Google Pixel 11 introduces 'interactive onboarding companion' for easier phone setup

Aug 12, 2026 — 10:00 AM ET

• Google launched the Pixel 11 series, featuring a new “interactive onboarding companion” to assist with phone setup and personalization.
• The company did not share more details right away, but the feature closely resembles an unreleased Gemini-powered setup assistant that we previously uncovered, which provides real-time guidance and account-tailored recommendations during device setup.
• Key features of the previously uncovered experience include an “Ask Gemini” overlay, instant setting execution without opening separate apps, and personalized app recommendations.

Google has just launched the Pixel 11 series and, with it, is debuting a new “interactive onboarding companion” to help you set up your new phone.

Google hasn’t shared details yet, but the company says the interactive onboarding companion helps you “check your setup, personalize settings, and make sure everything is ready to go.” That doesn’t say much on its face, but it sounds suspiciously similar to the Gemini-powered setup assistant we spotted last month.

From our previous report, we know that Google has been working on an AI-powered setup assistant that offers account-tailored recommendations and real-time guidance when switching to a new Android device, potentially after you log into your Google account. In our experience with this AI-powered setup assistant before its rollout, it reviewed the Google account and suggested adding a recovery phone number and email. You can provide these details, or skip input and move to the next screen.

There’s a prominent “Ask Gemini” input box throughout this new setup flow that lets you invoke the Gemini overlay and ask questions about the content on the screen. Additional prompts and suggestions are also present throughout to help pre-empt any questions you may have. The actions in the suggestions also take effect instantly — you aren’t redirected to another app to input your home address, for example.

At the end of the setup assistant, it recommends some apps to “get the most out of your new device.” These app recommendations appear to be suggestions based on your Google account.

We’ll be keeping an eye out for confirmation that this Gemini-powered setup experience is indeed the same experience that Google is talking about for the new Pixel 11 series. We should be able to answer the question ourselves once we get our hands on the Pixel 11 series.