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Although we are still waiting for the official release of Android 16, developers (and curious technical fans) have a way to download the beta version and install it on compatible phones and tablets.
We will probably have to wait for the Pixel 10 telephones to arrive completely, but the exciting news is that many devices support Android 16 and the current QPR version (quarterly platform release) contains the overhaul 3 Expressive User Interface Design.
Provided that you are comfortable with performing an experimental and unfinished build from Android on your device prior to the launch, you can now upgrade to Android 16 and the process to register for the beta program, downloading and installing is fairly easy.
This article leads you through the steps, make you aware of the risks and helps you find out if you have a compatible device to get the Android 16 -Bèta.
How you can choose in the Android 16 Beta Program on your phone
Before you can download the latest Android 16 -Bèta to your device, you must register with the Android Beta site using your Google account and choose to ‘report’ on the device on which you want to install it.
Here you can read how you can register with a few simple steps:
- Go to the Android -Bèta for Pixels -Site (Make sure you are logged in to your Google account)
- Scroll down to the Your eligible devices section
- Read the T&CS and frequently asked questions for answers to any questions you can have before you download and install
- Pick Register On the device you want to install Android 16
- Then go to your newly registered phone
Chris Martin / Foundry
WARNING: To quote the Android Bètasite directly, “If you install a beta version, you may not be able to mandrow and return to a stable public release version of Android without first wiping all locally stored data on your device. You can also come across problems that restore a backup.‘
Provided that you are satisfied with this reservation, simply select Cancel under Your eligible devicesIn addition to the device that you have selected earlier Register on.
How to download the Android 16 -Bèta on your phone
Chris Martin / Foundry
For pixel users there are two ways to download and install the latest beta, the easiest is an OTA update (over-the-air), similar to how you would download a normal OS update (operating system) by doing the following:
- Open the Institutions menu
- Scroll down and tap SystemLocated at the bottom of the list
- Crane Software -updates
- Then tap System update
- Your pixel then checks available OTA updates (if it does not automatically check, tap the Check for update knob)
- As soon as it has found an available update that is ready to download, tap the Download and Install button in the lower corner of the screen
At the chance of the beta update, you will be immediately available, come back within a few hours or just wait until your phone will inform you that the beta update is ready to download. The method is expected to be largely the same on other eligible Android phones, but there may be some variation.
As an alternative you can manually download the update via the official Android -Flash tool. However, this is only recommended if you really cannot wait or do not want to use the more convenient OTA method.
Which phones do the Android 16 beta support?
It should not be a surprise that the first place to search for Android 16 beta-compatible smartphones is Google’s own pixel devices. The following list of telephones can support the current beta -release of Android 16:
It is also worth noting that, for those who are curious about the tablet experience that will offer Android 16, the Google Pixel tablet is also compatible with the current Android 16 beta program.
Which non-pixel phones and tablets do the Android 16-beta support?
If you want to try Android 16, but don’t have a compatible pixel, don’t worry.
A handful of proactive device makers have registered to become Android 16 ‘Device maker partners, which means that they also offer early access to Android 16, albeit with download methods, timetables and sources that differ slightly from the pixel method in this article describes this article.
Here is the current list of compatible Android phones that support Android 16 Beta releases. You can click on the brands to access the respective download site of each device maker: