The official release of Android 16 has arrived, but it doesn’t have all the features Google has planned for the mobile operating system. However, developers (and curious tech fans) do have a means of downloading and installing a beta version on compatible phones and tablets.
Google might have launched Android 16 (starting with Pixel phones) much earlier than it usually does, ahead of the Pixel 10 phones. However, it’s more like an Android 15.5 if that.
It was included in the June Pixel Drop including new features like Pixel VIPs, but the major part of the user interface overhaul and a major new feature are missing.
That’s Material 3 Expressive, which will be released fully later in the year (again, starting with Pixel devices), but it is part of the Android 16 beta QPR (Quarterly Platform Release) which you can get now on compatible devices.
The latest release, QPR beta 3, which mostly brings fixes and refinements as well as a few 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 teach you how to enrol in the Android 16 beta program and download it to your device. We’ll also help you find out if your phone or tablet is compatible and make you aware of the risks involved.
Android 16 just dropped and honestly… I’m dissapointed
How to opt into the Android 16 beta program on your phone
Before you can download the latest Android 16 beta to your device, you’ll need to sign in to the Android Beta site using your Google account and choose to ‘opt in’ on the device you want to install it on.
Here’s how to opt-in with a few simple steps:
- Head to the Android Beta for Pixel site (making sure you’re logged into your Google account)
- Scroll down to the Your eligible devices section
- Read the T&Cs and FAQs for answers to any queries you may have before you download and install
- Select Opt in on the device you want to install Android 16 on
- Then head over to your newly registered phone
Chris Martin / Foundry
WARNING: To quote the Android Beta site directly, “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 first wiping all locally saved data on your device. You may also encounter issues restoring a backup.“
Provided you’re happy with this caveat, simply select Opt out under Your eligible devices, next to the device you previously selected Opt in on.
How to download the Android 16 beta on your phone
Chris Martin / Foundry
For Pixel users, there are two ways to download and install the latest beta, the easiest being an OTA (over-the-air) update, similar to how you would download a normal OS (operating system) update, by doing the following:
- Open the Settings menu
- Scroll down and tap System, located near the bottom of the list
- Tap Software updates
- Then tap System update
- Your Pixel will then check for available OTA updates (if it doesn’t check automatically, tap the Check for update button)
- Once it finds an available update ready to download, tap on the Download and install button in the bottom corner of the screen
On the off chance the beta update isn’t immediately available, check back in a few hours, or simply wait until your phone notifies you that the beta update is ready to download. The method is expected to be largely the same on other eligible Android phones, but there may be some variation.
Alternatively, you can download the update manually via the official Android Flash Tool. However, this is only recommended if you really can’t wait or don’t want to use the more convenient OTA method.
Which phones support the Android 16 beta?
It should come as no surprise that the first place to look for Android 16 beta-compatible smartphones is Google’s own Pixel devices. The following list of phones can support the current beta release of Android 16:
It’s also worth noting that, for those curious about the tablet experience Android 16 will offer up, the Google Pixel Tablet is also compatible with the current Android 16 beta programme.
Which non-Pixel phones & tablets support the Android 16 beta?
If you’re keen to try out Android 16 but don’t have a compatible Pixel, worry not.
A handful of proactive device makers have signed up to become Android 16 ‘device-maker partners,’ meaning they also offer early access to Android 16, albeit with download methods, timeframes and sources that differ slightly to the Pixel method this article details.
Here’s the current list of compatible Android phones that support Android 16 beta releases. You can click the brands themselves to access each device maker’s respective download site: