The official Samsung Galaxy S9 Android Pie release is still weeks away, but there is a way to get the new OS running on the flagship, provided you have some time, patience and skill.
Samsung is reportedly testing Android 9.0 Pie on the Galaxy S9, but that doesn’t mean the official release is just around the corner.
The Galaxy S8 Android Oreo update surfaced in tests around the same time last year, but we didn’t see a beta until November. The official Galaxy S8 Oreo release date didn’t land until early 2018.
Samsung Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ owners have a wait, but those who don’t want to wait have options.
There is a way to run Android Pie on a Galaxy S9 or Galaxy S9+ right now. Unfortunately, the process is not quite involved and hassle-free.
Unlike a previous leak, this is the official Galaxy S9 Android Pie update from Samsung. Before you get too excited, keep in mind that the update is still in its early stages and could cause major issues on your phone.
However, the unfinished software works with the Galaxy S9/Galaxy S9+ and gives you the opportunity to try Android Pie before Samsung releases the real deal.
How to Install Android Pie Update on Galaxy S9
The update is currently limited to Snapdragon-powered Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ models. If you don’t know which Galaxy S9 model you have, Use an app like CPU-Z To quickly understand which model and processor you have.
Before going through the process, you’ll want to make sure all your data is backed up because there’s always the possibility of something getting lost in the mess. You can do this through Samsung Smart Switch or Samsung Cloud.
Once you’re all backed up you’ll want to go to: these instructions over SamMobile or these instructions XDA-Developers and follow them closely.
If the instructions don’t make sense or you’re feeling wary, you’ll want to avoid installing this software. It may be more trouble than it’s worth.
There are several known issues with the Galaxy S9+ version of the software. Front facing camera not working and AR emoji will crash. You can also expect various performance issues.
According to this XDA-Developersthese issues are not present in Android 9.0 Pie version of Galaxy S9.
If you’re undecided about making an early move to Android Pie, here are a few reasons why you should, or perhaps not, install it on your Galaxy S9 or Galaxy S9+:
As Samsung makes progress behind the scenes, we should see more stable versions of Android Pie leak for the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+.
For now, most Galaxy S9 users should stick with the official Android Oreo firmware.
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