After three developer previews, Google released the first Android 12 beta today at Google I/O 2021. Although the beta program is not designed for all users, you can sign up for the beta program if you can’t wait to check out all the features. Upcoming Android 12 features are coming to your phone. In this post, we explain how you can install the first Android 12 beta on your Pixel smartphone in a few easy steps.
How to Install Android 12 Beta (May 2021)
We have included not only the easiest method, which is to sign up for the Android 12 beta OTA update, but also several other installation methods. Expand the table below and move on to the method you feel most comfortable with.
Android 12 Supported Pixel Phones
These are Pixel phones that will get Android 12 beta support on day one. If you’re using a genuine Pixel/XL or Pixel 2/XL, you won’t be able to get the Android 12 update. Check out the list of eligible Android 12 Pixel phones below:
- Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL
- Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL
- Google Pixel 4
- Pixel 4a and Pixel 4a (5G)
- Google Pixel 5
Install Android 12 Beta Using Android OTA Beta Program
The easiest way to install Android 12 beta on your supported Android phone is with Google’s official Android Beta program. Here’s how to do it:
1. Visit the Android 12 Beta program Web site. You will see your list of available devices and all you have to do is Click the ‘Activate’ button You have registered your eligible Pixel device to receive the Beta update that appears below your device’s name.
2. After signing up, wait for the OTA to reach your phone. By the way, you can manually check for updates. “Settings -> System -> System Update”.
Sideload Android 12 Beta OTA
If you don’t want to wait for the official OTA to reach your device, you can sideload the update by flashing the OTA image. The best part? It won’t wipe your phone and you can track it even on devices with locked bootloaders. Note that you have to install ADB on your PC and Enable USB debugging from Developer Options Having said that, let’s start with the steps:
1. Download OTA of Android 12 beta for your phone using this link and move ADB to the folder where you installed it on your computer. After making sure you have ADB installed properly and enabled USB debugging, navigate to the folder where ADB is located and run the following command to reboot into recovery mode:
adb reboot recovery
2. While in recovery mode, Select ‘Apply Update from ADB’. If you are not familiar with recovery mode, you can use the volume buttons for navigation and the power button to confirm a selection.
3. The final step is to use the following command to start the installation process. here
adb sideload <filename>.zip
When the update is complete, Select ‘reboot system now’ To reboot your Pixel phone Congratulations, your phone is now running the latest version of Android and you can browse the new UI, themes, privacy features and more.
Install Android 12 Beta Using Android Flash Tool
Announced in January last year, the Android Flash tool greatly simplifies the process of uploading AOSP builds to compatible Pixel phones and Android reference boards. However, Google has since redesigned the tool to allow users to upload new beta builds.
Before you begin, make sure you have enabled USB Debugging and OEM unlocking from the Developer Options menu on your phone. Then follow the steps below:
1. Connect your phone to your PC. If you are using a Windows 10 PC, Install USB drivers from this link. After this is done, Visit Android Flash Tool’s website and click on “Get started”.
2. When the pop-up window appears, Click on “Allow ADB access”. You will now see the USB debugging authorization prompt on your connected Android device. Let it go further.
3. Next, Click on “Add new device” Press the button on the Android Flash Tool website to connect your Pixel phone.
4. You will now see your device in a prompt in the address bar at the top left. Select the device and Click “Connect” to start.
5. Once the device is listed, Click on “Flash Build” To continue the installation
6. In the last step, select the correct beta version from the drop-down menu and Click “Install”. In this case, the build should be Android 12 Beta 1. You can also choose to relock the bootloader at this step.
7. The Android Flash Tool will now download the beta version and the installation process will begin shortly. If something goes wrong, you can: Use Google’s Pixel update and software repair tool To fix your device.
Install Android 12 Beta Factory Image
Another method you can follow to install Android 12 beta is to flash the factory image. You can choose this method if you want to start fresh with Android 12 and have an unlocked bootloader. As always, keep USB debugging enabled before starting.
1. Download the factory image for your supported Pixel phone from: here. Move the downloaded file to the ADB folder on your computer and extract it there. If you want to keep the data, open flash-all.sh or flash-all.bat if using Windows using a text editor and remove the ‘-w’ flag. However, it is recommended to delete the data if you plan to flash the factory image.
2. Open Command Prompt by right-clicking on the ADB tools folder. Then reboot into recovery mode using the following command:
adb reboot bootloader
3. Now, Double click on ‘flash-all.bat’ If you’re on Windows, or if you’re using macOS or Linux, run the ‘flash-all’ command and wait for the process to complete. This much. You have now successfully installed the Android 12 beta on your Android device.
Which Method Should I Use?
You may be confused about which method you should follow, as I have detailed all the methods you can follow to install Android 12 beta on your phone. Here is my advice to you: Android 12 Beta OTA Program > Sideload Android 12 Beta OTA > Android Flash Tool > Android 12 Beta Factory Image.
While Android Flash Tool may seem easier on the surface than sideloading OTA, things can go wrong if you’re using an unstable internet connection. Also, if you’re familiar with ADB, I highly recommend sticking with the old-fashioned OTA sideloading method. Let us know which method you chose and why in the comments below.
Install Android 12 Beta on your phone
So, this is how you can get the early experience of Android 12 right now on your eligible phone. If you don’t have a supported phone, check out our article on the best Android 12 features to learn all the great features Google has packed in Android 12. If you have any questions or suggestions, comment them below and we’ll assist you. outside.
