Eager to experience the latest features of Android before its official release? If you own a Google Pixel 9, you can easily install the Android 16 beta and get a sneak peek at what’s new. This guide will walk you through the process step by step.
What You Need to Know Before You Begin
The Android 16 beta program allows Pixel users to test pre-release versions of the operating system. Keep in mind that beta software can be unstable and may contain bugs. It’s recommended to back up your important data before installing the beta.
The Android 16 beta is available for all Tensor-powered Pixel smartphones, including the Pixel 9 series. As of March 13, 2025, the latest Android 16 release is Beta 3.
There are two main ways to install the Android 16 beta on your Pixel 9:
- Enrolling in the Android Beta Program: This is the easiest method and allows you to receive future beta updates over-the-air.
- Sideloading: This method involves manually downloading and installing the beta files onto your device.
Let’s explore both methods in detail.
Method 1: Enrolling in the Android Beta Program (Recommended)
This is the simplest way to get the Android 16 beta on your Pixel 9.
Step 1: Visit the Android Beta Program Website
On your computer or Pixel 9, go to the Android Beta Program website.
Step 2: Sign In to Your Google Account
Make sure you sign in with the same Google account that is associated with your Pixel 9.
Step 3: View Your Eligible Devices
Click on “View your eligible devices.” You should see your Pixel 9 listed here.
Step 4: Opt In to the Beta Program
Under your Pixel 9, click the “Opt in” button.
Step 5: Agree to the Terms and Conditions
Carefully read the terms of the beta program and click “Agree” to enroll your device.
Step 6: Check for Updates on Your Pixel 9
Once you’ve opted in, go to your Pixel 9’s Settings app. Navigate to System > System update. Tap on Check for update.
Step 7: Download and Install the Update
Your phone should find the Android 16 beta update. Tap on Download and install to begin the process. Make sure your phone is connected to Wi-Fi and has sufficient battery or is plugged into a charger.
Once the installation is complete, your Pixel 9 will restart, and you’ll be running the Android 16 beta. You will also receive future beta updates automatically over-the-air.
Method 2: Sideloading the Android 16 Beta
Sideloading involves manually installing the beta software onto your Pixel 9. This method is slightly more technical but can be useful if you don’t want to participate in the full beta program or if the over-the-air update isn’t immediately available.
Step 1: Download the Android 16 Beta Files
Visit the Google’s Full OTA Image hosting site and find the OTA (Over-The-Air) file for your Pixel 9. Ensure you download the correct file for your specific device.
Step 2: Install ADB and Fastboot Tools
You’ll need the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) and Fastboot tools on your computer. These tools allow you to communicate with your Android device from your computer. You can download them as part of the SDK Platform Tools from the Android Developers website.
Step 3: Enable Developer Options and USB Debugging on Your Pixel 9
- Open the Settings app on your Pixel 9.
- Go to About phone and tap the Build number seven times. This will enable Developer options.
- Go back to the main Settings menu and tap on System > Developer options.
- Enable the USB debugging option. You might see a prompt asking for confirmation; tap Allow.
Step 4: Boot Your Pixel 9 into Recovery Mode
- Power off your Pixel 9 completely.
- Press and hold the Power button and the Volume Down button simultaneously until you see the bootloader screen.
- Use the Volume Down button to scroll down to Recovery mode and press the Power button to select it.
- You’ll see an Android figure lying down with an exclamation mark. Press and hold the Power button, then briefly press the Volume Up button, and release both. This will take you to the Recovery menu.
Step 5: Navigate to “Apply update from ADB”
Use the Volume Down button to scroll down to “Apply update from ADB” and press the Power button to select it.
Step 6: Connect Your Pixel 9 to Your Computer
Connect your Pixel 9 to your computer using a USB cable.
Step 7: Open Command Prompt or Terminal on Your Computer
Open a Command Prompt window (on Windows) or Terminal (on macOS or Linux) and navigate to the directory where you saved the downloaded OTA file and the ADB and Fastboot tools.
Step 8: Enter the Sideload Command
In the Command Prompt or Terminal, type the following command and press Enter:
Bash adb sideload <filename>.zip
Replace <filename>.zip with the actual name of the OTA file you downloaded.
Step 9: Wait for the Installation to Complete
The installation process will begin, and you’ll see progress messages on both your computer and your Pixel 9. This may take a few minutes.
Step 10: Reboot Your Pixel 9
Once the installation is complete, you’ll see a “Install from ADB complete” message on your phone. Use the Volume buttons to navigate to “Reboot system now” and press the Power button to select it.
Your Pixel 9 will now reboot into the Android 16 beta.
Staying Updated and Providing Feedback
Once you have the Android 16 beta installed, you’ll receive subsequent beta updates automatically if you enrolled in the beta program. If you sideloaded, you’ll need to manually sideload future updates as well.
Google encourages beta testers to provide feedback on their experience. You can do this through the dedicated feedback app that will be installed on your device as part of the beta program. Your feedback helps Google identify and fix bugs before the final release of Android 16.
Enjoy exploring the new features of Android 16 on your Google Pixel 9!
