Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesMove general phone data during Pixel setup, then verify WhatsApp separately: copying contacts, photos, or apps does not guarantee that your chat history is restored. The steps depend on whether your old phone is Android or iPhone and, for transfers after setup, which Pixel generation you have. Back up the old phone and WhatsApp first, keep both devices charged, and use strong Wi-Fi or a compatible cable.
Before you start
- Back up the old phone. Google recommends making a device backup before setting up the Pixel. WhatsApp is a third-party app, so back up its chats within WhatsApp as well; a general device backup is not a substitute for a WhatsApp chat backup. See Google’s Pixel setup preparation guidance.
- Keep both phones available and charged. Have the old phone’s screen-lock PIN ready. Connect to strong Wi-Fi; a compatible cable can be useful, especially if the wireless connection is weak. Cable and adapter needs vary with the phones’ ports and Pixel model, so confirm the instructions for your devices in Google’s Quick Switch Adapter guide.
- Check Pixel storage. If the Pixel runs out of space, the transfer can pause. Not every app or app-private item is guaranteed to copy, and transferred apps may take time to appear.
Google’s Pixel data-transfer guide lists supported categories and notes that some manufacturer-specific app data may not transfer. Treat the general phone copy and WhatsApp migration as two related but separate jobs.
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Choose the route for your phones
| Old phone and destination | General data transfer | WhatsApp chats |
|---|---|---|
| Android to Pixel | Use the Pixel setup transfer flow; newer Pixel instructions include QR pairing and cable options. | Back up chats in WhatsApp, then restore from backup or transfer from the old phone using the same number. |
| iPhone to Pixel | Use the iPhone-to-Pixel setup flow by cable or, on supported newer devices, wirelessly. Available transfer categories depend on the route. | Use Google’s cable- and QR-guided WhatsApp transfer. Complete it before using WhatsApp on the Pixel where possible. |
| Setup already finished | Pixel 9 and later support adding data after setup under Google’s current guidance. For other models, follow the applicable setup and cloud-backup options in Google’s help pages. | Use the platform-specific WhatsApp steps below; a device backup alone does not establish that WhatsApp chats are available. |
These are not interchangeable procedures. Follow the instructions for your old phone’s platform and your Pixel generation in Google’s transfer guide.
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Transfer general data from Android
Start the transfer during Pixel setup. On Pixel 8 and later, Google documents a wireless route that pairs the old Android phone and new Pixel using a QR code, followed by a choice of data to copy. A wired route connects the phones by USB-C and lets you copy all or selected data. Older Pixel instructions also include cable and Wi-Fi routes; use the steps shown for your model rather than assuming the screens are identical.
#1 Best Overall
- Attention-grabbing design meets the latest evolution of the Google Pixel Camera on the new Google Pixel 11 Pro; 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]
- Start setting up the Pixel and choose the option to copy data from an old device.
- Follow the Pixel’s instructions to pair the Android phone, either wirelessly or with a compatible cable.
- Unlock the old phone when prompted, review the categories offered, and select what you want to copy.
- Keep the devices connected until the Pixel reports that copying is complete. Check the transferred apps and files afterward.
Google lists WhatsApp chat history as a supported Android-to-Pixel transfer category, but its WhatsApp guidance also describes a distinct backup and restore flow. Check WhatsApp itself after the device transfer rather than assuming that all chats and media arrived.
Transfer general data from iPhone
Google’s iPhone-to-Pixel flow can copy selected categories such as texts, photos, music, contacts, apps, and calendars. The exact choices depend on the setup route and device compatibility. Before transferring, Google advises turning off iMessage and FaceTime.
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]
- During Pixel setup, choose to copy data from an iPhone or iPad and follow the displayed wired or supported wireless instructions.
- If using a cable, confirm it fits both phones. Newer iPhones and Android devices can use a compatible USB-C-to-USB-C cable. Google’s instructions for iPhone X or older describe a Lightning cable and, in one cable arrangement, a Quick Switch Adapter.
- Choose the data categories to copy and keep the phones connected until the transfer completes.
- Check the Pixel for the expected contacts, messages, photos, and other selected items.
Only photos saved locally on the iPhone transfer through the device-copy flow. For photos stored in iCloud, Google points users to Google Photos syncing or Apple’s iCloud migration option. See Google’s iPhone-to-Pixel transfer instructions for the route supported by your devices.
Move WhatsApp chats from Android
Use the same phone number on the Pixel that you used with WhatsApp on the old Android phone. Google describes both a direct transfer from the old phone and restoration from a cloud backup; if an up-to-date cloud backup exists, Google recommends restoring from it.
- On the old phone, open WhatsApp and go to Settings → Chats → Chat backup → Back up.
- Install WhatsApp on the Pixel if it was not included with the app transfer.
- Open WhatsApp on the Pixel and sign in with the same phone number used on the old phone.
- When prompted, choose Transfer from old phone for the Wi-Fi transfer or Restore from backup for cloud restore. For a cloud restore, make sure the Google Account associated with the backup is available on the Pixel.
- After the restore, open chats and check that messages and media are present. Older images can take time to appear.
If WhatsApp does not find the backup, confirm that the Pixel uses the same Google Account and check on the old phone that backup is enabled and has run. If messages are missing, check the old phone’s last backup date. Clearing WhatsApp app data on the Pixel to retry can erase new messages received there, so do not do it unless you are prepared to lose those messages. Google’s Android WhatsApp transfer guidance advises contacting WhatsApp support if restored images are still missing after 24 hours.
Move WhatsApp chats from iPhone
Google’s iPhone-to-Android WhatsApp flow requires the old iPhone, its charging cable, a Google Account to download WhatsApp, and the same phone number on the Pixel. Transfer the chats before using WhatsApp on the new phone where possible, so new messages on the Pixel do not complicate the move.
Rank #4
- 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]
During initial Pixel setup
- Choose Copy from iPhone or iPad and connect the phones using the iPhone’s cable.
- Include Apps among the data selected for copying, then scan the QR code shown on the Pixel.
- On the iPhone, tap Start transfer in WhatsApp and wait for the transfer to finish.
- Only after completion, sign in to WhatsApp on the Pixel using the same phone number.
If you used the QR-code device-copy route
Google says WhatsApp chats are not copied in that device setup flow. Its post-setup instructions describe a separate route: go to Settings → Accounts and backup → Android Switch → Transfer WhatsApp chats on the Pixel, connect the iPhone by cable, tap Trust on the iPhone, and enter its PIN to allow data access. Scan the QR code, follow WhatsApp’s instructions, wait for the transfer to finish, then sign in to WhatsApp on Android.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →See Google’s iPhone WhatsApp transfer instructions for the supported flow. Do not assume that a general iPhone data copy also brought over WhatsApp chats.
Best Value
- Google Pixel 7 is powered by Google Tensor G2; it’s faster, more efficient, and more secure, with the best photo and video quality yet on Pixel[1].Other camera description:Front,Rear.Bluetooth Version 5.2 with dual antennas for enhanced quality and connection.
- Unlocked Android 5G phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan[2]; works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Pixel’s Adaptive Battery can last over 24 hours; when Extreme Battery Saver is turned on, it can last up to 72 hours[3]
- The 6.3-inch Pixel 7 display is super sharp, with rich, vivid colors; it’s fast and responsive for smoother gaming, scrolling, and moving between apps[4]
- Google Pixel 7 has wide and ultrawide lenses with up to 8x Super Res Zoom[5]; and Cinematic Blur brings more drama to your videos
If you already finished Pixel setup or no longer have the old phone
Google says Pixel 9 and later can receive additional data after initial setup without a factory reset. Google also supports restoring device data from a cloud backup during setup and, for Pixel 9 and later, after setup. If the old phone is unavailable, the available restore depends on an existing Google device backup.
A Google device backup and a WhatsApp chat backup are different. The former does not by itself confirm that WhatsApp chat history can be restored. For WhatsApp, use the relevant Android or iPhone instructions above and check whether an app-specific backup exists. Google’s cloud-backup transfer help covers device data restoration.
Quick Recap
Important limits and recovery checks
- Chat histories cannot be merged. Restoring the old history replaces history created in WhatsApp on the Pixel.
- Changing numbers requires preparation. Google says WhatsApp transfer to a new number is not supported as-is; change the number on the old phone before transferring if you need to use a different one.
- Success is not guaranteed. Google says WhatsApp transfer may not always succeed and directs users with concerns to WhatsApp support.
- Avoid other migration apps for WhatsApp. WhatsApp does not support other migration apps, which may cause migration problems.
- Allow time for media and copying. A full Pixel can pause transfer, and some apps or older images may appear only after a delay.
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