Recommended Free Tools
The safest way to move data is during Pixel 9 setup: pair the phones with the Pixel’s QR code, unlock the old Android phone, choose what to copy, and let the transfer complete. You can transfer wirelessly or with a USB-C cable. If setup is already finished, Pixel 9 can copy additional data later through Settings without a factory reset.
Before you start: protect the data you cannot easily replace
Keep the old phone until you have checked contacts, messages, photos, files, call history, and the important apps on the Pixel 9. Do not erase, trade in, or factory-reset the old device immediately after the transfer. Some app databases, manufacturer features, downloads from outside Google Play, and content protected by an app’s own security system may not be included in the standard Android-to-Pixel copy.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Charge and unlock both phones
- Charge both phones, or keep them connected to power during a long transfer.
- Remove any case that prevents a USB-C plug from seating fully.
- Keep the phones close together if you are pairing wirelessly.
- Know the old phone’s screen-lock PIN, pattern, or password. Pixel setup asks for it as part of the transfer.
- Make sure the Pixel has enough free storage for the selected content.
- Have reliable Wi-Fi available for wireless pairing and for downloading apps after the copy.
Prepare messaging and account data
Update Google Messages on the old phone and make it the default messaging app if the phone requests that change. Messages saved only on the SIM card may not be copied. Open the old phone’s messaging settings and move SIM-stored messages into phone storage before starting.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteGoogle-account data such as Gmail, Google Calendar, and Keep normally appears after you add the same account to the Pixel. That is account synchronization rather than a complete copy of every local file, so check that the correct Google account is used. If you use more than one Google account, add each account that contains contacts, calendars, or notes you need.
#1 Best Overall
- Durable Design: Reinforced nylon exterior and a robust core ensure this cable withstands up to 5,000 bends, outlasting other brands
- Fast Charging: Supports Power Delivery for up to 60W high-speed charging when paired with a USB-C charger
- Versatile Compatibility: Works with virtually all USB-C devices, including phones, tablets, and laptops
- High-Speed Data Transfer: Transfer files quickly with 480Mbps data transfer speeds
- Included Accessories: Comes with a hook-and-loop cable tie for easy organization and a welcome guide for hassle-free setup
Back up app-specific data separately
Open WhatsApp on the old phone and create a current backup before transferring. WhatsApp’s own backup and restore process controls its chat history and media. A cloud restore requires that WhatsApp backups were enabled on the old phone. On the Pixel, follow WhatsApp’s restore or transfer prompts after the app is installed and the same phone number and account are available.
Use the same approach for banking, authenticator, password-manager, note-taking, game, and other apps that store data privately. Check each app’s backup, export, account-login, or device-migration option. The general Pixel copy process does not guarantee the private data of every third-party app. Keep recovery codes and other sign-in information available before disconnecting the old device.
Choose the right transfer method
| Method | Best when | What you need | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wireless pairing | You want to avoid a cable and both phones can stay near each other | Charged phones, Wi-Fi, and the Pixel QR-code pairing flow | Keep both phones powered and connected as directed until copying finishes |
| USB-C cable | Both phones have compatible USB-C ports and you already own a suitable cable | A USB-C-to-USB-C cable that fits both phones | The cable must support the physical connection; do not disconnect it during copying |
| Android Switch after setup | Initial Pixel setup is complete and you need to add data later | Pixel 9 or later, the old phone, and the on-device Android Switch prompts | Current prompts can vary; Google’s flow is intended for one previous device at a time |
Google supports both wireless pairing and cable transfer. It does not establish that either method is always faster, so choose based on the cable you have, the condition of both phones, and whether the Pixel is still in initial setup. For an Android phone with USB-C, a USB-C-to-USB-C cable you already own or one included with a phone can be used. A Quick Switch Adapter is not ordinarily required for this Android-to-Pixel USB-C connection. If you do not already have a suitable cable, buying one is optional because wireless transfer is supported; no particular brand, model, or speed is required by the documented process.
Transfer during Pixel 9 initial setup
- Turn on the Pixel 9. Select your language and follow the setup screens until Pixel asks whether you want to copy apps and data from an old device.
- Start the copy process. Choose the option to transfer data from an Android phone. Keep the old phone nearby, unlocked, and connected to power if possible.
- Respond on the old phone. The old Android device may show a setup notification. Open it and follow the instructions to connect to the Pixel.
- Scan the Pixel’s QR code. The Pixel displays a QR code. Use the old phone’s camera or the transfer prompt to scan it, then approve the connection.
- Verify the old phone. Enter the old phone’s screen-lock PIN, pattern, or password when requested. This confirms that you authorize the copy.
- Choose what to copy. Review the categories and deselect anything you do not want on the Pixel. The available list can differ by phone model, Android version, and software build.
- Approve both phones’ prompts. Follow the instructions shown on each screen. Do not lock, restart, or disconnect either device unless the setup screen tells you to.
- Wait for copying and downloads. The Pixel may finish copying one category while apps continue downloading. An app icon can appear before its installation or data restoration is complete.
- Finish Pixel setup. Continue through Google-account, security, and other setup screens. Leave the old phone intact until you have tested the transferred content.
Using a cable instead
If both devices have USB-C ports, connect them with a compatible USB-C-to-USB-C cable when Pixel setup offers the wired option. Select the cable method on the Pixel and accept the connection request on the old phone. Keep the cable firmly connected and avoid using either phone in a way that strains the ports. The Pixel’s setup screens determine which categories are available; a cable does not make unsupported app data transferable.
What normally transfers to Pixel 9
Google lists these categories among the data that can be copied from an Android phone:
Rank #2
- Durable Design: Reinforced nylon exterior and a robust core ensure this cable withstands up to 5,000 bends, outlasting other brands
- Fast Charging: Supports Power Delivery for up to 60W high-speed charging when paired with a USB-C charger
- Versatile Compatibility: Works with virtually all USB-C devices, including phones, tablets, and laptops
- High-Speed Data Transfer: Transfer files quickly with 480Mbps data transfer speeds
- Included Accessories: Comes with a hook-and-loop cable tie for easy organization and a welcome guide for hassle-free setup
- Contacts stored on the old phone or in supported accounts
- Photos and videos
- Text messages and attachments
- Call history
- Files and folders
- Calendar events
- Apps available through the supported transfer flow
- WhatsApp chat history when WhatsApp’s own backup or transfer requirements are met
Some content appears through account sync rather than a direct file copy. After signing into the same Google account, Gmail, Google Calendar, and Keep data should become available from that account. Verify that synchronization is enabled and that you are viewing the intended account if information seems absent.
Data that may need separate handling
- Apps installed from outside Google Play
- Data belonging to non-Google accounts that are not added to the Pixel
- Manufacturer-specific apps, settings, or services
- App data from software that does not use Android backup
- Hidden, locked, secure-folder, or encrypted content
- Messages left only on the old phone’s SIM card
- Files stored in locations an app does not expose to the system transfer tool
For these items, use the old app’s export or backup function, sign in on the Pixel, or copy the files manually. A successful setup screen means the selected transfer completed; it is not a guarantee that every private database from every app was included.
Check the Pixel before retiring the old phone
- Open Contacts and search for several known entries, including contacts saved locally rather than in a cloud account.
- Open Google Messages and check recent conversations, attachments, and group threads. If older texts are missing, investigate SIM storage on the old phone.
- Browse Google Photos or the Pixel’s photo library and open photos and videos from different dates.
- Open Files and inspect the folders where downloads, documents, recordings, and media were stored.
- Review the Phone app’s call history and confirm that important calendar events are present.
- Launch the apps you rely on most. Confirm that you are signed in and that each app’s local data, settings, and offline files are available.
- Open WhatsApp and complete its restore or transfer process instead of assuming the general copy handled all chats.
- Check Pixel storage in Settings before attempting another large copy.
Apps can take time to download after the main transfer. A missing icon immediately after setup may simply mean installation is still pending, while a permanently missing app may not have been eligible for automatic transfer. Leave the Pixel connected to Wi-Fi and power while pending downloads finish.
Add data after setup with Android Switch
Pixel 9 and later can receive additional data after initial setup. On the Pixel, open Settings, choose Back up or copy data, select Copy data, and tap Start. Follow the prompts to select the old device and the categories to copy.
- Keep the old Android phone available and unlock it when prompted.
- Choose the connection method offered by the Pixel: wireless pairing or a compatible USB-C cable.
- Approve the connection on the old phone and complete any QR-code or screen-lock verification.
- Select only the data you still need and begin the copy.
- Wait for the transfer and subsequent app downloads to finish, then repeat the verification checks above.
Google’s post-setup flow is designed to add data without forcing a factory reset. The current on-device instructions should take precedence because menu names can change with Pixel software updates. Google’s guidance also describes restoring from one previous device in this flow; choosing a different source may require resetting the Pixel, so read the warning shown before confirming a new source. If you already copied from one old phone, do not assume a second source can be merged without that warning.
Rank #3
- CONFIRM BEFORE BUYING — USB-C to USB-C ONLY: This iPhone 18 Charging cable connects two USB-C ports — it does NOT include a USB-A connector. Not a retractable coil cable. Not a magnetic self-winding cable. Features a tangle-free, ultra-flexible design for everyday 240W fast charging. If you experience any quality issues upon arrival, our customer support team is available 24/7 to assist with a prompt and professional solution
- High Power ≠ High Risk | Smarter Compatibility for Every Device: 240W doesn't mean compromising safety—it means unmatched versatility. Thanks to PD3.1 Extended Power Range (EPR) technology, our c to c cable fast charging dynamically adjusts voltage/current to deliver each device's maximum safe power (e.g., 60W to iPads, 100W to older MacBooks, 140W to MacBook Pro). Other 60W/100W usb c to usb c cable can't hit full charging speed for your power-hungry devices—they're held back by their own power limits. LISEN 240W usb-c charge cable? It charges all your gear steadily, efficiently, and at full speed, with zero safety risks
- 240W Ultra Fast Charging | Smart Protocol Matching: This iPhone 18 pro max charger fast charging cable supports PD3.1 EPR/QC4.0 fast charging up to 240W Max, working seamlessly with USB-C Power Delivery adapters (e.g.60W/100W/240W). It automatically matches your device’s handshake protocol to deliver the maximum safe power it can handle. It's 2.4X faster than 100W fast charging usb-c cables: Up to 85% charged in 30 mins for iPhone 18 Pro Max, up to 65% charged in 30 mins for iPad Pro, and up to 80% charged in 30 mins for MacBook Pro 16''(M5). This iPhone 18 charger cord balances speed and protection perfectly, giving you both fast and secure charging
- E-Marker 3.0 Chip | Real-Time Current/Voltage Monitoring: LISEN 240W type c charger fast charging cable has an E-Marker 3.0 + PD3.1 EPR system that actively monitors current/voltage 3.2M+ times per second, ensuring zero overloads, short circuits, or battery damage. Paired with dual safeguards (overheat + surge protection) and PD3.1/QC4.0 certifications, it's not just a USB-C to USB-C cable—it's a smart guardian for your devices
- Premium Copper Core | Conductivity Meets Durability: This high speed usb c cable fast charging is upgraded from standard copper to 99.99% oxygen-free copper cores—thicker, purer, and lower-resistance. This means: (1) Stable power delivery even at 240W (no energy loss or heat buildup). (2) Longer lifespan (resists corrosion and wear, unlike cheaper alloys). (3) Faster data sync (480Mbps) with minimal signal interference
Troubleshoot a transfer that stops or misses data
The transfer will not start
- Unlock the old phone and confirm that its screen is responsive.
- Charge both phones and keep them close if using wireless pairing.
- Enable Wi-Fi and retry the pairing notification or QR-code scan.
- If using a cable, unplug and reconnect both ends, remove obstructions from the ports, and confirm that the cable fits both phones.
- Restart both phones only if the setup screens permit it, then begin the transfer again.
Copying pauses or ends early
Check available Pixel storage first. A full device can prevent the remaining categories from being written. Also check the wireless connection or cable, keep both phones powered, and avoid moving them during the transfer. If the process repeatedly fails, copy smaller categories during a post-setup Android Switch session rather than selecting everything at once. Do not estimate completion from an app icon alone; downloads and restoration can continue after the main copy screen changes.
Messages are missing
Inspect the old phone’s SIM-message storage. Move those messages into phone storage and retry. Confirm that Google Messages is updated and set as the default messaging app when required. Also check whether the missing conversation belongs to a different messaging service whose data is controlled by that service.
Apps or app data are missing
Check whether the app was installed through Google Play and whether it supports Android backup. Reinstall apps obtained elsewhere using the developer’s official download or migration process, then sign in to restore account data. Manufacturer-specific apps and settings may not have Pixel equivalents.
WhatsApp chats did not appear
On the old phone, verify that WhatsApp backup was enabled and that a recent backup completed. On the Pixel, use WhatsApp’s restore or transfer prompt with the same account and phone number. Do not wipe the old phone until the chats and important media are visible on the Pixel.
The Pixel was already set up
Use Settings > Back up or copy data > Copy data > Start on Pixel 9 or later. This is the supported way to add data after setup. Read any source-device warning carefully before selecting another phone, because changing the source can have reset implications.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Rank #4
- The Anker Advantage: Join the 80 million+ powered by our leading technology.
- Rapid Charging: Supports high-speed charging up to 100W when used with a compatible charger.
- Highly Compatible: Designed to work flawlessly with any USB-C device. (Does not support video output.)
- Rugged and Durable: A hard-wearing nylon exterior combines with a 5,000-bend lifespan to create a cable that’s durable both inside and out.
- What You Get: 2-Pack Anker 333 USB-C to USB-C Cable (6ft Nylon), hook and loop cable tie, welcome guide, everlasting warranty, and friendly customer service.
When to use wireless, a cable, or a later copy
- Use wireless pairing when the Pixel is in setup, both phones are near one another, and you do not have a suitable cable.
- Use USB-C when both phones have compatible ports and you already have a cable that reaches comfortably. Buying a cable is optional because wireless transfer is supported.
- Use Android Switch later when you skipped copying during setup or discovered a category that needs to be added. This avoids resetting Pixel 9 in the normal post-setup flow.
No official comparison establishes a universal speed winner. The practical choice is the connection that remains stable, keeps both phones powered, and matches the Pixel’s current setup state.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Final safety checklist
- WhatsApp and other critical apps have completed their own backups or restores.
- SIM-stored messages were moved into phone storage before the copy.
- Contacts, photos, messages, files, call history, and calendars were spot-checked.
- Important third-party apps open correctly and contain the data you need.
- The Pixel has enough free space and no transfer notification is still reporting an error.
- The old phone remains available until you are satisfied that nothing important is missing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to buy a cable to transfer Android data to Pixel 9?
No. Wireless pairing is supported. If both phones have compatible USB-C ports, you can use a USB-C-to-USB-C cable you already own or one included with a phone. A Quick Switch Adapter is not ordinarily needed for this Android-to-Pixel connection.
Is wired transfer faster than wireless transfer?
Google’s documented guidance does not establish a universal speed winner. Choose the method that is available and stable, keep both phones powered, and follow the Pixel’s prompts.
Can I transfer data if I already finished Pixel 9 setup?
Yes. On Pixel 9 or later, open Settings, choose Back up or copy data, select Copy data, and tap Start. Android Switch can add data after setup without a normal factory reset.
Why are some apps or their data missing?
Apps installed outside Google Play, apps that do not use Android backup, manufacturer-specific software, and private or secure app databases may need separate export, reinstall, or sign-in steps. The general copy does not guarantee every third-party app’s private data.
Best Value
- 60W Turbo Fast Charging：This iPhone 18 charger cord support PD3.0/QC3.0/QC4.0 fast charging up to 60W Max (20V/3A) with USB-C Power Delivery adapters such as 30W/45W/60W. Which 2.2X faster than 3.1A version and charges USB C Phone from 0% to 80% within 35 minutes, iPad Pro 64% within 35 minutes, Macbook air 50% within 35 minutes, and data transfer speeds up to 480Mbps (1200 songs synced per minute) compatible with Samsung,Tablt,iPad Air Mini Pro,Macbook and More.
- Right for ALL Your Devices：This is the USB-C to USB-C cable Not the USB-C to USB-A cable, iPhone 18 Pro Max fast charger Compatible with virtually all USB-C devices including phones, tablets, and laptops. Such as Samsung Galaxy S25/S24/S23/S22/S21+/S21/S20/ S20+/ S20 Ultra/ Note 10, MacBook Air/Pro 13'', iPad Mini 6, iPad Pro 2021/2020/2018, iPad Air 2020, iPhone 18/ iPhone Duo/ 18 pro max/ iPhone 17/ iPhone Air/ 17 pro max/iPhone 16/ 16 Plus/ 16 pro max/iPhone 15 pro max plus. NOTE: Don't Compatible with iPhone 14/13/12/11/X. This product supports bulk purchasing, making it ideal for businesses and large orders.
- Green Recyclable Materials：The LISEN USB C to USB C iPhone 18 17 16 15 charger fast charging you rely on most are braided from 48 strands of recyclable cotton yarn material. This braiding design also helps to prevent tangling and damage from bending and twisting. Using recycled materials is one of the ways we can lower the carbon impact of our products, since these materials often have a lower carbon footprint than materials from primary sources.
- Triple Protection USB C Port：USB to USB C Cable has electronic safety certifications that comply with appropriate standards, it built-in laser welding technology, which ensure the metal part won't break. The copper core part is reinforced with UV glue to prevent the solder joints from falling off. The USB C port pass Load-bearing 13KG test which longer service life and will never break.
- What You Get：LISEN USB C to USB C Cable 5-Pack (3.3/3.3/6.6/6.6/10FT), 18-Month worry-free period and 24/7 customer service, if you have any questions, we will resolve your issue within 24 hours. Whether you're shopping for samsung or iphone 16 pro max charger cord accessories gifts for men/women or reliable car accessories, this super fast charger usb c to c cable is built to last
How do I move WhatsApp chats?
Back up WhatsApp on the old phone first, with WhatsApp backups enabled. After installing WhatsApp on the Pixel, use its transfer or restore prompts with the same account and phone number. Verify chats and important media before erasing the old phone.
What should I do if text messages are missing?
Check whether the old phone stored them on its SIM card. Move SIM-stored messages into phone storage, make sure Google Messages is updated and set as the default when required, then retry the transfer.
Can I restore from two old phones?
Google’s post-setup flow is described for one previous device at a time. If you select a different source, the Pixel may warn that a reset is required. Read the current on-device warning before confirming.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →The Bottom Line
Use Pixel 9’s setup flow for the main copy: pair by QR code or connect a suitable USB-C cable, unlock the old phone, select the data, and keep both devices powered until copying and app downloads finish. Back up WhatsApp and other private app data separately, move SIM-stored messages into phone storage, and verify your files before retiring the old phone. If setup is complete, Android Switch in Settings can add data later.
Quick Recap
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.
