Android 16 has been released, with its first beta. Here’s how to install the Android 16 Beta on Google Pixel Devices.
Which Google Pixel devices are compatible with the Android 16 Beta?
Google is supporting all Tensor-Powered Pixel Devices with Android 16, Starting from the Pixel 6 series and coming up to the latest Pixel 9 series.
The Android 16 Beta is available for all the following devices :
- Pixel 6
- Pixel 6 Pro
- Pixel 6a
- Pixel 7
- Pixel 7 Pro
- Pixel 7a
- Pixel Tablet
- Pixel Fold
- Pixel 8
- Pixel 8 Pro
- Pixel 8a
- Pixel 9
- Pixel 9 Pro
- Pixel 9 Pro XL
- Pixel 9 Pro Fold
How to install Android 16 with the Android Beta Program on Pixel devices
To install Android 16, visit https://www.google.com/android/beta and ”Opt-in” on your selected device. A compatible Pixel (listed above) with your same Google account can join the Android 16 Beta program. Once you have opted in, you can check for updates on your device to install the update. Sometimes, it may take longer for the update to be available on the device.
The first Android 16 Beta brings big changes like:
- Better app support for tablets
- iOS-like notifications called Live Updates
- Predictive back enabled for apps targeting API 36
- New Google Gemini UI
When will Google release Android 16?
Google is planning to release Android 16 in Q2 of 2025. Google has not confirmed the dates yet.
How to sideload Android 16 Beta on Google Pixel
So far, this is the faster way to get sideload the new version on Pixel Device. but you’ll need to get set up to do it. Here’s how.
- Download the needed files.
- Boot into Recovery mode.
- Navigate to ADB sideload.
- Connect the handset to a computer with ADB tools installed.
- Enter the sideload command.
- Reboot your phone.
IMPORTANT: While Android Beta releases are typically safe, it’s in your best interest to either unlock your bootloader or, at the very least, turn on OEM Unlock in developer settings BEFORE installing an OTA file.