Get Ready for the Future: Installing Android 16 Beta on Your Pixel Device

The future of Android is here, sooner than you might expect! Google is pushing the boundaries of its development cycle, offering eager users an early glimpse into the next iteration of its mobile operating system: Android 16. The Android 16 beta program is now live, providing Pixel owners the opportunity to experience the latest features and improvements ahead of the official public release. This accelerated timeline signifies Google’s commitment to rapid innovation and gathering valuable user feedback to refine the final product.

As of March 13, 2025, the Android 16 beta program has already reached Beta 3, indicating substantial progress in the development process. Google plans to release at least two more beta versions in the coming months, specifically during March and April, before the anticipated stable release in May or June. This means there’s still time to jump on board, explore the newest features, and contribute to shaping the final version of Android 16.

If you’re a Pixel enthusiast curious to explore the cutting edge of Android, this guide will walk you through the process of installing the Android 16 beta on your compatible device. Whether you prefer the simplicity of over-the-air (OTA) updates or the control offered by sideloading, we’ll cover both methods to ensure a smooth and successful installation.

Is Your Pixel Ready for Android 16?

Google is providing widespread support for Android 16, extending compatibility to all Tensor-powered Pixel smartphones. This means that if you own a Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a, Pixel Fold, Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, or Pixel Tablet, you’re eligible to participate in the Android 16 beta program.

Unfortunately, older Pixel devices, including the original Pixel/XL, Pixel 2/XL, Pixel 3/XL, Pixel 3a/XL, Pixel 4/XL, Pixel 4a, Pixel 4a 5G, Pixel 5, and Pixel 5a, will not be able to run the Android 16 beta. These devices have reached the end of their software support lifecycle and are no longer eligible for major Android updates.

Method 1: Embracing the OTA Update

The easiest way to install the Android 16 beta is through Google’s official OTA update program. This method is straightforward and doesn’t require any technical expertise.

1. Opt-in to the Beta Program:

   • Navigate to google.com/android/beta on your computer or mobile device.
   • Sign in with the same Google account you use on your Pixel phone.
   • You’ll see a list of your eligible Pixel devices. Locate the device you want to enroll in the beta program and click the "Opt in" button next to it.
   • Carefully read and accept the terms and conditions of the beta program.

2. Check for Updates on Your Pixel:

   • Once you’ve opted in, go to your Pixel’s settings menu.

   • Navigate to "System" > "System update."

   • Tap "Check for update."

   • If the Android 16 beta is available for your device, you’ll see a prompt to download and install it.

   • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process. Your phone will download the update, prepare it, and then restart to install the new operating system.

   The update process can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour or more, depending on the size of the update and the speed of your internet connection.

Method 2: Taking Control with Sideloading

Sideloading offers a more direct approach to installing the Android 16 beta, giving you greater control over the update process. This method involves downloading the OTA file directly from Google and manually installing it on your Pixel device using ADB (Android Debug Bridge) tools.

Important Preparation:

Before proceeding with sideloading, it’s highly recommended to take these precautionary steps:

1. Unlock Your Bootloader (Optional but Recommended): Unlocking your bootloader provides greater flexibility in case you encounter issues during the beta program. It allows you to flash different images or revert to a stable version of Android if necessary.

   • To unlock your bootloader, you’ll need to enable "OEM Unlocking" in the Developer Options menu.

2. Enable OEM Unlock:

   • Go to your phone’s Settings -> About Phone, and tap on Build Number seven times.
   • Return to the main Settings menu, and you should now see "Developer Options".
   • Enter Developer Options, and enable "OEM Unlocking".

WARNING: Unlocking your bootloader will erase all data on your device. Be sure to back up your important data before proceeding.

Step-by-Step Sideloading Guide:

1. Download the OTA File:

   • Visit Google’s Full OTA Image hosting site.
   • Locate the OTA file specifically designed for your Pixel device and the Android 16 beta. Ensure it’s Beta 3 or newer.
   • Download the file to your computer.

2. Install ADB and Fastboot Tools:

   • Download the Android SDK Platform Tools from the Android Developers website. These tools include ADB and Fastboot, which are essential for sideloading.
   • Extract the downloaded ZIP file to a location on your computer (e.g., C:\adb).
   • Add the platform-tools directory to your system’s PATH environment variable. This allows you to run ADB commands from any command prompt window.

3. Put Your Pixel in Recovery Mode:

   • Power off your Pixel device completely.
   • Press and hold the Power button and the Volume Down button simultaneously until the bootloader menu appears.
   • Use the volume buttons to navigate to "Recovery mode" and press the Power button to select it.
   • You’ll see an Android logo with an exclamation mark.
   • Press and hold the Power button, then briefly press the Volume Up button, and release both. This will bring you to the Recovery mode menu.
   • Use the volume buttons to navigate to "Apply update from ADB" and press the Power button to select it.

4. Sideload the OTA File:

   • Connect your Pixel device to your computer using a USB cable.
   • Open a command prompt or terminal window on your computer.
   • Navigate to the directory where you extracted the ADB tools (e.g., cd C:\adb).
   • Type the following command and press Enter:
     • adb sideload <filename.zip> (Replace <filename.zip> with the actual name of the OTA file you downloaded).

   The sideloading process will begin. You’ll see progress updates on your computer and your Pixel device.

5. Reboot Your Device:

   • Once the sideloading process is complete, you’ll be returned to the Recovery mode menu.
   • Select "Reboot system now" to restart your Pixel device and boot into Android 16 Beta.

Troubleshooting Tips:

• Device Not Recognized: If your computer doesn’t recognize your Pixel device, ensure you have the correct USB drivers installed.
• "adb is not recognized" Error: Make sure you’ve added the ADB tools directory to your system’s PATH environment variable.
• Installation Errors: Double-check that you downloaded the correct OTA file for your device and that it’s not corrupted.

Embrace the Beta, but Be Prepared

Participating in the Android 16 beta program is an exciting opportunity to experience the future of Android firsthand. However, it’s important to remember that beta software is inherently unstable and may contain bugs or glitches. Be prepared for potential issues such as app incompatibility, performance problems, or unexpected crashes.

It’s strongly recommended to back up your important data before installing the beta. This will ensure that you can easily restore your phone to a stable state if you encounter any serious problems.

If you’re comfortable with these risks, then dive in and explore the new features of Android 16! Your feedback will help shape the future of Android and make it even better for everyone.