Google Pixel 9: You Can Now Copy Data from Your Old Phone After Setup

Setting up a new Android phone can be a time-consuming process, and if you’re in a hurry, you might be tempted to rush through the setup wizard just to start using your new device. Traditionally, with Google’s Pixel phones, if you skipped the data transfer during the initial setup, you lost the opportunity to do it later without performing a factory reset. However, the new Google Pixel 9 series has finally addressed this inconvenience, making the setup process more flexible and user-friendly.

Google Pixel 9: Easier Data Transfer After Setup

With the launch of the Pixel 9 series, Google has introduced a significant improvement: the ability to copy data from your old phone even after the initial setup is complete. This is a welcome change for users who may have skipped the data transfer step during setup or simply wanted to start fresh before realizing they needed their old data.

At last week’s Made by Google launch event, we noticed a new feature in the Settings app on the Pixel 9 called “Back up or copy data.” This option allows users to “bring data from another device” even after the initial setup. The process is straightforward: you can copy photos, contacts, messages, and more from your previous device, and the best part is that this data will be merged with the existing data on your new phone. This means that any recent data or settings changes won’t be lost, making the transition smoother than ever.

While Google has enhanced the Pixel 9’s data transfer capabilities, you might still prefer using a dedicated app for a more comprehensive solution. The Smart Transfer app is a third-party tool designed to simplify the process of sharing data between devices. Whether you’re moving photos, contacts, or other crucial files, Smart Transfer ensures a fast, secure, and reliable transfer experience. This share it app is particularly useful if you’re switching from a non-Pixel device, as it supports a wide range of Android phones, making it a versatile option for any user.

With Smart Transfer, you can effortlessly copy all your important data to your new Pixel 9, ensuring nothing is left behind. It’s a perfect companion for users who value convenience and security during their phone setup process.

Why Google’s Update Matters

Google’s decision to add a post-setup data transfer feature is a long-overdue enhancement that aligns with similar features found in other brands, such as Samsung’s Smart Switch. This change not only makes the setup process easier but also reduces the stress of losing data during the transition to a new phone.

Although we were unable to fully test this new feature during our brief hands-on with the Pixel 9 series, there’s no reason to doubt its effectiveness. It’s clear that Google is listening to its users and striving to make their devices more accessible and user-friendly.

In the future, we hope Google will extend this convenient option to other Android devices, further simplifying the process of moving to a new phone for all Android users. Until then, the Pixel 9 series stands out as a great example of how a few thoughtful tweaks can significantly enhance the user experience.