Google’s Pixel 9 just went on sale, and the phone is already getting a major update that improves the data transfer experience. Paul Dunlop, Product Lead for Onboarding and Switching on Android, created a topic on X (the platform formerly known as Twitter) about all the big changes, even going so far as to call it their “biggest release ever.”
Dunlop first shows off a new entry in the device’s settings menu called Back Up or Copy Data. We’ve known about this for a while, as the name of the section leaked online before it was revealed. First reports stated that users could copy “photos, contacts, messages, and more” from an old Pixel to the Pixel 9.
All of that remains true, but what we didn’t know is that you can perform this process “as many times as you want,” via USB cable, Wi-Fi connection, or cloud servers. No more factory resets.
Better data transfer
Transferring data can take a while, especially if you have a lot of files. So if you’ve been looking for a faster method, the Pixel 9 now has the Express tool. Dunlop claims it “greatly (reduces) the time it takes to transfer data.” According to a screenshot, the feature will only copy files that aren’t in your Google account.
It is reportedly “cloud aware,” meaning that Express knows what you have backed up and will ignore backups to speed up the process. Additionally, images sent through the tool will retain their original quality. You do have the option to select which files you want to move or not via Customize.
In addition to files, the Pixel 9’s revamped data transfer will also move “more system settings, permissions, and notification preferences.” This can help you set up your favorite smartphone settings on the newer device without having to start everything over from scratch. It’ll be similar to your old phone.
Improvements in quality of life
The patch even introduces several quality-of-life upgrades. Google worked with top developers worldwide to ensure that apps “stayed logged in and working” before the data migration began. And then there’s the rather interesting Transport Multiplexing.
Let’s say you’re transferring files over Wi-Fi, but the process is taking forever. Dunlop suggests you connect a USB cable halfway through the transfer to help. The feature uses both methods to quickly transfer media. The Pixel 9 will even prompt you to do so via an on-screen notification.
Other notable changes include more reliable Wi-Fi migration, “Quick Share & Car Crash detection can (now) be enabled during setup,” and eSIM transfers are supported for select carriers. The thread doesn’t say which ones exactly, but it does say that support will be expanded to additional carriers in the future.
Be sure to check out Ny Breaking’s list of the best Pixel phones for 2024.