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What you need to know about switching to Pixel.
Setting up a new Pixel is simple. And the payoff is a pro-level camera, plus all the helpfulness from Google, wherever you go.

Timothy Matthieu Valk was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to make the switch to Pixel.

Valk had used Apple devices for years, but after his boyfriend bought him a Google Home smart speaker in 2016, he began to think about switching over. But, like many users, he was worried about making the transition to a new operating system. He didn’t want to lose his messages and photos, or worry about time-intensive migration processes.

The ease and convenience provided by his Google Home convinced him to begin his transition to all Google products, including Pixel, Nest Hub Max, and a Fitbit. “I love how the phones, Pixel Buds, and Pixel Watch work together,” said Valk. “I am also excited about the tablet.” And, since Google Pixel devices work seamlessly with most others – even if they aren’t made by Google – he can switch at his own pace.

A smooth transition

It’s easier than ever to set up a new Pixel device. In about 30 minutes, you can copy over your data from any iPhone or Android phone and sync your cloud content. It takes just five steps from Android, and six steps from iOS. Valk used the Quick Switch Adapter cable that came with his Pixel phone to transfer everything over.

As Valk discovered, joining Team Pixel doesn’t mean you have to leave what matters to you behind – like your apps and your years of phone contacts. All of your texts from Android Messages, iMessage, or WhatsApp will copy over to your Android Messages app, and your camera roll will transfer over as well. On top of that, you’ll be able to take advantage of Call Screen, Magic Eraser,2 Photo Unblur,3 and many other features unique to Pixel.

New to Pixel? Discover Gemini

Supercharge your Pixel phone with Gemini. Brainstorm, write with clarity, and accomplish more, effortlessly.

New to Pixel? Discover Gemini

Supercharge your Pixel phone with Gemini. Brainstorm, write with clarity, and accomplish more, effortlessly.

Never out of date

After AC Monroe transitioned to Pixel, he found that the Feature Drops helped keep his device running like new.1 “I love that we get updates first and get Pixel-exclusive features,” he said. Pixel is getting better all the time, and you shouldn’t miss out on new features just because you have an older device. With Feature Drops, these updates will be pushed to your phone automatically.1 And Pixel 8 and later phones also get security updates for at least seven years from when they’re released.

Great photos no matter what

Valk says everything stayed the same when he switched to Pixel, including communicating with his family. The only difference: “They’re jealous of the photos I can take,” Valk jokes.

Since the first Pixel was introduced in 2016, people have been drawn to its pro-level camera and intelligent, helpful features, and each successive model has improved through advances in both software and hardware. 

Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro feature Google’s most advanced smartphone camera. It has unique features that use machine learning to create better pictures, such as Magic Eraser, which lets you remove objects,2 Face Unblur, which sharpens blurry faces, and Night Sight, which helps you take better low-light photos. And Pixel 9 Pro has the highest quality zoom on a Pixel ever, across the entire zoom range.4

With Real Tone, Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro are the most inclusive cameras. Google partnered with image experts, both in the US and around the world, to help evaluate Pixel’s camera and make sure darker skin tones are represented beautifully and accurately.

All of this adds up to a better overall phone experience. Says Monroe: “I’ll never use any other phone. I’ve had iPhones and Motorolas. Never again.”

Timothy Matthieu Valk and AC Monroe are Pixel Superfans, members of Google’s community for people who love Pixel products. Superfans gain access to private events, exclusive Q&As with product and engineering teams, limited-edition merchandise, and other surprise perks. Interested in joining the community? Learn more about becoming a Superfan.

Takeaways
In just 30 minutes, you can easily transfer your apps, messages, contacts, and more to PixelWith Feature Drops and guaranteed security and OS updates, your Pixel will get better over time and be secure for years1Many who switch to Pixel are drawn to its AI-powered camera and intelligent features that save time and make tasks easier
Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL
All pro. Pure magic.
Related products
Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL
Pixel 9
Pixel 8a
Pixel Buds Pro 2
Related stories
Google Tensor: the brains behind Pixel phones. How an AI-powered camera can make everyone’s photos better. How Real Tone helps make a more equitable camera.
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  1. Pixel security updates for at least 7 years from when the device first became available on the Google Store in the US. Updates may also include feature drops and other software updates. See g.co/pixel/updates for more information.

  2. Requires Google Photos app. May not work on all image elements.

  3. Requires Google Photos app. May not work on all photos or videos with faces.

  4. Based on internal benchmarks comparing top-tier smartphones.