How to Set Up Your Pixel 11

Prepare before setup

Do these checks while the old phone is still working and connected:

1. Back up the old phone. Open the backup service you use and confirm a recent backup completed. Do not rely only on seeing files on the old device.
2. Charge both phones. Keep chargers nearby for a long restore or a large photo library.
3. Use reliable Wi-Fi. Setup may need account sign-in, updates, eSIM activation and cloud restore.
4. Have a compatible cable. A USB-C cable may provide a steadier transfer option than wireless for some moves.
5. Know the old phone’s screen-lock PIN. The current setup flow can ask for it to approve transfer.
6. Prepare SIM or eSIM. Keep carrier login, account PIN, QR code or activation details available if your carrier uses them.
7. Choose a transfer plan. Decide whether the source is Android, iPhone or cloud backup before setup begins.

Keep access to the old phone

Do not erase, trade in or reset the old phone before you have checked the new one. Keep it charged and connected until you confirm:

• calls and mobile data work;
• the expected photos and messages are present;
• authenticator and banking apps have been moved correctly;
• important app data is available;
• the old phone is no longer needed to approve an eSIM transfer.

A practical setup order

The exact screens can change with the software build, account and carrier. The useful sequence is stable:

1. Turn on Pixel 11 and choose language and accessibility options.
2. Connect to Wi-Fi when prompted.
3. Insert a physical SIM or start the offered eSIM flow if you are ready.
4. Choose whether to copy apps and data from the old phone.
5. Unlock the old phone and approve the connection when asked.
6. Sign in to the Google Account that holds the backup you want.
7. Review the selected data before starting a long transfer.
8. Complete security, privacy and personalization choices on screen.

The labels and order can differ. Follow the information on the device instead of forcing a screen to match a screenshot from another software version.

Decide when to move data

For a large move, complete transfer while both phones can remain powered and undisturbed. If you need the new phone immediately, prioritize account access, contacts and service activation, then use the supported post-setup transfer option where available.

Google documents Android Switch for post-setup transfer on Pixel 9 and later. Some post-setup restore flows can use only one previous device before a reset is required, so choose the source device carefully.

Prepare eSIM without deleting service

Your carrier may offer transfer during onboarding or require its own app, QR code or support process.

Menu names can change with software. Do not delete a working eSIM from the old phone as a preparation step unless your carrier’s documented process explicitly requires it and you know how the line will be reactivated.

What not to do

• Do not factory-reset the old phone to “make transfer easier.”
• Do not delete the only usable backup after seeing the setup screen.
• Do not remove a working eSIM profile just to retry onboarding.
• Do not assume every app stores its data in the Google backup.

If setup stops, keep both phones powered, return to the last safe screen and verify Wi-Fi, cable, storage and account access before starting over.