Get a head start on syncing data with your new Google Pixel.

Buying a new phone is exciting. Its powerful camera, cutting-edge AI capabilities, and long battery life promise a fast, smooth experience.

But with so much of your life stored on your current device – photos, videos, apps, contacts, messages, and passwords – switching to a new phone can feel like a lot to manage.

All of it syncs before your new phone even ships, so that when it arrives, you’ll be able to set it up quickly.

The moment you order your new Google Pixel, you’ll be able to get a jump on setup. Whether you’re switching from an iPhone or upgrading from another Android device, you’ll go through a few quick steps to securely sync your essential data, like photos, videos, and passwords, right from your old phone. You can even explore your new Pixel’s features while you wait. And when your new phone arrives, you’ll be ahead of the game.

Now, you’ll never worry about leaving important data behind. Those priceless kids’ birthday videos? That text thread between you and your best friend with all your inside jokes? Those brilliant 2 AM notes for a new client pitch? All of it syncs automatically and securely – before your new phone even ships, so that you can look forward to easy device setup when it arrives.

The process relies on Google’s trusted infrastructure to sync your data, secured by your Google Account. All password exports require your approval, and you can delete password files after importing them. And iPhone® users will have the option to sync photos and videos – from both your device and iCloud®. If you were to directly transfer your data, that is, from one device to another, you’d only be migrating the data that lives directly on your phone, not in the cloud.

Purchase any Pixel from the Google Store and you can get this head start on syncing your data and setting up your phone, with a process designed to be simple and stress-free. It’ll work with your current device to save you time by allowing you to skip any step that isn’t relevant to your setup.

Here’s how it works:

1. Receive an invitation to get a head start. After you’ve ordered your new Pixel from the Google Store, click the link in your order confirmation email, your order history, or your order details page. Sign in to the same Google Account you’ll use to set up your new Pixel. Giving a Pixel as a gift? You’ll have the option to share the link with the recipient.

2. Follow the steps to prep your old phone for the switch. This process varies slightly depending on your current phone, and the time it takes depends on the size of your data and your Wi-Fi speed. But since uploads happen in the background, it won’t slow you down.

• iPhone® users:

  • Photos and videos: Sync photos and videos in device storage and iCloud® to Google Photos. 

  • Passwords: Copy passwords to Google Password Manager (using Safari on iOS 18.2+, or on a Mac for earlier versions).

  • Other data: iMessages®, WhatsApp chats, contacts, settings, and more can be copied between devices when you set up your new Pixel. You can request a free Quick Switch adapter if you’re copying from an iPhone 10 or earlier.

• Android Users (Pixel, Samsung, Motorola, etc.):

  • All of your data: Photos, videos, messages, contacts, apps, and settings are backed up via Google Photos and the Android Switch app, then stored in Google One.

  • Passwords are copied automatically with Google Password Manager or a third-party app (Samsung Pass is not supported).

3. Explore Pixel features before your phone is delivered. Discover Pixel’s pro-level camera tools, the power of Gemini,¹ and more. Also, sign up to get new Pixel tips and tricks in your inbox.

4. Enjoy an even smoother switch. When your Pixel arrives, just pair it with your previous phone and follow the setup flow, with all your cloud data ready and waiting to migrate to your Pixel.

Whether you’re migrating from an iPhone®  or Android device, you can expect a seamless, speedy transition. And when your phone shows up, you’ll be ready to skip right to the fun part, like taking extraordinary photos and making magic with the AI assistant. Already purchased a Pixel and want to get started on transferring your data? Get started here.