Android 16 has finally been released, but it may not have all the features Google has planned for the mobile operating system. However, developers and tech enthusiasts can still download and install a beta version on compatible phones and tablets.
Despite the early release of Android 16 (initially for Pixel phones) ahead of the Pixel 10 phones, it is more like an Android 15.5 at this stage. The June Pixel Drop introduced new features like Pixel VIPs, but the anticipated user interface overhaul and major new features are still missing.
One of the key features, Material 3 Expressive, will be fully released later in the year, starting with Pixel devices. However, it is part of the Android 16 beta QPR (Quarterly Platform Release), which is available for download on compatible devices.
The latest release, QPR beta 3, mainly brings fixes and refinements, along with new features like the screen magnification working with the keyboard and the ability to quickly pin or unpin apps from the taskbar in Desktop Mode.
This guide will walk you through the process of enrolling in the Android 16 beta program and downloading it to your device. It will also help you determine if your phone or tablet is compatible and make you aware of the associated risks.
Android 16 has just been released, and honestly… I’m disappointed.
How to enroll in the Android 16 beta program on your phone
Before downloading the latest Android 16 beta to your device, you need to sign in to the Android Beta site using your Google account and opt-in on the device where you want to install it. Here’s how to opt-in in a few simple steps:
- Visit the Android Beta for Pixel site (ensure you’re logged into your Google account)
- Scroll down to the Your eligible devices section
- Read the T&Cs and FAQs for any queries before downloading and installing
- Select Opt-in on the device you want to install Android 16 on
- Proceed to your registered phone
WARNING: As per the Android Beta site, “If you install a beta version, you may not be able to unenroll and revert back to a stable public release version of Android without wiping all locally saved data on your device. You may also encounter issues restoring a backup.”
If you agree to this, select Opt-out under Your eligible devices next to the device where you previously selected Opt-in.
How to download the Android 16 beta on your phone
For Pixel users, there are two ways to download and install the latest beta, with the easiest being an OTA (over-the-air) update. Here’s how:
- Go to the Settings menu
- Scroll down and tap System at the bottom of the list
- Tap Software updates
- Tap System update
- Your Pixel will check for available OTA updates (if not, tap Check for update)
- Once an update is found, tap Download and install
If the beta update isn’t immediately available, check back later or wait for a notification. The process may vary slightly for other eligible Android phones. Alternatively, you can manually download the update via the official Android Flash Tool, though this is recommended only if you can’t wait or prefer not to use the OTA method.
Which phones support the Android 16 beta?
Unsurprisingly, Google’s Pixel devices are the first to support the Android 16 beta. The following phones can run the current beta release of Android 16:
It’s worth mentioning that the Google Pixel Tablet is also compatible with the current Android 16 beta program for those interested in the tablet experience.
Which non-Pixel phones & tablets support the Android 16 beta?
If you’re eager to try Android 16 but don’t own a compatible Pixel device, don’t worry.
Several device makers have become Android 16 ‘device-maker partners,’ offering early access to Android 16 with slightly different download methods, timeframes, and sources compared to the Pixel method. Here’s a list of compatible Android phones supporting Android 16 beta releases: