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To set up a new Google Pixel, prepare your old phone, use the Pixel’s guided transfer or a Google Account backup, activate your SIM or eSIM, then personalize the Home and Lock screens. The transfer is not a guaranteed clone: what moves depends on the source phone, apps, backups, Pixel model, Android version, and carrier.

Before you turn on the Pixel

Google Pixel Help calls transferring from a previous Android device or iPhone the easiest way to move data when setting up a new Pixel. Prepare first so the transfer has the best chance of completing:

  • Back up the old phone and sync the accounts and apps you rely on.
  • Charge both phones, keep them near each other, and connect them to reliable Wi-Fi.
  • Have the old phone’s screen-lock code ready.
  • Have a suitable USB-C to USB-C data-transfer cable available if you prefer a wired transfer or the setup prompts recommend one. A cable is optional in supported cases; wireless transfer is also available.
  • Check that the Pixel has enough free storage for the content you plan to bring over.
  • Sign in with the Google Account you want to use for Google services, app installation, and backup restoration.
  • If WhatsApp history matters, back it up inside WhatsApp rather than assuming the phone-level transfer includes it.

See Google’s Pixel setup preparation guidance and Android-to-Pixel transfer instructions.

Choose the transfer route that fits your situation

Situation What to use Key qualification
Your old Android phone is available Pixel’s guided Android transfer during setup Pixel 8 and later use a QR-code pairing flow; older Pixels have a separate Copy apps & data workflow. Wireless and cable options depend on the devices and setup prompts.
Your old iPhone is available Pixel’s guided iPhone transfer during setup Keep the iPhone unlocked and connected; a compatible cable may help, particularly with messages and apps.
Your old phone is unavailable Restore a previous Google Account backup You can restore only data included in that backup. Post-setup transfer is available on Pixel 9 and later.
You already finished setup and missed items Use Android Switch on Pixel 9 and later, or check for a finish-setup prompt on older models Older models have a limited window to resume setup; after it expires, repeating the initial transfer may require a factory reset.

Transfer from an Android phone

Start the guided copy

  1. Turn on the Pixel and follow the setup prompts until asked to copy apps and data.
  2. Choose the Android or Pixel source option, then follow the on-screen pairing instructions. On Pixel 8 and later, Google describes pairing with a QR-code flow. The Pixel will offer a suitable wireless or wired connection based on the devices and connection.
  3. Unlock the old phone and approve the prompts. Select the data you want to copy, then leave both devices connected until the Pixel reports that the transfer is complete.

Older Pixel models use a separate Copy apps & data workflow with cable or Wi-Fi options. For Google’s detailed steps, see Transfer data from your previous Android device to a Pixel. If the old phone uses Google Messages, it may need a recent version set as the default messaging app. If the transfer is interrupted, Android Switch can help finish it later.

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What may come across

Google lists Google Account data, contacts, calendar events, messages and attachments, files, photos and videos, Wi-Fi details, call history, apps, and WhatsApp history among common transferable items. Conditions and exceptions apply. Apps and purchases obtained through Google Play may transfer, but manufacturer-specific app data may not. The selection shown during setup is the best guide to what these particular devices can copy.

Transfer from an iPhone

Copy what the Pixel can import

  1. Keep the iPhone unlocked, charged, and connected to reliable Wi-Fi. Use a compatible cable if the Pixel recommends one or you run into transfer trouble.
  2. During Pixel setup, choose the iPhone transfer option and follow the prompts to connect the phones and select content.
  3. After moving to Android, turn off iMessage if new messages are not arriving on the Pixel.

Google notes that some imported messages can take up to 24 hours to index and appear. If messages are still missing after that, try the post-setup transfer path described in Google’s iPhone and iPad transfer troubleshooting guide.

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Know what might not transfer automatically

Paid apps and in-app purchases, apps unavailable on Google Play, DRM-protected music, Safari bookmarks, some settings such as Wi-Fi passwords, and app data not stored in the cloud may not move. If photos are missing, check whether they remain in Google Photos or iCloud; Google documents a way to transfer iCloud photos to Google Photos in its iPhone transfer troubleshooting guidance.

Restore a Google Account backup if you cannot use the old phone

  1. Connect the Pixel to Wi-Fi during setup and sign in to the Google Account used for the backup.
  2. Set up the phone’s security when prompted.
  3. Select the backup for the previous device, choose the available data, and start the restore.

On Pixel 9 and later, Android Switch can also add data after initial setup. Google’s post-setup restore supports one previous device; changing to a different source requires resetting the Pixel first, which erases local data. Follow Google’s cloud-backup transfer instructions.

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Activate your SIM or eSIM

Pixel setup may offer to transfer your SIM or eSIM, but availability and steps depend on your carrier. Google’s automatic SIM transfer requirements include Android 12 or later on both devices, current Google Play Services, and screen locks set up on both. You can also initiate a transfer later from Settings. If automatic eSIM transfer fails, contact your carrier for activation steps rather than assuming the line can move without carrier support. See Google’s SIM transfer guidance.

Finish a transfer you missed

Pixel 9 and later

Open Android Switch after setup to copy additional data and merge it with what is already on the Pixel. This is useful if you skipped items initially or need to retry a transfer.

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Earlier Pixel models

Check for a “Finish setting up” notification or a setup prompt in Settings while the phone still offers the option to resume. The window is limited; once it expires, repeating the initial transfer may require a factory reset, which erases the Pixel’s current local data. Before retrying, allow time for message indexing, free storage if the transfer paused because the Pixel filled up, and consult Google’s setup guidance and cloud transfer instructions.

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Make the Pixel feel familiar

Choose wallpaper and colors

  1. From the Home screen, touch and hold an empty area.
  2. Tap Wallpaper & style, choose a preset or photo, and select the screen to change.
  3. Preview the result and apply it. You can also adjust style colors and grid layout in this area.

Theme packs and AI wallpaper features can depend on software version, updates, or location. See Google’s wallpaper instructions.

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Arrange apps, shortcuts, and widgets

  • Add frequently used apps and shortcuts to the Home screen.
  • Drag one app onto another to make a folder.
  • Add and resize supported widgets, then choose a layout that suits your use.
  • Review Home-screen suggestions and At a Glance settings if you want to control suggested apps or the information displayed there.

Some Home screen steps require Android 14 or later, and labels can vary by version. Google’s Home screen app, shortcut, and widget guide covers the available controls.

Tune display and accessibility

Open Settings > Display & touch to adjust options such as brightness, dark theme, text and display size, and screen timeout. Some supported Pixels also offer a screen-protector mode for touch sensitivity. Available controls differ by Pixel generation and Android release; consult Google’s screen and display settings guide for the options on your device.

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