Pixel 9 smartphones have radically changed the approach to transferring data from an old device, reports Android Authority. Previously, all data, including text messages and installed applications, had to be transferred at the very beginning of setting up a new device; this could not be done later. With the new “Backup or copy data” option introduced in the settings of Pixel 9 phones, data transfer can be done at any time convenient for you.
Image source: Google
This approach from Google will give users much more flexibility when upgrading to a new Android phone. Of course, transferring data from your old Android phone isn’t necessary when upgrading: When you sign in to your account, data from many apps like Gmail and Google Photos will be synced.
However, in some cases it may be useful to transfer application configurations, phone settings, text messages and other data that is not automatically synced to the cloud. Now you can do this at any convenient time using a backup saved on Google Drive, or directly from your old phone.
When using this data transfer option, the new smartphone will become a clone of the old one, right down to the home screens and wallpapers, and this is an option for the most painless transition to a new device while maintaining the familiar environment.
It is worth noting that Samsung smartphones have had this feature for quite some time, at least since the release of the Galaxy Note 9 back in 2018. Samsung calls this tool Smart Switch.