To set new phone as main Google phone, you add your Google Account during first-time setup, transfer your data from the old device, and finish the setup on the new phone. Google does not provide a separate "main phone" or "default device" switch in consumer account settings, so making a new phone your primary Google device is accomplished by completing these documented steps.
Back up your old phone before you start
Before setting up your new phone, ensure your old Android phone is backed up. Open Settings > Google > All services > Backup, turn on Backup by Google One, and tap Back up now. You can use the Google Drive app to manually back up photos, videos, and files from the old phone. Charge both devices and confirm you can unlock the old device with a PIN, pattern, or password. Have Wi‑Fi available for the transfer.
Transfer data from an old Android phone
On your new Android phone, follow the on-screen setup prompts to copy apps and data. You may connect the phones wirelessly. Google provides the 'Switch to Android' tool for wireless transfer. Activate your SIM, add your Google Account, and set up biometrics during this process. When the new device prompts you to connect to the old device and tap Copy, do so. This completes the Android-to-Android transfer, including apps, contacts, and settings.
If you need to transfer data from one Samsung phone to another, the same Android-to-Android flow applies: follow the setup prompts on the new Samsung device, connect wirelessly, and tap Copy when prompted.
Transfer data from an iPhone or iPad
On the new Android device setup screen, choose iPhone or iPad when asked to copy data from another device. On some newer devices, a QR code appears; scan it with your iOS device camera to pair wirelessly. Continue the on-screen steps, choose a Wi‑Fi network if asked, log in to your Google Account, and connect to a mobile network. This transfers your contacts, photos, and other data from iOS to your new Android phone.
Restore from backup without your old phone
If your old device is unavailable, you can restore from a Google One backup during new phone setup. When the setup screen asks how you want to copy data, choose the option to restore from backup. Sign in to your Google Account and select the most recent backup. Your apps, settings, and data will be restored to the new phone.
Finish setting up Google services
Once data is transferred, complete the setup so your new phone functions as the primary device. Enable Google Photos backup to automatically save photos and videos. Turn on Google Drive sync to keep files accessible. Set up Google Assistant for voice commands and personalized help. Download any essential apps from the Play Store that you used on your old phone. Consider subscribing to Google One for additional cloud storage if you have a large amount of data. These steps ensure all Google services are active and your new phone is fully integrated as your main Google device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will setting up my new phone as the main Google phone affect my old phone?
No. Your old phone continues to function normally, and you can still access your Google Account and services on it. The new phone simply becomes the device you use for ongoing sync and setup.
Can I change my main Google phone later?
Yes. To switch, sign in to your Google Account on another device and repeat the setup process. The new device will then become the primary one for your Google services.
What happens to my data on the old phone after I set up the new one?
Your data remains on the old phone unless you manually delete it. The backup and transfer process copies data to the new phone, but does not remove anything from the old device.
Do I need a Google One subscription to back up my phone?
No. Backup by Google One is available to all Google Account users.
Can I transfer data from a non-Google Android phone to a Google Pixel?
Yes. The Android-to-Android transfer process works between any Android phones, including non-Google models, as long as both devices support the setup prompts.
