When you set up a new Pixel device, you can transfer data from your previous Android device or iPhone. The process and options for data transfer may vary depending on the devices and the Android version.
If you don’t have access to your previous device, learn how to back up or restore data on your Pixel device.
To find visual, step-by-step instructions on how to transfer your data, check out Pixel Guidebooks.
Get your devices ready for data transferImportant: To get the most out of your new Pixel device, you need a Google Account. Learn how to create a new Google Account.
Before you transfer your files and information to your new Pixel device, follow these steps to make sure all of your data transfers. Before you get your new Pixel device ready for set up, learn more about tasks you can do.
To begin a transfer to your new Pixel device, make sure to prepare:
Tip: If your device storage is full, data transfer could pause. Learn how to check your storage capacity.
Choose the device you’ll transfer data from:
Transfer data from an Android device to a PixelYou can transfer data such as texts, photos, music, contacts, calendars, and apps from a current Android device or a current Pixel device.
Transfer data to Pixel 8 & laterYou can pair your previous Android or Pixel device with your new Pixel to transfer data wirelessly or with a cable. Based on your connection, your Pixel device automatically detects the best option for data transfer.
Step 1: Pair your devicesImportant: For Pixel 9 and later, you can transfer data from your current device in the initial set up and add additional data post setup. Learn how to add data after initial setup.
Use a QR code
To choose the data that you want to transfer from your current Android device, follow the on-screen instructions. Learn more about items you can transfer to your Pixel.
Use a cable
Tips:
Tip: If you want to transfer data with a USB-C cable, on the “Copy apps & data” screen, tap on the image 5 times. You can do this even if you haven't paired your phones yet.
Step 1: Insert your SIM card (if applicable) & turn on your Pixel deviceTip: If you’ve inserted a physical SIM card, your device automatically applies your language and accessibility settings.
Step 2: Connect your previous Android device to your Pixel deviceYou can transfer data through:
Use a cable (recommended)
Use Wi-Fi
Important: To transfer data with Wi-Fi, your previous Android device should run on Android 5 or later, and your Pixel device should run on Android 12 or later.
Express Transfer copies all of the same data as Custom Transfer as long as the data is backed up in your Google Account.
What data does or doesn’t automatically transfer to your new PixelImportant: For Pixel 9 and later, you can transfer data from your current device in the initial set up and add additional data post setup. Learn how to add data after initial setup.
Data type During setup Transfer Post-setup data transfer Google Accounts Yes YesDevice-stored data
Apps
Preferences and settings
Cloud-synced data (Make sure you're signed into the same Google Account)
What doesn’t automatically transfer to your Pixel
*Some third-party apps and data may not be transferred automatically. Learn about data you can’t transfer in setup.
Frequently asked questionsWhat if some of my data didn’t transfer over? I am setting up my new Pixel device for a child How do I get a Quick Switch Adapter? What’s the difference between a physical SIM and an eSIM?Learn how to use dual SIMs on your Google Pixel phone.
My connection timed out mid-transfer, what do I do? I don’t have my previous deviceIf you can't use your previous device or don't have a cable that fits, learn how to fix issues with data transfer.
My data transfer timed out because I’m at storage capacity How do I transfer data post setup? How do I transfer all of my iCloud photos to Google Photos? What’s RCS messaging?Important: RCS is now available for Android and select iPhone devices, provided by Google or your carrier under your carrier's terms of service.
Rich Communication Services (RCS) is a modern industry standard for messaging and enables more dynamic and secure conversations than SMS and MMS.
Learn how to turn RCS chats in Google messages on or off.
How do I log into my apps & services? What about Passkeys?If you use Google Password Manager, it’s already installed on your new device. Learn more about Passkeys.
If you use iCloud to store your passwords or Passkeys, you need to log in to your apps and services manually.
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