How to transfer data to Pixel 9 from your old phone

Amidst all the rumors about new hardware improvements and AI enhancements, the Pixel 9 series has another trick up its sleeve that lets you copy data and restore it from an old Android or iPhone after setting up the device. This feature is extremely convenient as you don’t need to reset the entire phone just to set it up again. But how does it work, what data does it transfer, and what are its limitations? Let’s find out.

Copy data to Pixel 9? How does it work?

The feature in question is called “Back up or copy data” and is available in Settings. This new option allows you to perform the entire “copy from old device” process once you’ve booted up your new Pixel 9. It lets you copy and restore photos, messages, contacts, call logs, and installed apps from your old device.

However, what seems most striking to me is that you can Restore your device anytime. And your data on the Pixel 9 will not be erased or overwritten. Instead, all the data is merged. I was skeptical that this would sign me out of my Google account, which was different from the one on my old phone, but it kept both accounts without affecting the main one, nor my old messages, call logs and pictures.

But one major limitation is that you can copy files only from one deviceAs you can see below, I transferred data from an old iPhone and there is no option to add another device unless I reset the Pixel 9.

How to Copy Data to Pixel 9 After Setup

The process for using this feature is the same as you would follow during the initial setup, whether you’re doing it with Android or iPhone. I tested the feature by copying my data over to the Pixel 9 Pro XL, and here’s what the process looks like.

From an Android phone

1. First, on your Pixel 9, go to Settings > Save or copy data.
2. Select Copy data then click on Following on the next screen.

1. To begin the procedure, press To start.
2. Then choose Android Pixel Device.
3. Then scan the QR code on your Pixel from another Android phone.

1. Now choose a preferred option between Express Or Personalize. Express only copies local files that are not synced with your Google account. While Custom lets you choose which data to transfer.
2. Continue with the on-screen instructions to complete the process and wait for all your data to be copied.

From an iPhone

1. Go to the Save or copy data option in settings > Copy data > iPhone or iPad. (I had already transferred the data once before, that’s why the phone is locked to my iPhone SE 2).

1. Connect the two devices using a cable.
2. Once both devices are connected, choose what you want to copy, then tap Copy.
3. Select the apps to copy, then tap Copy Again.
4. To transfer WhatsApp chats, scan the QR code from the iOS device.
5. This will open WhatsApp on iOS, tap To start to transfer chats and media files.

Once the data is transferred, follow the instructions on your Pixel 9 to complete the process. This WhatsApp prompt won’t appear for Android devices. You’ll need to manually go into the app and transfer your chats.

What you need to know about the new data copy feature

Besides what we’ve discussed above, there are a lot of other things about this feature that are worth mentioning. In fact, as I finished writing this article, Android’s product manager for integration and switching, Paul Dunlop went to X to discuss all the highlights of the new transfer menu. So let’s talk.

• The feature works for both Android and iPhones.
• The “Express” feature is cloud-friendly and will only copy files not stored in your Google account.
• The customization option allows you to choose which files to copy. It is also available when transferring from iOS.
• You can connect the two devices with a cable to speed up the process.
• It retains more services, permissions, and notification preferences when transferring from another Android phone.
• For iPhone, it will only keep the applied wallpaper.
• You can configure and enable quick share and car crash detection during setup.
• Some restored apps will remain connected, saving you time and effort.
• You can even transfer your eSIM, but this is only available for a few carriers.
• The phone will be locked to one device if you use this feature. To transfer files from another phone, you will need to reset your Pixel 9.

My experience with the new data copy feature on Pixel 9

When Google released the Pixel 9 series, the only thing they focused on was Gemini and all the fancy features their AI can do. But features that solve a real problem are what I love the most as a tech reviewer. It’s such a small thing, but I’m glad the Android folks took the trouble to improve it. The whole process is pretty seamless and you can have all your media files and apps on new phone in minutes.

As someone who frequently switches between devices, this new solution is a godsend for me. And it’s not just me; I can think of many occasions where this would be very convenient. For example, when setting up a new phone for an elderly person or a child. If I decide to get my parents a new Pixel 9, they’ll be able to easily get started using it and I’ll be able to transfer data later from their old phone.

Or if you decide to buy a used Pixel 9 later, you can check if it boots in front of the seller before taking it home to copy the data from your old phone. In India, where online retailers offer open-box shipping, you can test the phone without worrying about resetting it again, thanks to this data copy feature.

I hope this isn’t limited to the current Pixel series and becomes the standard for all Android devices. Little features like these go a long way in improving the user experience. But what do you think? Let us know in the comments.