For a long time, the process of moving to a new smartphone was quite a hassle. This was especially true for users who had hundreds of GB of files and several custom settings. However, Google has made an effort to make the process much easier by developing the so-called “Data Restore Tool.” Now, the company is renaming the tool to “Android Switch” and redesigning its icon.
Google renames the Data Restore Tool app to “Android Switch”
If you’re not aware, the now-named Android Switch appears during the initial setup of your new device. The tool lets you choose which specific content from your old phone or tablet you want to transfer to the new one. It also lets you choose which method you want to use for the transfer. For example, you can select a completely wireless transfer, a wired transfer, or a combination of both methods for faster speeds.
In addition to the content from your old device, the tool also transfers your custom settings to the new phone. This is quite convenient and lets you get everything up and running faster. However, when transferring data between two devices running very different Android software, it’s recommended to only transfer your media and non-system-related settings (like WiFi credentials). This is because there can be conflicts between settings related to system features on devices with different Android custom skins.
Data Restore Tool/Android Switch also has an entry in the Play Store. This allows Google to push out updates to improve its performance or fix bugs as if it were just another app. With the name change, the company has also revamped the icon to a more minimalist one. What was once a blue cable is now an arrow made up of three-colored bubbles (blue, yellow, and green).
New name and icon, same behavior
That said, the tool’s functionality and main UI haven’t changed at all. That is, most users will only be able to use Android Switch during the initial setup of the device. On the other hand, one of the exclusive features of the Pixel 9 series is the ability to activate Android Switch at any moment. Hopefully, this functionality will also reach all Android devices in the future.