Getting your new Google Pixel 8 set up with all your old stuff is a pretty smooth process these days. Whether you're upgrading from another Android phone or making the switch from an iPhone, Google's tools have you covered for moving your photos, messages, and apps.
Start the Transfer During Initial Setup
The absolute best time to move everything is when you first turn on your Pixel 8. After you select your language and connect to Wi-Fi, you'll hit a "Copy apps & data" screen. Tap Next here to begin.
You'll see a few options. To copy directly from your old phone, choose "A backup from an Android phone" or "An iPhone." If you're restoring from the cloud, select "A backup from the cloud." I'd start with the direct copy if you have both phones handy.
Use the Cable for a Fast, Complete Move
For the most reliable and thorough transfer, use a USB cable. You'll need a USB-C to USB-C cable to connect the two phones directly. If your old phone has a different port, you might need an adapter.
Once connected, your Pixel 8 will detect the old device and walk you through selecting exactly what to bring over. This includes your apps, call history, contacts, text messages, photos, videos, and even some device settings. It works without needing Wi-Fi, which is great for speed.
Switch from an iPhone
If you're coming from an iPhone, the process is built right in. On that "Copy apps & data" screen, tap "An iPhone." You'll be prompted to download the "Switch to Android" app from the App Store on your iPhone if you haven't already.
Open the app on your iPhone, follow the steps to connect via QR code, and choose what you want to transfer. Your contacts, calendar events, photos, and videos will come across. Since iOS apps don't work on Android, you'll need to download fresh versions from the Google Play Store, but your paid app history will be remembered.
Restore from a Google One Backup
Don't have your old phone anymore? You can restore from a backup you made to Google One. During setup, after signing into your Google account, you'll be shown a list of available backups from your previous devices.
Pick the most recent one. Your Pixel 8 will then download and install your apps and restore your settings and data. Just make sure your old phone was backed up first by checking Settings > Google > Backup on the old device.
Let Your Google Account Handle the Sync
A ton of your important information syncs automatically just by signing in. Once you add your primary Google account to the Pixel 8, your contacts, calendar, Chrome bookmarks and history, and many app preferences will populate on their own.
You can check what's actively syncing by going to Settings > Passwords & accounts > [Your Google Account]. Toggle on any items you want to ensure are being updated.
Move Your WhatsApp Chats
To move your WhatsApp history from another Android phone, you can use the app's built-in transfer tool. On your old phone, open WhatsApp and go to Settings > Chats > Chat transfer.
Follow the prompts to generate a QR code, then scan it with your new Pixel 8. For moving from iPhone, the process is different and requires using WhatsApp's "Move chats to Android" feature during the initial phone-to-phone transfer setup.
Check Everything and Secure Your Old Phone
Once the transfer is done, take a few minutes to scroll through your app drawer, open your photo gallery, and check your messages to make sure everything looks right. Log into any apps that require fresh authentication, like banking or social media apps.
When you're confident everything is on your new Pixel 8, it's crucial to wipe your old device. Go into its settings and perform a factory reset before you sell, trade, or recycle it. This protects your personal data.
