Google has released the first Android 16 Developer Preview, giving developers and early adopters a chance to test upcoming features before the official release. Installing this preview allows you to explore new APIs, test app compatibility, and provide valuable feedback directly to Google. You can install the Android 16 Developer Preview on supported Pixel devices through multiple methods, including Google's Android Flash Tool, manual flashing via factory images, or using OTA sideloading. Here's exactly how to do each method effectively.

Prerequisites Before Installation

Before you begin, ensure your Pixel device is supported for the Android 16 Developer Preview. Currently supported devices include:

  • Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro.
  • Pixel 6a.
  • Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro.
  • Pixel 7a.
  • Pixel Fold.
  • Pixel Tablet.
  • Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro.
  • Pixel 8a.
  • Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

You will also need:

  • A USB-C cable to connect your phone to your computer.
  • ADB and Fastboot tools installed on your computer (available from the Android Developers website).
  • Developer Options enabled on your Pixel device (navigate to Settings > About phone, then tap "Build number" seven times).
  • USB debugging and OEM unlocking enabled (found under Settings > System > Developer Options).
  • A full backup of your device data, as installing previews or flashing images will erase data.

Method 1: Install Android 16 Developer Preview Using Android Flash Tool

The Android Flash Tool offers the simplest and quickest way to install the Android 16 Developer Preview. This browser-based tool manages the entire flashing process automatically.

Step 1: Connect your Pixel device to your computer using the USB-C cable. Open a Chromium-based browser, such as Chrome, and navigate to the Android Flash Tool website.

Step 2: Click "Allow ADB access" when prompted, then select your connected Pixel device. Confirm USB debugging permissions on your phone's screen if prompted.

Step 3: Choose the Android 16 Developer Preview build from the available options, then click "Install build." Follow the on-screen prompts carefully.

Step 4: If your bootloader isn't unlocked, the tool will guide you through unlocking it. This process resets your device, so ensure you've backed up all important data beforehand.

Step 5: Wait until the installation completes. After successful installation, your device will reboot automatically into Android 16 Developer Preview.

Method 2: Flash Android 16 Developer Preview Manually Using Factory Images

If you prefer more control over the installation, you can manually flash the Android 16 Developer Preview factory images. This method is ideal for automated testing or troubleshooting.

Step 1: Download the Android 16 factory image for your specific Pixel device from the official Android Developers download page. Extract the downloaded zip file into your ADB and Fastboot tools directory.

Step 2: Connect your Pixel device to your computer. Open a command prompt or terminal window in the extracted folder. Reboot your device into bootloader mode using the command:

adb reboot bootloader

Step 3: Unlock your bootloader (if not already unlocked) by entering:

fastboot flashing unlock

Confirm the unlock on your device. Be aware this will erase all data.

Step 4: Execute the flashing script. On Windows, run:

flash-all.bat

On macOS or Linux, run:

./flash-all.sh

Step 5: Wait for the flashing process to complete. Your device will reboot into Android 16 Developer Preview automatically.

Method 3: Install Android 16 Developer Preview via OTA Sideloading

If you prefer not to wipe your device completely, sideloading an OTA image is an effective alternative. Note that this method may still reset your device's data, depending on your current software state.

Step 1: Download the correct OTA image file for your Pixel device from the Android Developers OTA downloads page. Rename this file to something simple like ota_file.zip and place it in your ADB tools directory.

Step 2: Reboot your Pixel into Recovery mode. Turn off your device, hold down Power and Volume Down simultaneously, then use the volume buttons to select "Recovery mode" and press the Power button to confirm. Once in Recovery, hold Power and press Volume Up briefly to enter the Recovery menu.

Step 3: Select "Apply update from ADB" using the volume buttons and confirm with the Power button. On your connected computer, run this command to sideload the OTA file:

adb sideload ota_file.zip

Step 4: Wait for the sideloading process to finish. Once complete, select "Reboot system now" to restart your device into Android 16 Developer Preview.

Post-Installation Recommendations

After installing Android 16 Developer Preview, regularly check for updates by navigating to Settings > System > System update. This ensures you receive the latest fixes and improvements. Remember that Developer Previews are early builds and may contain bugs. Report any issues through the Android Developer Issue Tracker to help Google improve future releases.

To revert to a stable Android version, simply flash the latest stable factory image for your device following the manual flashing instructions above.

Now you're ready to explore Android 16 Developer Preview on your Pixel device. Enjoy testing out Google's latest innovations!