Transfer data from your previous device to a Pixel phone

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 transfer

Important: 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:

Your fully charged, existing device on the latest software and its charging cable
A strong Wi-Fi connection
Your new, fully charged Pixel device
A SIM card tool, if you use a SIM card

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 Pixel

You 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 & later

You 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.

Copy data from your Android to your Pixel phone
Go to this video with audio descriptions: Copy data from your Android to your Pixel phone

Step 1: Pair your devices

Turn both your existing Android and new Pixel devices on.
On your Pixel device, tap Pixel or Android device.
On the notification on your Android device, tap Set up.
- A QR code scanner appears.
- To scan the QR code manually, you may also open your Camera app.

To scan the QR code on your new Pixel device, use your previous Android or Pixel device.

Step 2: Prepare your new Pixel

Set up your SIM.
- If available, download an eSIM from your carrier. To download, follow the prompts on the screen of your Pixel device. Learn how to set up an eSIM.

On your Pixel, enter the screen lock code of your previous Android device.
- Your Google Accounts transfer.

Step 3: Transfer data from your Android device

Important: 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

On your new Pixel device, when prompted to “Copy data from your Android device,” tap 5 times on the screen.
Tap Next.
Turn on and unlock your previous Android device.
Connect your devices with a USB-C cable:
- If you need to use a Quick Switch Adapter, plug the adapter into your Pixel phone. Learn more about Quick Switch Adapters.

On your Android device, follow the on-screen instructions.
On your Pixel phone, you can find a list of your data.
- To transfer all your data, tap Copy.
- To only transfer select data:
  1. Turn off what you don't want.
  2. Tap Copy.

Tips:

If your device recommends it, use a cable for your data transfer.
You can transfer data with a USB-C cable even if you haven't paired your devices yet.
Some apps need time to download and install and may take time to show up.

Transfer data to Pixel Fold, Pixel 7 Pro & earlier

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 device

Insert your SIM card. Learn how to get and insert a SIM card.
- If you use an eSIM, download your eSIM. Learn how to set up an eSIM.

Turn on your Pixel device.
Tap Get Started.

Tip: 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 device

You can transfer data through:

Your previous Android device with a cable, which is recommended
A Wi-Fi connection

Step 3: Transfer data

Use a cable (recommended)

On your Pixel device, when asked to “Copy Apps & Data,” tap Next Copy your data.
When asked to “Use your old device,” tap Next.
Plug one end of your Android charging cable into your previous Android device.
Plug the cable's other end into your new Pixel device.
- If you use a Quick Switch Adapter, plug the adapter into your Pixel device.
On your previous Android device, tap Trust.
On your new Pixel device, choose how to transfer your data.
- To transfer your Google Account and backed up data, tap Express.
- To only transfer select data, tap Customize.
  1. Turn off what you don't want.
  2. Tap Copy.

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.

On your Pixel device, when asked to “Copy Apps & Data,” tap Next Copy your data.
When asked to “Use your old device,” tap Next.
When asked to “Find your old phone’s cable,” tap No cable? Copy without cable.
On your previous Android device, open the notification to set up your new device.
On your new Pixel device, choose how to transfer your data.
- To transfer your Google Account and backed up data, tap Express.
- To only transfer select data, tap Customize.
  1. Turn off what you don't want.
  2. Tap Copy.

Tip: 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 Pixel

Important: 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	Yes
Device-stored data Music, photos, and videos* Recordings For Pixel to Pixel only Contacts on your device or a SIM card Call history Messages including RCS, SMS/MMS	Yes	Yes
Apps Play-downloaded apps and app data App notification preferences and statistics	Yes	Yes
Wallpaper and Widgets	Yes	Yes
Preferences and settings Saved Wi-Fi networks Sound and vibration settings, and ringtones SIM settings Conversations Device rules Clock settings and Alarms Now Playing history Safety and Emergency settings Blocked numbers	Yes	Depends on setting
Cloud-synced data (Make sure you're signed into the same Google Account) Email Contacts Calendar events Password Manager and Passkeys from Google Learn more about Google Password Manager and Passkeys Synced photos, videos, music, and recordings Any other information associated with your Google Account	Yes	Yes
What doesn’t automatically transfer to your Pixel Other services data* Non-Google Accounts and their data, which includes contacts and calendar events If backed up, LINE contacts and full history of chat conversations Learn how to back up your chat history WhatsApp chat history If you signed into the service on your Pixel device, your subscription services such as Spotify or Fitbit Downloads such as PDF files Photos, videos, and music stored in hidden or locked folders Apps that aren’t from the Google Play Store Data from apps that don't use Android backup Non-Google Accounts and their data Contacts and calendars synced to services other than Google Ringtones Certain device settings that can vary by device and Android version App permissions	No	No

*Some third-party apps and data may not be transferred automatically. Learn about data you can’t transfer in setup.

Frequently asked questions

What if some of my data didn’t transfer over?

If you encounter an issue when you transfer data to your Pixel device, learn how to fix issues with data transfer. If you have a Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, or Pixel 9 Pro Fold, you can transfer data after setup. Learn how to transfer data post setup.

I am setting up my new Pixel device for a child

When prompted to transfer data, tap Skip. Learn how to set up a child account on your Pixel device.

How do I get a Quick Switch Adapter?

If your device is an iPhone X or earlier, you can use a USB-C to Lightning cable or a Quick Switch Adapter. Learn how to request and use 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?

Fix issues with data transfer on a new Pixel phone.

I don’t have my previous device

If 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

If you didn't transfer your data when you first turned on your device, learn how to fix issues with data transfer.

How do I transfer data post setup?

If you have a Pixel 9 or later device, you can transfer additional data after the initial setup. Learn how to transfer data after setup.

How do I transfer all of my iCloud photos to Google Photos?

Transfer media from iCloud 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.