iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
To keep your photos in chronological order in Google Photos, use Android’s setup-time phone transfer if the originals are stored on your old Pixel. If they’re backed up to Google Photos, sign in to the same Google Account on the new phone; download or export files only if you also need local copies. A downloaded file may show a new filesystem date even though its original capture timestamp remains embedded in its metadata, so check the date in Google Photos—not just the file’s date—and keep the old Pixel’s copies until you verify the transfer.
First, know which date you’re checking
“Timestamp” can mean three different things, and they do not always match:
- Filesystem date: The operating system’s created or modified date for a particular file. A download or copy can receive a new filesystem timestamp.
- Embedded capture date: Date and time stored in the photo or video’s metadata, usually reflecting when the camera captured it. Google says a downloaded file can receive a new operating-system timestamp while retaining its original timestamp in embedded metadata. Google Photos explains how to download photos and videos, and Google Account Help describes metadata in downloaded data.
- Google Photos date: The date Google Photos uses to display and sort an item. It can differ from the file dates, and you can edit the date and time for backed-up photos. Sharing or downloading an item may show its original camera timestamp rather than the edited Photos date. See Google’s date-editing guidance for Android.
For the question of whether your library looks right in the Photos app, the Google Photos date is the one to verify. A changed filesystem date alone does not show that the capture date was lost.
Choose the transfer route based on where the originals are
| Where the photos are | Recommended route | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Stored locally on the old Pixel | Use Android’s Copy apps & data flow while setting up the new Android phone; choose the photos and videos to transfer. | Check hidden folders separately. Android’s general setup guidance lists some content that will not copy, and the guided transfer may only be available once. |
| Backed up to Google Photos in the same Google Account | Sign in to that account on the new phone and check the Photos app before making another copy. | Confirm that older and newer items appear with the expected dates. Download or export only if you also need files stored locally. |
| In both places, or you need an offline copy | Use setup transfer for local files, or download individual items or export your Google Photos data for a larger library. | Compare the Photos display date with embedded metadata; do not rely only on the operating system’s file date. |
Transfer photos stored on the old Pixel
Android supports transferring photos and videos to a new Android phone during setup, either over a cable or wirelessly. The exact screens vary by phone model and software version, so follow the prompts on your devices and use Google’s current Android setup instructions. Pixel-specific guidance is available in Google’s Pixel transfer instructions.
#1 Best Overall
- Attention-grabbing design meets the latest evolution of the Google Pixel Camera on the new Google Pixel 11 Pro; Gemini Intelligence helps manage details so you can live in the moment[1]; and the phone is available in two sizes
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan: Works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers[2]
- Stay informed without looking at your screen: When your phone is face down, Pixel HiLight gently alerts you with subtle glowing lights when your favorite contacts are calling or you’re talking with Gemini; exclusive to Google Pixel 11 Pro phones
- Magic Capture catches the moment as you live it: With just one tap, Pixel 11 Pro captures video and photos, and automatically edits, crops, and unblurs a curated collection, ready to share – and you get the memory of how it felt to be in the moment
- Two new cameras for more brilliant photos: A larger telephoto sensor captures 30% more light for clear, beautiful photos and videos, even in the dark[3]; Pixel’s longest zoom ever helps you capture details from impressive distances[4]
- Keep the old Pixel available and charged. Start the new phone’s setup and choose the option to copy apps and data from an existing device.
- Choose a cable or wireless transfer when prompted. If using a cable, confirm it supports data transfer and fits both phones; an adapter may be needed. Use a cable if the Pixel’s instructions recommend one. Wireless transfer is also documented.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to connect the phones, then select photos and videos among the content to copy.
- Let the transfer finish. Google recommends Wi-Fi for setup transfer and notes that it can take from minutes to hours, depending on the transfer.
- Open Google Photos on the new phone and inspect a selection of older and recent items. Check the dates shown in the app and confirm that expected photos are present before deleting or resetting the old Pixel.
Check hidden folders separately
Android’s general setup guidance warns that some content, including media in hidden folders, may not copy through the guided transfer. If you stored photos or videos outside the standard visible photo folders, check those locations on the old Pixel and account for them separately rather than assuming the setup copy included them.
Use Google Photos when your library is backed up
If the photos are backed up to the Google Account you use on the new phone, sign in to that account and open Google Photos first. Account sync is not the same as copying every local file from the old Pixel: items that were never backed up may not appear just because you signed in.
Rank #2
- Google Pixel 10a is a durable, everyday phone with more[1]; snap brilliant photography on a simple, powerful camera, get 30+ hours out of a full charge[2], and do more with helpful AI like Gemini[3]
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan; it works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Pixel 10a is sleek and durable, with a super smooth finish, scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass 7i display, and IP68 water and dust protection[4]
- The Actua display with 3,000-nit peak brightness shows up clear as day, even in direct sunlight[5]
- Plan, create, and get more done with help from Gemini, your built-in AI assistant[3]; have it screen spam calls while you focus[6]; chat with Gemini to brainstorm your meal plan[7], or bring your ideas to life with Nano Banana[8]
For local files, Google Photos lets you download individual photos or videos. For a larger library, Google Account’s data-download process can export Google Photos data. A downloaded file may receive a new filesystem timestamp, while its original timestamp remains in embedded metadata. Some additional Google Photos information, such as comments, may be included in a separate JSON file; that information is not the same as the image’s embedded capture date.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Google’s separate instructions for transferring photos to another service describe exclusions including Locked Folder items, unsaved creations, trash content, and manually edited metadata such as comments. Those exclusions apply to that service-transfer process; they should not be treated as a definitive list of what Android’s phone-to-phone setup transfer copies. See Google’s instructions for copying photos to a service outside Google if that is the route you are using.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Verify dates and troubleshoot items that look misplaced
- In Google Photos, open a photo or video and view its details to check the date and time the app associates with it.
- If the item is backed up and the Photos date is wrong, use the app’s date-editing controls. Google says date and timestamp edits in Photos are available only for backed-up photos; changing the displayed date does not necessarily change the original camera timestamp embedded in the file.
- If a downloaded or scanned item appears to have the wrong date, check the date and time settings on the device as well as the item’s metadata. Google notes that device settings can affect displayed dates.
- Account for Google Photos’ early-morning sorting rule: photos taken before 4 a.m. are sorted into the previous day.
- Recheck a few items after any correction, and keep the old Pixel’s originals until you have confirmed the photos and dates you care about on the new phone.
Google’s troubleshooting steps for missing or misplaced dates are in Find lost photos & videos. Google does not publish a success rate for timestamp preservation in this specific Pixel-to-Android migration scenario, so treat verification—not an assumed guarantee—as the final check.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Google Pixel 7 is powered by Google Tensor G2; it’s faster, more efficient, and more secure, with the best photo and video quality yet on Pixel[1].Other camera description:Front,Rear.Bluetooth Version 5.2 with dual antennas for enhanced quality and connection.
- Unlocked Android 5G phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan[2]; works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Pixel’s Adaptive Battery can last over 24 hours; when Extreme Battery Saver is turned on, it can last up to 72 hours[3]
- The 6.3-inch Pixel 7 display is super sharp, with rich, vivid colors; it’s fast and responsive for smoother gaming, scrolling, and moving between apps[4]
- Google Pixel 7 has wide and ultrawide lenses with up to 8x Super Res Zoom[5]; and Cinematic Blur brings more drama to your videos
Rank #4
- Google Pixel 10 Pro is the ultimate Pixel experience, featuring advanced AI with Gemini, unbelievable camera quality, impeccable design in two sizes, and the next-gen Google Tensor G5 chip[1]
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan[2]; it works - Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Get a head start on syncing your data before it even arrives: After you purchase your new Pixel, look for an email that explains how to transfer your photos, videos, passwords, and more in just a few quick steps[11]
- Pixel’s pro camera system makes everything look amazing, even in low light; capture more of the scene with advanced Google AI models, and bring out incredible details with 100x Pro Res Zoom, stunning 50 MP images, and super steady videos in 8K[10]
- Pixel 10 Pro is built with durable aluminum and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for scratch and drop resistance; the 6.3-inch Super Actua display with 3,300-nit peak brightness is easy on the eyes, even in direct sunlight[3,13,18]
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.
