# Android Switch

> Copy apps & more from an Android or iOS® device

Canonical page: [https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.google.android.apps.restore](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.google.android.apps.restore)

## Overview

- **ID:** `com.google.android.apps.restore`
- **Platform:** Android
- **Type:** Android app
- **Status:** Available
- **Publisher:** Google LLC
- **Category:** TOOLS
- **Downloads:** 15,527,498,331
- **Rating:** 3.99 / 5 (1,256,341 ratings)
- **Version:** 1.0.968680808
- **Last updated:** 2026-09-08
- **First published:** 2021-07-21
- **Publisher country:** US
- **Size:** 29 MB
- **Data as of:** 2026-09-13
- **Store listing:** [Google Play Store](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.restore)
- **Privacy policy:** [http://www.google.com/policies/privacy](http://www.google.com/policies/privacy)

## Description

Android Switch is installed on your Android device so you can securely copy photos, videos, contacts, and more from another phone during setup. It enables cross-platform data transfer between Android and iOS devices and can copy apps and other data during initial setup.

If you have a Pixel 9 or newer (including Pro, Pro Fold, and A-Series), you can move your data anytime after setup, even if you don't have the other device.

## Rankings

- #10 — Overall
- #5 — switch
- #8 — android

## Permissions and access

### Permissions

- `android.permission.ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION`
- `android.permission.ACCESS_LAUNCHER_DATA`
- `android.permission.ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE`
- `android.permission.ACCESS_WIFI_STATE`
- `android.permission.BACKUP`
- `android.permission.CHANGE_WIFI_STATE`
- `android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE`
- `android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE_CONNECTED_DEVICE`
- `android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE_DATA_SYNC`
- `android.permission.GET_PACKAGE_SIZE`
- `android.permission.INTERNET`
- `android.permission.LAUNCH_MULTI_PANE_SETTINGS_DEEP_LINK`
- `android.permission.MANAGE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE`
- `android.permission.MANAGE_USB`
- `android.permission.MANAGE_USERS`
- `android.permission.MANAGE_WIFI_NETWORK_SELECTION`
- `android.permission.MODIFY_PHONE_STATE`
- `android.permission.NEARBY_WIFI_DEVICES`
- `android.permission.NFC`
- `android.permission.OVERRIDE_WIFI_CONFIG`
- `android.permission.POST_NOTIFICATIONS`
- `android.permission.QUERY_ALL_PACKAGES`
- `android.permission.READ_CALENDAR`
- `android.permission.READ_CALL_LOG`
- `android.permission.READ_CONTACTS`
- `android.permission.READ_PRIVILEGED_PHONE_STATE`
- `android.permission.READ_WIFI_CREDENTIAL`
- `android.permission.RECEIVE_BOOT_COMPLETED`
- `android.permission.SET_WALLPAPER`
- `android.permission.START_ACTIVITIES_FROM_BACKGROUND`
- `android.permission.SUBSTITUTE_NOTIFICATION_APP_NAME`
- `android.permission.USE_BIOMETRIC`
- `android.permission.WAKE_LOCK`
- `android.permission.WRITE_CALL_LOG`
- `android.permission.WRITE_CONTACTS`
- `android.permission.WRITE_EMBEDDED_SUBSCRIPTIONS`
- `android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS`
- `android.permission.WRITE_SETTINGS`
- `com.android.vending.setup.PLAY_SETUP_SERVICE`
- `com.google.android.apps.nexuslauncher.permission.READ_SETTINGS`
- `com.google.android.apps.nexuslauncher.permission.WRITE_SETTINGS`
- `com.google.android.providers.gsf.permission.READ_GSERVICES`
- `com.google.android.setupwizard.READ_DEVICE_ORIGIN`
- `com.google.android.setupwizard.READ_DEVICE_ORIGIN_FIRST_PARTY`
- `com.google.android.setupwizard.SETUP_COMPAT_SERVICE`
- `com.google.android.setupwizard.SETUP_PROGRESS_SERVICE`
- `com.google.android.setupwizard.WRITE_DEVICE_ORIGIN`

## Review summary

Reviews are mixed. A noticeable portion views the app as security-risk software, citing viruses, spyware, hacking, and privacy concerns. Several users report the app is hard or impossible to uninstall and behaves like bloatware. A smaller subset expresses positive sentiment, calling it good or user-friendly. Overall, safety, reliability, and uninstallability dominate the feedback, while a minority see some positive value.

### Pros

- Good (positive baseline reception observed across multiple reviews)
- Overall positive sentiment (mentions of grateful, like, love it, and excellent)
- User-friendly interface mentioned by some reviewers

### Cons

- Malware-related concerns: the app is described as malware/spyware, with claims of hacking and viruses
- Persistent/uninstallable behavior and bloatware: several reviews say it cannot be fully removed or serves as bloatware
- Privacy and safety risks: reports of pop-up content, stealing private information, and usage by hackers

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Source: [Chrome-Stats](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.google.android.apps.restore)