The latest Android 12 beta is now available, having passed through the initial developer preview phase. The most recent Android 12 beta is a release candidate, implying that the stable release is on the way. Google claims that the main purpose of Android 12 is to make it “more intuitive, faster, and secure.”
Despite the fact that betas are primarily intended for developers, the most recent release is nearly stable. There may still be some issues, but even casual users should be able to use this as their everyday car. You may download and apply the update manually or via OTA if you have a spare Pixel or if you want to throw caution to the wind. However, the suggested approach is an over-the-air update, which you can sign up for here.
Although adopting a factory image is usually the default way, we strongly advise against using factory images in favour of OTA images. You’ll have to still install it manually, but utilising an OTA image saves you from having to wipe your device completely. Of course, if you’re a developer looking for a cleaner approach, factory images may be preferable.
To begin, you first need to have the following;
- A Pixel 3 or higher smartphone, as well as a USB cord to link it to your pc
- Pixel phones that are compatible include the Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL, Pixel 3a, Pixel 3a XL, Pixel 4, Pixel 4 XL, Pixel 4a, Pixel 4a 5G, and Pixel 5a.
- The Android SDK has been successfully installed on your PC, with ADB and Fastboot commands working.
Now comes the hard part: the actual steps.
Download the necessary files to install Android 12 beta
Before you begin, you must first download the proper files into your device. Use OTA images over factory images because the process is simpler and lets you preserve old files.
To obtain the OTA image for your individual Pixel device, please visit this page. It is also possible to use the full factory images (here), which necessitates additional steps such as to unlock your bootloader among others. If you want to keep things simple, we propose sideloading the OTA. We created the instructions below just for this type of installation.
Get your phone ready
After installing the file, restart the android phone into Recovery Mode to activate the OTA. Then you’ll be able to install the Android 12 beta.
- To begin, turn off your device.
- Next, press and hold both the Power and Volume Down buttons simultaneously.
- The bootloader menu should now appear. Scroll down to Recovery Mode using the volume buttons.
- By pressing the power button, you can enter Recovery Mode.
- You’ll be greeted by an Android robot with an exclamation point on it. Now, for roughly a second, push the power and volume up buttons simultaneously.
- When you release the volume up button, you will be entirely in recovery mode.
- Then, using the volume controls, scroll down to Apply update via ADB. To select the choice, press the power button.
- Finally, you’ll see a blank screen with instructions on how to sideload an OTA.
Prepare your computer for the installation of Android 12 beta
- Connect your handset to your computer using a USB cord. Remember that ADB tools must be installed on your PC.
- Enter Command Prompt in Windows. You should use Terminal on Linux or Mac. If you’re using Windows, make sure you navigate to where you’re placing the folder.
- Then type adb sideload for Windows or./adb sideload for Mac/Linux.
- Now, input the name of the previously created.zip folder and press enter.
- When finished, your phone will return to Recovery Mode, and you can disconnect the USB cable.
- Go to Reboot. Now, hold down the volume controls and push the power button.
- Now, hold down the volume controls and push the power button.
That concludes this tutorial. If everything went well, you should have been able to successfully install Android 12 beta.
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