Google Pixel 9’s New Trick: Copy Data After Setup Without Resetting
Upgrading to a new phone has always come with one big hassle: moving all your data over seamlessly. For years, Android offered device-to-device copying only during initial setup, forcing you to factory reset if you skipped it or if something went wrong.
But with the launch of the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL, Google is fixing that. A new, built-in feature finally allows users to copy data from another Android device anytime, even after setup is complete.
A Smarter Way to Transfer Data
On the Pixel 9 series, a new section called “Backup or copy data” appears in the Settings menu, right above the “System” category. From there, you can:
Back up your current device to your Google Account
Copy data from another Android device
Unlike older versions of Android that locked you to that initial setup migration, you can now go back at any point and copy data without wiping your phone.
How Does It Work?
If you decide to pull data from another phone, you simply select the “Copy data from another device” option in the Settings.
The process uses QR codes and Wi-Fi to pair the two phones securely.
You can pick and choose what data to move over.
There’s an “Express” option that copies only data not already stored in your Google Account.
One handy detail: this process merges the data onto your new device rather than overwriting anything.
For example, if you install Snapchat or TikTok on your older device after setting up your new Pixel 9, you can simply run the copy process again to bring those apps over without losing anything else.
Syncing Between Devices Made Easy
This new feature is especially helpful if:
Your initial transfer failed due to poor Wi-Fi
You forgot to copy certain apps or data during setup
You want to keep two devices “in sync” by occasionally updating the new one with apps or files from the old device
No more dreaded factory reset just to try again.
Limitations (For Now)
While this new data-copying ability is a game-changer for Pixel 9 owners, it’s worth noting:
It’s currently exclusive to the Pixel 9 series and Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
Older Pixels and other Android devices don’t have it yet.
There’s no official word on if or when it will expand to other models.
If you’re not on the Pixel 9, you’ll still need to rely on your device’s initial setup wizard or third-party solutions.
For users looking for even more flexibility—especially when moving between Android and iOS, or older phones without this new Pixel feature—Smart Transfer is a powerful third-party bookmark manager app worth checking out.
Smart Transfer lets you move photos, videos, contacts, messages, calendars, and more between devices using Wi-Fi. There’s no need for cables or a computer, making it perfect for users switching brands, upgrading family phones, or just wanting an easy, secure backup. It is also one of the best bookmark manager apps.
It’s an excellent clone phone files companion to Pixel’s new built-in copy feature—offering cross-platform compatibility and simple, user-friendly controls for any scenario.
Final Thoughts
The Pixel 9’s new post-setup data copying option is a small but important improvement that addresses a long-standing frustration for Android users. By making it easy to pull data anytime—even after setup—Google is giving users more control and peace of mind during upgrades.
For those on older devices or switching platforms, third-party apps like Smart Transfer remain invaluable tools to ensure no memory or important file is left behind.
Whether you’re a loyal Pixel fan or exploring other Android options, it’s exciting to see data migration become simpler and more accessible for everyone.
Comments
Post a Comment