Highlights
- Android 15 Beta now available for compatible Pixel devices.
- Eligible devices include Pixel 6, Pixel 7, Pixel 8, and more.
- Installation methods: Android Beta Program and sideloading.
- Backup important data before installing the beta.
Google has officially rolled out the first beta of Android 15 for Pixel devices, marking a huge milestone in the development of the latest iteration of the OS.
The beta gives consumers a chance to try new features and improvements before the stable release, even if it is still not the final version.
Compatibility of Devices and Eligibility
Google has announced that it would support the Android 15 only for Pixel smartphones with Tensor processing.
The Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel Fold, Pixel Tablet, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, and Pixel 8a are all eligible for running the beta of Android 15.
All Pixel devices that have been out since October 2021 are eligible for the update.
Methods of Installation
Google offers the Android Beta Program and sideloading as the two main ways to install the Android 15 beta on Pixel devices that are compatible.
Android Beta Program
- Visit google.com/android/beta and “Opt in” on your selected device.
- Once opted in, check for updates on your device to install the beta.
Sideloading
- Download the necessary files from Google’s Full OTA Image hosting site.
- Boot your Pixel into Recovery mode.
- Navigate to “Apply update from ADB” and connect your device to a computer with ADB tools installed.
- Enter the sideload command and follow the prompts to install the beta.
- Reboot your phone once the installation is complete.
At the same time, it’s very important to remember that, while sideloading might be a bit faster, Google’s advice is to wait to unlock the bootloader or enable “OEM Unlocking” under developer settings.
Second, one should make a backup of any important data before doing any major software change.
By enrolling in the Android 15 beta program, or sideloading the beta, users will get the latest and greatest features and enhancements while delivering valuable feedback to Google and further developing the software.
Needless to say, one should make a backup of all the important data before sideloading.
FAQs
Which Pixel devices are compatible with Android 15 Beta?
The Android 15 Beta is compatible with Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel Fold, Pixel Tablet, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, and Pixel 8a.
How can I install the Android 15 Beta using the Android Beta Program?
To install via the Android Beta Program, visit google.com/android/beta, opt-in on your selected device, and check for updates to install the beta.
What is the sideloading method for installing Android 15 Beta?
Sideloading involves downloading files from Google’s Full OTA Image site, booting your Pixel into Recovery mode, applying the update from ADB, and following prompts to complete the installation.
Is it necessary to back up data before installing the Android 15 Beta?
Yes, it is highly recommended to back up all important data before installing the beta to prevent data loss during the update process.
Should I unlock the bootloader before sideloading the Android 15 Beta?
Google advises against unlocking the bootloader or enabling “OEM Unlocking” unless necessary. It’s best to follow the standard installation procedures.
How to sideload Android 15 Beta on Google Pixel ?
The fastest way to get a new version of Android on your Pixel is to sideload it.
It’s a relatively easy process, but you’ll need to get set up to do it.
Download the needed files.
Boot into Recovery mode.
Navigate to ADB sideload.
Connect the handset to a computer with ADB tools installed.
Enter the sideload command.
Reboot your phone.
How to Download Android 15 Beta files ?
To get started, you’ll first need to download the files needed to actually put the Android 15 Beta 2 on your Pixel.
There are two ways to do that . First, you can install a Factory Image, which wipes your phone and starts everything from scratch.
There’s an OTA file, which installs over your current version of Android without wiping your phone.
You can download the beta OTA file from Google’s Full OTA Image hosting site.
That site contains OTA downloads for sideloading different updates, including the Android 15 Beta, on every Pixel and Nexus device, so you’ll need to scroll down to ensure you are downloading the file that is associated with your device. OTA downloads are available here.
For the Android 15 Beta, only Pixel 6/Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7/Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel 8/Pro, Pixel 8a, Pixel Fold, and Pixel Tablet are available. You won’t be able to install it on the original Pixel/XL, Pixel 2/XL, Pixel 3/XL, Pixel 3a/XL, Pixel 4/XL, Pixel 4a, Pixel 4a 5G, Pixel 5, or Pixel 5a.
How to Boot into Recovery mode ?
After downloading Android 15 beta files you’ll boot your Pixel into Recovery mode. To do this, fully power down your handset.
Then hold down on the Power button and the Volume down button at the same time until you get to the Bootloader page.
You will know you’re in the right place when you see an Android figure lying down on the screen.
Using your volume buttons, scroll down to Recovery mode. Select this by clicking the power button. Alternatively, if you’re already connected to a computer with ADB, you can use the reboot recovery command.
You should see a smaller Android lying down with an exclamation mark over it.
After this press the Power button and the Volume up button for about a second to fully enter Recovery mode. Releasing the Volume up button will send you into Recovery.
How to Navigate to ADB sideload ?
Using the volume buttons, scroll down to Apply update from ADB and select it with the power button. This will launch a mostly blank screen with text near the bottom directing you on how to sideload an OTA.
How to Connect the handset to a computer with ADB tools installed ?
It’s the only way to transfer the downloaded OTA file to your handset. You’ll need to have ADB and Fastboot tools in a handy place.
You can download ADB tools from the Android Developers website. You can also use the Universal ADB Drivers from ClockWorkMod, which can make the process a bit easier on Windows devices.
How to enter the sideload command ?
You can now sideload the OTA file. On Windows, ensure your Command Prompt is directed to the ADB tools folder and type in adb sideload.
If you’re on macOS or Linux, do the same thing in Terminal (use “cd” and “ls” commands to make sure your Terminal is pointed at the right folder – Google it if you need help) but type in ./adb sideload.
You’ll then need to insert the file name of the .zip folder you downloaded from Google and hit enter to start the process.
If everything is working properly, you should see some dialog on your computer and handset that shows the process of the sideload and installation process.
How to Reboot your phone after installing ?
Once the OTA is done installing, you will be taken back to Recovery Mode. The last step to jump into the new update is to select the Reboot now option with your power button.
Also Read: Effective Android 15 Notification Management Tips for a Cleaner Interface