Google will simplify the migration of data from an old smartphone to a new one thanks to Android Switch, a function of Google Pixel 9 which will soon be extended to other devices and which even works retrospectively, after the initial configuration.
Changing your smartphone usually involves spending a long time recovering data stored in the old device. An essential step so as not to start from scratch and find all your information, photos, videos, SMS email accounts, etc. The operation has certainly become simpler over the versions of Android and iOS but above all requires having time on your hands. However, discovering a new smartphone remains a special moment and the impatience to be able to handle it often leads to skipping this step. And if the recovery of your data is offered at the first start, the option then disappears most of the time… except at Google. The firm has in fact initiated a function on its latest Pixel 9 smartphones allowing you to repatriate your data from another Android smartphone or an iPhone, once the initial configuration has been completed. Good news, Google has just announced that this function, called Android Switch, will be deployed on many other devices from different brands in 2025.
Android Switch: simplified data migration
On the Pixel 9 range, Android Switch is installed by default at the heart of the system. The option is nestled in Settings > Back up or copy data > Copy data. Simply scan the QR Code displayed on the screen from the old device (or use a cable) to connect the two smartphones to allow the transfer. All that remains then is to choose what should switch from one mobile to another: photos and videos, SMS, MMS and RCS messages, settings such as passwords for saved Wi-Fi networks and data history. calls.
These data do not replace those recorded in the new smartphone but simply add to them. Small bonus for owners of a Pixel Watch, Google’s connected watch. At the end of the transfer process, they will be prompted to transfer the data from the watch to the new mobile. Practical.
Google indicates in its blog post that with this function, and using a cable, switching from an iPhone to an Android Smartphone (an application to install on the iPhone is required) is 40% faster than in 2023 .
Google is not the first to offer such a function. A data transfer device is already in place on Samsung mobiles with Smart Switch but also at Xiaomi with Mi Mover, OnePlus and Oppo with Clone Phone or even Honor with Phone Clone without forgetting Apple with Migrate to iOS to move from a Android smartphone to an iPhone. Google is therefore not revolutionizing the practice but is keeping up with the times. This is already not bad and especially practical for manufacturers who have not yet developed this function for their devices.
