Switching to your new Google Pixel 9 Pro is exciting, and you definitely don't want to leave your photos, messages, and settings behind. The good news is Google has made the process pretty seamless, whether you're upgrading from an older Android or making the jump from an iPhone. Here’s how to get everything moved over without a hitch.
Start the Transfer During Pixel Setup
The absolute best time to move your data is when you first turn on your Pixel 9 Pro. After you select your language and connect to Wi-Fi, you'll hit a screen titled "Copy apps & data." Tap Next to begin. Your new phone will then ask where you're copying from, another Android phone or an iPhone.
If you choose "Android," it will prompt you to use your old phone. On that device, you'll need to open the Google app and say "set up my device," or navigate to Settings > Google > Set up & restore > Set up nearby device. This creates a direct Wi-Fi connection between the two phones for the transfer.
Use a USB-C Cable for a Fast, Complete Move
For the most reliable and comprehensive transfer, I'd recommend using a cable. You'll need a USB-C to USB-C cable (the one that came with your Pixel 9 Pro works) and possibly the Quick Switch Adapter that came in the box. Plug the adapter into your old phone, connect the cable between the adapter and your new Pixel, and follow the on-screen instructions.
This wired method is often faster than Wi-Fi and doesn't rely on a network connection. You can select exactly what to bring over: apps, call history, contacts, device settings, photos, videos, and text messages.
Restore from a Google One Backup
Don't have your old phone handy anymore? You can restore from a cloud backup stored in your Google account. During the setup process on your Pixel 9 Pro, after signing into your Google account, you'll see an option to restore from a backup. Choose the most recent backup from your previous device.
This will reinstall your apps and bring back most of your settings and data. To make sure your old phone was backing up properly, you could have checked Settings > System > Backup to see the last backup time. If you use Google One, your backups are more comprehensive and include things like MMS messages.
Switching from an iPhone to Your Pixel
Google has a dedicated tool for this. When you reach the "Copy apps & data" screen on your Pixel, select "iPhone" as your source. You'll be prompted to download the "Switch to Android" app from the App Store on your iPhone. Open the app, follow the steps to connect via QR code, and choose what you want to transfer.
Your contacts, calendar events, photos, and videos will come over. Your free iOS apps will be suggested for download from the Play Store, but any paid apps will need to be repurchased. iMessage conversations won't transfer, so make sure to deregister iMessage on Apple's website before you switch to avoid missing texts.
Let Your Google Account Handle the Sync
A huge amount of your digital life is already tied to your Google account and will sync automatically. Once you sign in on your new Pixel 9 Pro, your contacts, calendar, Chrome bookmarks and history, Gmail, and notes from Google Keep will just appear. You can manage what's syncing by going to Settings > Passwords & accounts > [Your Google Account].
This automatic sync is why, even if a direct transfer seems to miss something, your core data is often already there waiting for you.
Move Your WhatsApp Chats
Transferring WhatsApp is crucial for many people. If you're coming from another Android phone, use the cable method during setup, WhatsApp data can be included in that transfer. After the move, open WhatsApp on your Pixel, verify your number, and it should prompt you to restore.
If you're coming from an iPhone, the process is more involved and requires using the "Move chats to Android" option within WhatsApp on your iPhone before you start the phone-to-phone transfer. Make sure to follow WhatsApp's official guide for the most current steps, as this process gets updated.
Check Everything and Wipe Your Old Phone
Once the transfer is complete, take some time to explore your new Pixel 9 Pro. Open your photo gallery, check your text messages, and ensure your key apps are installed and logged in. This is also a great time to play with the Pixel's AI features like Magic Eraser in Google Photos.
When you're confident everything is safely on your new device, it's important to properly erase your old phone. Go into its settings, find the factory reset option (often under "System" or "General Management"), and follow the steps to wipe it clean before you sell, trade, or recycle it.
