This guide explains how to easily install the latest official Android 8.1 Oreo software update on Nexus and Pixel devices. Google announced Android O and first major update for it in August available From December 5th. While the updates are starting to roll out soon, you can get them early by following our instructions below.
Now that the beta has ended, there are several ways to get Android 8.1 Oreo right now. Wait for the over-the-air update notification, join the beta program and wait for the update or install it manually. factory images from google. Eligible devices include Pixel, Pixel XL, Nexus 5x, Nexus 6P, Pixel C tablet, Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL. Nexus Player is currently not listed.
Google states that this is the first major maintenance release (MR) for Oreo, packed with new features, bug fixes, and other changes. Coming from Android 8.0 to 8.1, you’ll notice changes like Pixel Visual Core, battery improvements, ambient display tweaks, Bluetooth info and battery levels in Quick Settings, and more. Here’s how to get the latest Android software right away.
One of the biggest changes in Android 8.1 Oreo has to do with Bluetooth. This should fix Bluetooth problems once and for all for Nexus and Pixel owners.
Before we start, you can sign up for the beta and upgrade directly to Android 8.1 or manually flash files. However, those coming from the second beta to the official version will have to wait for the OTA update. Manually flashing the software via beta won’t work.
How to Install Android 8.1 Oreo
Once the beta is over, you should get an update straight to Android 8.1 Oreo. However, there is a small change where the 8.1 developer preview will be sent to you. Either way, the final update will arrive in the next few days.
If you’ve already signed up for the beta, sit back and wait for the stable version of Android 8.1 to arrive. Google confirmed it launches on December 5th, but it could take until the weekend. Usually updates arrive within 24-48 hours.
By following the instructions above you will receive a confirmation that you have signed up for the beta, press OK. Now wait for the Android 8.1 Oreo update files to arrive and start downloading. Users can also go to download and try to force it.
When you see the update, pull down the notification bar and choose to download it. Your phone will download Android O, reboot and install the software, then reboot. Now that you have it, here’s what’s new.
If you don’t want to wait for the beta program or over-the-air updates, manual flash Android 8.1 Oreo instead. Note that if you are running the second developer preview, you cannot install the stable version on top of it. You will have to wait for the OTA or update to 8.0 first, then the latest Android 8.1 Oreo.
How to Install ADB on Windows, Mac, Ubuntu and ChromeOS
Before installing Android 8.1 Oreo update on Nexus 5x, Pixel XL or others, you need to install ADB and Fastboot on your computer. This is a program that runs on your PC/Mac to connect your Android device to a device via a USB cable and flash Android software.
Installing ADB and Fastboot is one of the most annoying parts of installing Android factory images, but few tools these days make it super simple. Alternatively, Google’s Flashing all ADB related contacts and files.
How to Install ADB on Windows
Those running Windows can download a 15 second adb installer to simplify the process and get up and running in minutes.
Download ADB installer for Windows. Locate the file, right-click on it and choose Run as Administrator. When prompted, you must grant access to the application to run as administrator. Once the application has started type a Y and enter for Install ADB & Fastboot to select yes to install ADB/Fastboot system wide and install Drivers. When a new window opens, follow the steps to install the drivers.
After that, you are ready to install Android O on supported devices.
How to Install ADB on Mac, Linux, and ChromeOS
Nexus Tools makes it easy to install ADB on a Mac, Linux, or even ChromeOS. You need to open Terminal on the computer and code from xda. Open a terminal by going to search and just type Terminal to open it. Then copy/paste this code to get started.
This will install ADB and Fastboot on Mac, Linux and Chrome OS without you needing to do anything else. It’s extremely easy and avoids all the ADB package mess, which usually takes much longer to complete.
After the script is complete, type ADB or Fastboot to start running both processes. This is how you start flashing files or system images provided by Google. Don’t forget to go to settings > developer options and enable USB Debugging first. Newer devices must enable “OEM Unlocking” in developer options before you can unlock the bootloader and install the latest software. If you did this when you first installed the beta, you don’t need to do it again.
Manually Install Android 8.1 Oreo
The first thing you need to do is download Android 8.1 Oreo system factory images. You must agree to Google’s terms to continue and then click the links below to download the files for each device. Make sure you download the correct file for your device.
As usual, only certain devices are currently included in this list. These are Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Pixel and Pixel XL, Pixel 2 devices and Pixel C Tablet. The old Nexus 5 and Nexus 6 are no longer supported and will not receive Oreo. Click the links below to download the official stable version of Android 8.1 Oreo.
Next, you will need to unzip these files to a folder that you can access. We compressed it to our MAC desktop. After you unzip the Android Oreo system image, you need to find it. Then type cmd in the address bar on Windows or open a terminal and point it to this new folder on Mac, Linux or Chrome OS. Reminder, if you are using a MAC, you need to make sure the terminal is running inside the folder you zipped. Right click, open Terminal in Folder.
If your Nexus/Pixel is not bootloader unlocked, you should do this first. We were unable to install Android 8.1 on a locked device. This will delete it completely and remove all user data, settings, pictures etc. deletes. If you installed the first beta, you’ve already done that. If you do not want to wipe your device, follow the instructions above for the beta program. , or Flash OTA update files.
Open a Terminal in the adb folder and type the following command and hit enter.
adb reboot bootloader
In fastboot type:
fastboot oem unlock
Then press enter. Follow the onscreen instructions and choose to wipe the device. Wait a minute or so to unlock. This removes everything from your device.
Nexus 6P or Pixel users will need to unlock the bootloader and then use it. Then keep rebooting and follow our steps.
Flash the Picture
Then open the folder containing the uncompressed Android 8.1 System Image file you downloaded from above. Type cmd in the address bar. Type the multiple commands posted below and hit enter. Or copy and paste to avoid mistakes. On Mac, you can open Terminal in folder by enabling terminal shortcuts in settings. . Go to System Preferences and select Keyboard > Shortcuts > Services. Find “New Terminal in Folder” in settings and click the box. Now when you’re in the Finder, right-clicking on a folder shows the option to open Terminal. Or do it from the desktop where you opened the Factory image as shown below.
Once in the terminal, simply copy and paste the commands below to install Android 8.1 on your Nexus or Pixel phone. First for Windows, then for Mac.
flash-all.bat
This will burn all necessary files. If you are on one or another computer, you need to type;
sudo ./flash-all.sh
This will force all files and update your device to the latest Android 8.1 stable software. Files will start sending and uploading and your device may reboot. The logo splash screen may stay for a long time. . This may take 10 minutes or longer the first time. You can unplug your Nexus or Pixel when Android prompts you to complete the setup. It took less than three minutes for us.
It is worth noting that some users may experience an error and the installation will fail. This is because of the way you are trying to flash the update. Instructions on how to get around this right here. Essentially users will need to unzip the update.zip folder and move all the images to the original folder we mentioned above. Then manually flash them one by one in response to the flash-all command we used here. Only do this if you run into problems with missing images. It takes a few more steps but they all work the same. It flashed just fine on my Pixel XL using a Mac.
When the process is finished, you can start using Android O immediately by entering your information or your Gmail account.
final thoughts
If you don’t want to wipe your entire device, don’t manually install Android O according to our instructions above. Instead, wait for the Android Beta Program OTA (over-the-air) update to reach your device. Once done, accept and download the update and follow the instructions. Or wait for the next update directly from Google in the next few days.
Again, those who choose to wait for the OTA update do not need to wipe their devices. It installs directly on Android 8.0 and keeps all user data. Leave a comment below if you have any questions, problems or concerns.
