Prepare to switch to Pixel with our 5-step checklist

Make the move to Pixel 10:5 essentials to prepare your new Pixel

Switching to Google Pixel phone? Read this guide which shows how you can move Safari passwords, photos and other data without the stress.
18 May 2026
Four Pixel phones, Pixel Buds, Pixel Tablet and Google Pixel Watch 2 all lying down on a white background.
Key Takeaways
  1. Start before you unbox: If you ordered from the Google Store, use the "Get Started" link in your email to sync your photos and videos immediately. Your data will be synced the moment you turn on your new Pixel phone.
  2. Bring your passwords with you: Exporting your Keychain to Google Password Manager before you switch ensures you can jump straight into your banking, social, and work apps without skipping a beat.
  3. Turning off iMessage and FaceTime on your old iPhone (and iPad) is the most important step to keep the conversation going. It ensures every text from your mates lands instantly on your new Pixel 10.

The feeling of unboxing your new Pixel phone can be inundating as it is exciting. You look forward to try out the new Google AI features like Camera Coach that guides you through taking better photos, or conversing with Gemini Live from daily questions like which setting to wash your whites in the Laundry to helping you prepare for an upcoming interview .

If you’re moving from an iPhone to a Pixel 10, it might feel overwhelming because it involves changing operating systems. However, migrating data to a Google Pixel smartphone is actually not that difficult.

You can start syncing data from your iPhone before your Google Pixel arrives.
Google Pixel smartphones ordered from the Google Store ship as early as the next day (excluding pre-orders and out-of-stock items). Additionally,
you can start migrating your data between ordering and receiving your product.
After ordering, photos and videos can be automatically synced to Google Photos before the product arrives. Even those who store large amounts of data such as photos and videos on iCloud can easily transfer their data.

You can begin preparing for the migration by checking the order confirmation email you receive after ordering a Google Pixel from the Google Store.

For Android users:

  1. On the “Thank you” page, “Order history” or “Order details” page, or from the emails you receive, tap Start now or Get ready for your Pixel.
  2. Select a Google Account.
  3. Tap Continue.
  4. Choose the data you want to back up.
  5. Tap Turn on backup.
  6. If you already have an existing backup arrangement for your phone, tap Confirm.
  7. To manage your backups, tap Manage backup.
  8. Tap Continue.

Tip: You can also start data preparation through email when you receive your order confirmation and other updates.

For iPhone users:

  1. On the “Thank you” page, “Order history” or “Order details” page, or from the emails you receive, tap Start now or Get ready for your Pixel.
  2. Select a Google Account.To change accounts: a. Tap your Google Account. b. Under “Choose an account,” select your preferred Google Account or tap Use another account.
  3. Tap Continue.
  4. Review your photo and video backup options.
  5. Tap Next and then Go to Google Photos. a. If you don’t have Google Photos installed, you’ll need to download it. b. After you install, follow the on-screen instructions to allow access to your device’s photos.
  6. On your phone’s settings, turn on Backup.
  7. Return to the setup page.
  8. If the page asks you, “Done with Google Photos?,” tap Yes.
  9. To copy the passwords for your apps to Google Password Manager, follow the on-screen instructions. a. If your iOS version is 18.2 or earlier, you’ll need a Mac or MacBook to copy your passwords.

If you purchased it as a gift for family or friends, you can request for the purchase link from them.

Google Pixel Set Up Guide: 5 Essentials
Didn't order from the Google Store? No worries. Whether you picked up your Pixel from a local retailer or you're a massive planner, this 5-step guide ensures your data makes a safe landing on your new Pixel phone, or download the Android Switch app.
1. Move your passwords (and your peace of mind)

Move your saved passwords from Apple Keychain to Google Password Manager ahead of time.

  • On your iPhone, go to Settings > Passwords and select Export Passwords (this creates a .CSV file).
  • Go to passwords.google.com, sign in with your Google Account, and select Import.
2. Pre-sync your memories with Google Photos

High-res shots can take a while to move via cable. Speed up your setup by backing them up to the cloud now.

  • Download the Google Photos app on your iPhone.
  • Sign in and toggle Backup to On.
  • Note: Every Google Account includes 15GB of storage at no charge. For larger libraries, a temporary Google One sub is a smart move.
3. Backup your data
  • For Android users, open Settings > Back Up or copy data
  • Tap Back Up Now (and make sure "Include Videos" is on if you want to keep them).
4. Make sure you have the right cable
  • Both devices should be fully charged and access to wifi. Migration is a big job.
  • iPhone 15 or newer? Use a USB-C to USB-C cable. iPhone 14 or older? Use a Lightning-to-USB-C cable.
  • If your cables don't match, use the Quick Switch Adapter.
  • Pixel 9 and later don’t come with a Quick Switch Adapter. If you need one, you can add it during checkout or contact Google Support.
5. Turn off iMessage and FaceTime

To ensure your texts from iPhone friends actually reach your new Pixel, you need to tell Apple you're moving on.

  • On your iPhone, go to Settings > Messages and toggle iMessage OFF.
  • Go to Settings > FaceTime and toggle FaceTime OFF.
  • Crucial: Do this on your iPad or Mac too, to fully release your number from the Apple server.
What's next?
Now that your data is shielded and your hardware is prepped, you are ready to transfer your data to your new phone - this can be done through a wired transfer or wirelessly. Check out our step-by-step data transfer guide to help you through the process
here.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


Yes. During the Pixel setup, you will be prompted to scan a QR code on your iPhone with your Pixel camera. This triggers a direct, encrypted transfer of your WhatsApp chats and media without needing a computer or third-party software.Some features require Fitbit mobile app. Use of the cEDA sensor may affect battery life.
No, Apple Watch requires an iPhone to function. However, the Pixel Watch and other WearOS devices offer seamless integration with the Google ecosystem. You can sync your Apple Health data to Google Fit using the "Health Connect" app to keep your fitness history.
This depends on the amount of data. A standard 50GB transfer via the Quick Switch Adapter usually takes 15–30 minutes. Wireless transfers may take longer depending on your Wi-Fi strength.
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