Google Pixel 9 appears to improve the Android upgrade process in one key way

Google Pixel 9 front and back
We're still discovering new Pixel 9 features (Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

It's now been more than a week since the Google Pixel 9 series was revealed, but as these devices are finding their way to more and more people, we're getting new revelations about previously unannounced features – including one related to Android upgrades.

As spotted by Android Authority, the Pixel 9 phones change upgrades in one important way. Before now, if you wanted to bring over data such as text messages and installed apps from an older Android phone, you had to do it right at the start of the setup process – there was no way to do it later on.

Now, that's changed: even if you don't transfer everything over while you're setting up your new phone, you can go back and do it afterwards. It's made possible through a new 'Back up or copy data' option that appears in Settings on the Pixel 9 series.

There's one caveat in that no one has been able to test this just yet – but this very much looks like a tweak Google has made. It's going to give users a lot more flexibility when it comes to moving between Android phones when it's time to upgrade.

Is the Pixel 9 Pro Fold a Galaxy Z Fold 6 killer, iPhone 16 predictions, and Disney+ crackdown woes - YouTube Is the Pixel 9 Pro Fold a Galaxy Z Fold 6 killer, iPhone 16 predictions, and Disney+ crackdown woes - YouTube
Watch On

Something old, something new

Samsung Galaxy S24 hands on handheld back straight white

Samsung Galaxy phones feature a similar feature called Smart Switch (Image credit: Future | Roland Moore-Colyer)

To some extent, transferring data over from an older Android phone isn't necessary when you upgrade: as soon as you sign into apps like Gmail and Google Photos with your Google account, everything will be synced over.

However, it can also be useful to move over app configurations, phone settings, text messages, and other data that isn't automatically synced across the cloud. This can be done via a backup stored in Google Drive, or directly from an older phone if it's nearby (which gets the data shifted over faster).

Taking this route means your new phone is essentially a clone of your old one, down to the home screens and wallpaper, and it's the option to take for the smoothest upgrade. Now, it seems you'll soon be able to do this any time you like.

Whether or not this feature will roll out to older Pixel phones remains to be seen – we're still waiting for Android 15 to arrive in full – but it's something that's already available on other Android phones, including Samsung Galaxy devices.

You might also like

TOPICS
David Nield
Freelance Contributor

Dave is a freelance tech journalist who has been writing about gadgets, apps and the web for more than two decades. Based out of Stockport, England, on TechRadar you'll find him covering news, features and reviews, particularly for phones, tablets and wearables. Working to ensure our breaking news coverage is the best in the business over weekends, David also has bylines at Gizmodo, T3, PopSci and a few other places besides, as well as being many years editing the likes of PC Explorer and The Hardware Handbook.

Read more
Google Pixel 9 Pro
Your older Pixel phone just got a performance and camera boost thanks to Google's new software update
Google Pixel 9 Series
Get an incredible £300 off the Pixel 9 Series when you trade in an iPhone
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL review back handheld
This leaked Pixel upgrade for vibrations could help Android match one of the iPhone's best hidden features
Android 16 logo on a phone
Android 16 will bring these 5 upgrades to your phone – including one I can’t wait to try out
Google Pixel 8a in aloe green showing
Google Pixel 9a: latest news, rumors, and everything we’ve heard so far
The Samsung Galaxy S24 pictured next to the Google Pixel 9
Here's how the Samsung Galaxy S25 can beat the Google Pixel 9
Latest in Google Pixel Phones
Google Pixel 8a in aloe green showing
Google Pixel 9a benchmark link teases the performance of the upcoming mid-ranger
Google Pixel 9 in Wintergreen showing back camera bar
The Google Pixel 10 could get a big camera boost if this new leak is legit
Google Pixel 9 on green grey background with price cut text overlay
Want to get a half-price unlimited plan and a Google Pixel 9 for just $400? Check out Mint Mobile this week
Google Pixel 8 review Pixel 8 Pro cameras
Is your Google Pixel 9 screen flickering or are the haptics a lot more intense? You aren't alone, and thankfully there's a fix
Google Pixel 9
There's something strange going on with Google Pixel phone vibrations after the latest update
Google Pixel 8a
Latest leaked Google Pixel 9a images hint at new purple color and the tiniest of camera bumps
Latest in News
Google Pixel 8a in aloe green showing
Google Pixel 9a benchmark link teases the performance of the upcoming mid-ranger
Quordle on a smartphone held in a hand
Quordle hints and answers for Monday, March 17 (game #1148)
NYT Strands homescreen on a mobile phone screen, on a light blue background
NYT Strands hints and answers for Monday, March 17 (game #379)
NYT Connections homescreen on a phone, on a purple background
NYT Connections hints and answers for Monday, March 17 (game #645)
Apple iPhone 16 Pro HANDS ON
Leaked iPhone 17 dummy units may have given us our best look yet at all four models
A super close up image of the Google Gemini app in the Play Store
It's official: Google Assistant will be retired for phones this year, with Gemini taking over