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Google explains why Pixel 9 data migration is Android’s best yet
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Google explains why Pixel 9 data migration is Android’s best yet

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL side rail

Ryan Haines / Android Authority

In summary

  • Transferring data to a new Pixel 9 doesn’t have to be done all at once. You can now transfer more data after the initial setup.
  • Transport Multiplexing allows you to use both USB and Wi-Fi simultaneously for maximum transfer speeds.
  • More apps than ever should work seamlessly on your new phone, without requiring you to log in again.

Today is a big day for Android fans, with the Pixel 9 finally hitting stores — and all those early pre-orders coming in the mail. Now that many of you are starting to get to grips with your shiny new phones, you might have noticed a few tweaks to the onboarding process, like a versatile new data transfer tool that saves you time by not having to move all your files at once. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

On X, Google’s Paul Dunlop explains how his team has been working to overhaul just about everything related to transferring your media, data, and preferences from your old phone to a new Pixel 9 (via Mishaal Rahman).

First, there’s that big change we mentioned earlier to the way restoring a backup used to be a one-shot deal: With the Pixel 9, you can restore just a little bit of data during the initial setup, and then transfer more data to your new phone later when it suits you. Dunlop also points out that you’re free to mix and match transfer methods, so if you’re having trouble completing the transfer over Wi-Fi, you can just try again later with a USB cable.

Speaking of which, you’re no longer limited to using just one or the other. With Transport Multiplexing, you can combine the bandwidth of your cable and wireless connection to move all that data as fast as your phone can handle.

When choosing what to keep from your old phone, there’s a new Express Setup option that saves you from wasting time copying over files you already have stored in Google’s cloud, like perhaps your photos. It’s even smart enough to take image quality into account, and can transfer the originals if you only have lower-quality copies stored in the cloud. And to ensure all your future data is properly backed up remotely, you’ll see new prompts during device setup, letting you rest assured you’re set up to create backups from day one.

Dunlop then shares some specific ways Google is improving the quality of the data transfer process for new devices, such as making sure that Messages works on your new phone just like it did on your old one, complete with your full history. Most other apps should work the same way out of the box, keeping your login details so you don’t spend your first few hours with your new phone typing in a million passwords.

Google has taken the same approach to system settings, app permissions and notification controls, which together should minimize the amount of time you spend customizing your Pixel 9 to your liking. Even eSIMs can be transferred to your new phone with certain carriers.

Of course, you could always start over with a new phone, but when Google makes data transfer this comprehensive and robust, a little continuity sounds pretty tempting.

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