Google has thrown a curveball! Months ahead of its typical release schedule, the tech giant has dropped the Developer Preview of Android 16, surprising developers and Android enthusiasts alike. This early release isn’t just a surprise in its timing; it also marks a shift in the update cadence. Instead of the usual third-quarter release, we can expect a stable Android 16 update sometime in the middle of the year.
This Developer Preview is strictly for developers, manufacturers, and enterprises working on mobile software. It’s packed with features still under development, meaning it’s highly unstable and not suitable for your daily driver phone. If you have a spare Pixel device and a penchant for adventure (and troubleshooting!), read on to learn how to install it. Expect bugs and performance hiccups – this is bleeding-edge technology!
Which Pixel Phones are Compatible?
Before you get started, ensure your Pixel device is compatible. The Android 16 Developer Preview currently supports the following Google devices:
* Pixel 6 and 6 Pro
* Pixel 6a
* Pixel 7 and 7 Pro
* Pixel 7a
* Pixel Fold
* Pixel Tablet
* Pixel 8 and 8 Pro
* Pixel 8a
* Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, and 9 Pro Fold (Note: Pixel 9 series availability may vary.)
Preparing Your Pixel for Android 16 Installation
Before diving into the installation, you need to prepare your phone. Follow these steps meticulously:
1.
Enable Developer Mode:
Navigate to Settings > About phone and tap “Build number” seven times. This unlocks the Developer options.2.
Enable Developer Options:
Return to the main Settings menu, tap “System,” then scroll down and select “Developer options.”3.
Enable OEM Unlocking:
Within Developer options, scroll down and enable “OEM unlocking.”4.
Enable USB Debugging:
In the same menu, enable “USB debugging” under the “Debugging” section.5.
Configure USB Behavior:
Connect your phone to your computer via USB. Swipe down from the top of your phone’s screen, expand the notification bar, and select “File transfer / Auto mode” under “USB used for.” You may need to authenticate this change using your phone’s screen lock method.Installing Android 16: Two Methods
There are two ways to install Android 16 Developer Preview 1. The first involves manually flashing the system images downloaded from Google. This method requires unlocking the bootloader, completely wiping your device, and familiarity with ADB tools and fastboot mode. It’s highly technical and not recommended for beginners.
The easier method is using the web-based Android Flash Tool. This requires a modern web browser (like Chrome or Edge) supporting WebUSB and a USB-C cable. Here’s how:
1.
Connect Your Phone:
Connect your Pixel device to your PC via USB.2.
Open the Flash Tool:
Open Chrome or Edge and navigate to the official Android Flash Tool webpage.3.
Authorize ADB Access:
Follow the on-screen prompts to allow ADB access and add a new device.4.
Select Your Device:
Choose your Pixel device from the list.5.
Grant Permissions:
Click “Always allow from this computer” to enable debugging.6.
Select the Build:
Choose the correct Android 16 build for your device.7.
Install the Build:
Click “Install Build” and wait for your device to reboot into Fastboot mode.8.
Confirm Installation:
Confirm you want to flash the Android 16 Developer Preview.9.
Complete and Disconnect:
Once the process finishes, disconnect your phone. You might need to relock the bootloader using your phone’s power and volume buttons.Troubleshooting Tips
Remember, installing a developer preview carries risks. Issues might arise due to carrier locks preventing bootloader unlocking, the use of USB hubs or adapters, or even difficulties booting your device. If your device fails to boot, manually enter Fastboot mode by holding the volume down and power buttons, then relaunch the Android Flash Tool and try again.
Finally, once you’ve installed the initial Developer Preview, subsequent updates will arrive as over-the-air (OTA) updates. Enjoy exploring the latest features of Android 16 – but remember, it’s still a work in progress!
