Changing a phone has always been a stressful task. Many users fear losing data, leaving behind important settings, or simply facing long waits while the new device is being prepared for use. For some time now, Android has been working on more convenient solutions to make this process as painless as possible. One of the most interesting new features to come to Google's operating system is the delayed restoration, a feature that is changing the way we set up a new Android phone.
Not only does it allow you to start using your phone from the very first minute, but it also allows you to complete the data transfer later, without rushing or major interruptions. Below, we explore in depth what this feature is, how to use it, its benefits, and which devices are compatible.
What does delayed restore mean on Android?
La delayed restoration It's a new feature in the Android system that allows you to start a new phone and then postpone the complete restoration of all your data, apps, media files, and settings for later. This means you can use your phone with basic functions, while the rest of your information is transferred in the background or at your discretion.
This feature was initially introduced with the Google Pixel 9, which were pioneers in showing their full potential. But now it has been confirmed that will be implemented widely throughout 2025, so it will be available on most Android devices from different manufacturers such as Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo, among others.
Key benefits of this functionality
What makes time-delayed restoration unique is its ability to offer flexibility and comfortSome of its most notable advantages are:
- Immediacy in mobile use: You can start using your phone with basic settings without waiting for all your apps or files to download.
- Without having your old phone at hand: You can restore from a cloud backup if you no longer have your old device.
- More stable process: Errors that used to occur during traditional restore, such as interruptions due to forced updates just after turning on the device, are avoided.
- Complete transfer from iOS: Using tools like Android Switch, you can even switch from an iPhone to an Android without any hassle.
How delayed restoration works step by step
The delayed restoration process has been designed to be Intuitive and easy even for those without experience in mobile phone changesHere's how it works:
- Boot up your new Android phone and follow the initial setup steps, such as choosing your language, connecting to a Wi-Fi network, and adding your Google account.
- When it's time to restore your data, You can choose to postpone that restorationThe system will let you access the device with the essentials already configured.
- Later, from the very system settings or using the app Android Switch, you will be able to complete the restoration of your data.
- The most important elements such as contacts, messages, and basic preferences They are downloaded first. Apps, photos, and videos will download in the background so as not to interfere with normal phone use.
Android Switch: The app that makes everything easier
Android Switch It's the app Google has developed to facilitate data transfer between Android phones or from iOS to an Android. This tool is key to taking full advantage of the benefits of time-delayed restore.
With this app you can:
- Transfer data from another Android device or an iPhone using a USB-C cable or over Wi-Fi.
- Choose which data you want to restore: apps, photos, contacts, messages and more.
- Monitor the restoration progress directly from your mobile.
- Transfer from both another device and a backup stored in the cloud.
Additionally, Android Switch is compatible with corporate devices and allows for combined use with work profiles, ensuring security in professional environments.
Who benefits most from this feature?
This feature is very useful for any user, but it is especially practical for people with one of these profiles:
- Users who change their mobile phone frequently, such as technology enthusiasts or those who upgrade their smartphone every year.
- People migrating from iPhone to Android, as restoring used to be slower and more problematic between different platforms.
- Business users who need to quickly configure a device without wasting time on lengthy configuration processes.
Requirements and compatibility
To enjoy delayed restoration, it is important to meet some minimum requirements:
- Have an updated phone with Android 14 or higher, depending on the manufacturer.
- Have an Internet connection, preferably Wi-Fi, to be able to download data from the cloud.
- Have Google backup active on your old mobile phone or the associated account.
- Install the latest version of Android Switch to ensure compatibility and optimal performance.
Comparison with traditional backups
One of the biggest leaps forward in time-delayed restoration is that You are no longer required to complete the entire restoration before using your new phone.Unlike conventional backups, which require a full restore before using the device, the delayed backup option allows you to use your phone while the data is gradually restored.
Among their main differences we find:
- Greater user autonomy: You decide when the data is downloaded.
- Fewer interruptions during the first use of the phone.
- Parallel processes: You can use basic apps while the others are downloading.
Privacy and security aspects
Google has implemented robust security mechanisms so that the data transferred in this type of restoration is protected at all times. Data is encrypted both in transit and once stored on Google's servers.
Furthermore:
- If you use a PIN, pattern or fingerprint, these methods are also applied to authorize the restoration process.
- The system allows you to control which elements you want to restore and which ones you don't.
- Specific restores can be stopped or paused at any time.
Which phones currently have this feature available?
For the time being, this delayed restoration feature It is active on the Google Pixel 9, the first devices to incorporate this feature. However, Google has already confirmed that In 2025 this feature will be expanded to all Android devices.You won't need a Pixel to enjoy it, and manufacturers are starting to incorporate it into their own customization layers.
This means that, predictably, brands like Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo, Motorola and other major Android ecosystem apps will integrate this option into their initial setup wizards.
Frequently asked questions about delayed restoration
- Can I restore only the contacts and leave the apps for later? Yes, you can choose what is restored and when.
- What happens if I cancel the restoration in the middle of the process? You can resume from where you left off without losing data.
- Do I need to have my old phone on hand? Not necessarily. If you have a backup in your Google account, you can restore it from there.
- Does it also work from iPhone? Yes, Android Switch is ready to migrate data from iOS to Android.
This restoration system offers a more flexible and secure way to manage the transition between phones, allowing you to manage when and how data is restored, eliminating wait times, and streamlining the user experience when switching devices. Share the guide so other users can learn about the topic..
