Speed into Android 16: The Fastest Way to Install the Beta on Your Pixel

Installing the Latest Android 16 Beta on Google Pixel

With Android 16 progressing rapidly through its development cycle, Google has opened its beta program to Pixel users. If you own a compatible device, here’s everything you need to know about installing Android 16 Beta 4, released on April 17, 2025.

Compatible Pixel Devices for Android 16 Beta

Android 16 Beta is only available on Tensor-powered Pixel devices, starting from the Pixel 6 series up to the Pixel 9 lineup. These include:

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

Earlier Pixel models, including Pixel 5a and below, are not eligible.

What’s New in Android 16 Beta 4?

Android 16 Beta 4 marks the final planned release in the beta series.

• It offers stability improvements, developer feature finalization, and performance refinements.
• Though final, Beta 4.1 or additional minor builds may follow before the full stable release expected in May or June 2025.

Using the Android Beta Program

The simplest way to get Android 16 Beta is through Google’s official Android Beta Program:

• Visit google.com/android/beta.
• Sign in and opt-in your eligible Pixel device.
• After joining, check for system updates on your phone.
  • Updates usually arrive within an hour, though some may take longer.

This method does not wipe your phone.

Sideloading Android 16 Beta on Pixel

For users wanting faster access or more control, sideloading the OTA file is the way to go. Here’s how to do it step-by-step:

1. Download Android 16 OTA File

Start by downloading the correct OTA file for your Pixel model.

• Go to Google’s Full OTA Image site.
• Find the build labeled Android 16 Beta 4 for your device.
  • Make sure the model exactly matches your phone.
• Download the OTA .zip file.

Avoid the Factory Image unless you want a fresh wipe.

2. Boot into Recovery Mode

To enter Recovery Mode:

• Power off your device.
• Press and hold Power + Volume Down until the Bootloader screen appears.
• Use volume buttons to scroll to Recovery mode and select it with Power.
• When you see the Android with an exclamation mark:
  • Press and hold Power, then tap Volume Up once to fully enter Recovery mode.

Alternatively, use adb reboot recovery if connected via ADB.

3. Select “Apply Update from ADB”

Using volume keys, scroll to Apply update from ADB and confirm.

• This opens a screen ready for OTA sideloading.
• Your phone now waits for input from your connected computer.

4. Connect to PC with ADB Installed

Make sure you have ADB and Fastboot tools on your computer.

• Download from the Android Developer website or use Universal ADB Drivers (for Windows).
• Place the downloaded OTA .zip in the same folder as the ADB tool.
• Open Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux) in that folder.

Tip: On Windows, add a shortcut to cmd.exe in the tools folder for quick access.

5. Run the ADB Sideload Command

Enter the correct sideload command depending on your OS:

• Windows: adb sideload [filename].zip
• macOS/Linux: ./adb sideload [filename].zip

Replace [filename] with the full name of your OTA file.

You’ll see progress on both your computer and phone as the update installs.

6. Reboot Your Pixel

Once the OTA has installed:

• You’ll return to Recovery Mode.
• Scroll to Reboot now and confirm.

Your phone will now boot into Android 16 Beta 4 with your data intact.

Final Notes

While Android 16 Beta is generally stable, consider these precautions:

• Enable OEM Unlocking in Developer Options.
• Back up important data before sideloading.
• Stay updated with Google’s beta release notes.

Android 16 brings early access to new features, performance updates, and developer tools—perfect for tech enthusiasts wanting to stay ahead.