam Mobile, still use Kies as a place they can find the up-to-date USB drivers.

In addition to offering fewer services, the Miniature version is also for fewer devices. It doesn’t extend out to the traditional handsets all over the Samsung range. Unlike most of our guides here on site that rely on USB charging or a battery half full, the Kies Mini relies on a fully charged battery to properly run. You ought to make sure the battery has 100% charge before starting to use the program after you finish downloading.

Kies Mini

People can find the “big daddy” version available for Windows and Apple’s Mac OS X. However, the Mini variant from the source here is only working with Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7. Moreover, the total file size is just over 40 MB’s. Therefore, you ought to make sure you have enough space on the computer for the installation.

Once downloaded, you must create your user account and find the USB cable that comes out of the box when your phone is new. You likely use the cable as part of the phone charger every day. If you can’t find it try checking the wire coming from the charger. Once found, you must connect the phone to the computer suing the USB wire. Now the mobile and the program can successfully communicate.

As usual, we prefer our readers to back up the data before starting the installation steps. All data is sensitive and if you need a factory reset it will wipe the data. You can store the current data on the internal memory or an external memory source such as SD cards if your mobile has that option. Not all of them do have external memory. The internal memory doesn’t get wiped, only the ROM itself is wiped during a factory reset. You can make backups using Google native services such as Google Drive or another cloud service such as G Cloud backup. Those wanting something more can try out Helium from the Google Play Store. Helium is great for backing up the market apps and syncing the device. Of course, after you have Kies you can use it for a similar service. Since we don’t have it running yet, you must look for other sources.

Some users are reporting problems. Try temporarily disabling the antivirus protection while installing the program on your computer and see if that helps. Otherwise your device may not be on the compatible list. If you are on the list of working devices, it’s likely the USB drivers. This is typically expressed by a “please connect phone” error message on the display. To fix it, navigate to the menu at the top of the screen and select “install driver” from the list.

Download: Samsung Kies Mini | Standard Samsung Kies