Google Pixel or other Android: moving to a new phone

There are two ways. Way 1 copies straight from your old phone and is the most complete. Way 2 uses your Google backup, which helps if your old phone is lost or broken.

Before you start

Know your Google Account email and password. It is the same one you use for the Play Store.
Charge both phones, or keep them plugged in the whole time.
Be on your home Wi-Fi. Have your Wi-Fi password ready (it is often on the back of your router).
Know your passwords: the code that unlocks your old phone, and your Apple Account or Google Account password.
Keep your old phone. Don't reset it or hand it in until you have checked everything is on the new one.
Give yourself time. Allow about an hour. Moving lots of photos can take longer.

Step by step

Way 1: Turn on your new phone, connect to Wi-Fi and tap Get started.
When asked, choose to copy from a Pixel or Android device.
On your old phone, tap Set up when a message pops up. If it doesn't, open the camera on the old phone and point it at the square barcode (QR code) on the new phone. Older phones may ask you to connect a cable instead.
On the new phone, enter the PIN, pattern or password you use to unlock your old phone.
Untick anything you don't want, then tap Copy. Keep both phones close together until it finishes.
Way 2 (Google backup): on your old phone, make a fresh backup first. Open Settings, search for Backup and tap Back up now.
On the new phone, sign in with the same Google Account during setup and choose your backup when it is offered.

When it has finished

Menu names differ between makes of phone. If you can't find something, use the search box at the top of Settings.
Got a new HONOR, OPPO, OnePlus, Xiaomi or Motorola? They have their own guides: see the list below.
Photos are saved separately by Google Photos. See our backup guide to check they are safe.

Watch how it's done

Official videos from Google Help. The video only loads from YouTube when you press play.

Pressing play loads YouTube in privacy-enhanced mode. YouTube may then store data on your device. Watch on YouTube instead.

Official help pages

More guides

iPhone to iPhoneAndroid to iPhoneiPhone to AndroidSamsung to SamsungNew HONOR phoneNew OPPO phoneNew OnePlus phoneNew Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO phoneNew Motorola phoneMoving your WhatsApp chatsKeep your contacts and photos safeBefore you trade in, sell or give away

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These guides are written by Norfolk Fibre Watch in plain English. The videos and links come straight from Apple, Google, Samsung and WhatsApp. We don't earn anything from this section. Menus can change after phone updates, so if your screen looks different, follow the official guide linked on each page.