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Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteTo set up a new Pixel, copy data directly from your old phone if it is available and working; otherwise, restore an available Google Account backup during setup. Back up the old phone first, use the same Google Account on the new Pixel, and expect that some app data may need separate attention.
Updated October 7, 2026. Setup screens and transfer availability vary by Pixel generation, Android version, and country or carrier.
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Choose the right transfer path
| Path | Use it when | How it works | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copy from an old phone | Your old Android phone is available and works. | Transfer selected data directly during Pixel setup, using wireless pairing or a compatible cable. | What transfers depends on the devices, apps, and data selected. |
| Restore a Google Account backup | Your old phone is unavailable, or you want to restore from a saved backup. | Connect the Pixel to Wi-Fi, sign in with the same Google Account, and select an available backup. | Not all apps or app data are backed up or restorable. |
Google documents an additional Android Switch transfer after setup on Pixel 9 and later. Earlier Pixels have a narrower opportunity to finish setup; resetting one later erases local data. Details are in Google’s Pixel data-transfer instructions.
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Prepare before turning on the new Pixel
- Back up the old phone. Confirm it is using the Google Account you intend to use on the Pixel. Google’s Pixel backup guide explains how to check backup settings.
- Back up app-specific content separately. Some apps require their own backup process; Google specifically recommends backing up WhatsApp chat history within WhatsApp.
- Charge both phones and have Wi-Fi available. Keep the old phone’s screen-lock PIN handy.
- Consider a cable, but do not treat it as mandatory. A compatible USB-C cable can help when Wi-Fi is weak or you prefer a wired copy. Check whether the two phones’ connectors are compatible and whether an adapter is needed. Google’s transfer guidance covers cable and wireless methods.
- Plan for SIM or eSIM setup. Google notes that Pixel 10 and later phones sold in the US do not have a physical SIM slot; this detail is specific to that generation and market. See Google’s preparation guidance for current setup considerations.
Copy data from an available Android phone
- Turn on the Pixel and follow its on-screen setup prompts until it offers to copy apps and data. Choose the Android or Pixel transfer option.
- Connect the phones using the method shown on screen. Supported newer Pixels can pair by scanning a QR code with the old device; a cable is another documented option.
- Unlock the old phone, enter its PIN if requested, and select the data categories you want to copy.
- Keep the phones near each other and charged during a wireless transfer. If the Pixel reports that storage is full, free space before resuming.
- Let apps download and install after the transfer. Some may not appear immediately. Google lists texts and attachments, photos and videos, contacts, calendars, files, and apps among the data that may transfer, but results vary by device, app, and backup support. App copying applies to apps downloaded or purchased through Google Play; manufacturer-specific app data may not transfer. See Google’s data-transfer details and backup details.
Restore from a Google Account backup without the old phone
- Start Pixel setup and connect to Wi-Fi.
- When asked to connect or pair with an old device, choose the option to skip that step.
- Sign in to the same Google Account used on the old phone.
- Select an available backup when Google offers one, then follow the restore prompts and choose the data to restore.
Not every app supports backup and restore. Google says a Google One backup can take up to 24 hours to complete; that is a backup-completion window, not a guarantee of how long restoring the Pixel will take. See Google’s Pixel backup guidance and its transfer troubleshooting steps.
#1 Best Overall
- Attention-grabbing design meets the latest evolution of the Google Pixel Camera on the new Google Pixel 11 Pro XL; 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]
Transfer data if Pixel setup is already complete
Pixel 9 and later
Google documents an Android Switch flow in Settings for transferring data after initial setup. This path supports restoring from only one previous device; to switch to a different previous device, Google says you must reset the Pixel first. Follow the current prompts in Google’s transfer instructions.
Earlier Pixel models
Look for a “Finish setup” notification or a setup option in Settings soon after completing onboarding. If that opportunity has passed, a factory reset may be required to use the initial transfer flow again. A reset erases the Pixel’s local data, so save anything already on it before proceeding. Google’s setup and transfer guidance describes the available path.
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]
Find photos, contacts, or messages that are missing
Photos, videos, and contacts
These can sync through their own Google services rather than arriving as part of the device backup. Check that the Pixel is signed in to the correct Google Account and that the relevant photo or contact sync and backup settings are enabled. Google explains the separate backup and sync settings in its Pixel backup guide.
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Texts, attachments, and messages
Confirm that you selected the relevant data category during transfer or restore. Where applicable, Google recommends updating Google Messages on the old device before transferring. If you moved from an iPhone, use Google’s iPhone-specific transfer guidance; iOS items do not all have an Android equivalent.
Rank #3
- 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]
Apps or app data
Allow time for Google Play downloads and background sync. Check whether the app supports backup and restore, whether its content needs to be backed up inside the app, and whether the app is available through Google Play. Google’s transfer troubleshooting article states, “Not all apps can be backed up or restored.” See Google Pixel Help: Fix issues with data transfer on a new Pixel phone.
Transfer stopped or seems incomplete
- Verify the Pixel is signed in to the intended Google Account.
- Check that the missing categories were selected.
- Make sure the Pixel has enough free storage; a transfer can pause when storage fills.
- Keep both phones charged and nearby for wireless copying, and allow apps and background sync to finish.
- If the original phone is available, use the supported post-setup transfer path for your Pixel generation. Google’s troubleshooting guidance also notes that a Google One backup can take up to 24 hours to complete; this does not promise a restore duration.
For broader recovery steps, see Google’s Pixel transfer troubleshooting guide.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Google Pixel 10 is the everyday phone unlike anything else; it has Google Tensor G5, Pixel’s most powerful chip, an incredible camera, and advanced AI - Gemini built in[1]
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan[2]; it works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- 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
- The upgraded triple rear camera system has a new 5x telephoto lens - up to 20x Super Res Zoom for stunning detail from far away; Night Sight takes crisp, clear photos in low-light settings; and Camera Coach helps you snap your best pics[3]
- Pixel 10 is designed - scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and has an IP68 rating for water and dust protection[21]; plus, the Actua display - 3,000-nit peak brightness is easy on the eyes, even in direct sunlight[4]
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