Just yesterday, Google released the very first beta of Android Q that anyone can install on a compatible Pixel smartphone. The OS features new features like better privacy controls, UI tweaks, hidden theme options, and more.
If you’re willing to give the next version of the mobile operating system a shot on your own device, here’s how you can install the beta on your Pixel or Pixel XL.
1. Back Up Your Pixel
Before doing anything, it’s important that you back up your Pixel or Pixel XL so you don’t lose any of your data in the case of an update failure or if you need to roll back to Android Pie. It’s easy to back up your device: just go to Settings > System > Backup and make sure “Backup” is flicked on. Afterward, your phone will automatically begin backing up your contacts, photos, videos, app data, and more to the cloud.
2. Charge Your Pixel
After backing up your Pixel, it’s also important to make sure your phone has sufficient power to complete an upgrade to Android Q. You don’t want a phone on the edge of death to install beta software, after all. Just make sure you’re at least 80 percent full before installing Q. That way, you don’t run into any interruptions during installation.
3. Enroll Your Pixel
The final step is to actually install Android Q. You may have heard complicated proceedures the past regarding how to install an Android beta, but nowadays, it couldn’t be simpler.
Just visit google.com/android/beta and log in with the Google account associated with the Pixel or Pixel XL you want to install Android Q on. Afterward, you should see your device(s) pop up in a list labeled “Your eligible devices.” Click one of your phones, verify you want to go through with the enrollment, and you’ll be good. Soon, an OTA notification will pop up on your Pixel or Pixel XL and let you install Android Q the same way you’d install any other software update.
We do have to disclaim a couple of things, however. First off, it might not be a good idea to install Android Q on your main phone as it’s still pretty buggy and riddled with flaws. It’s the first beta, after all.
Secondly, Matridox nor I am responsible for any damage done to your phone by following the steps above. Everyone’s experience is different, so we can’t guarantee you’ll be successful by following this guide. However, we can tell you this is the safest method of installing Android Q since you don’t need to go through the trouble of flashing a system or OTA image manually.
We’re still unpacking Android Q for ourselves so make sure you keep it locked to Matridox for more coverage.
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