Google has taken the wraps off Android 16. Following the reveal, the first stable version of the mobile OS is now available for select Google Pixel devices. Other manufacturers will roll out their custom Android 16 skins in the coming months. Android 16 marks the debut of Material 3 Expressive and introduces features like live updates, desktop windowing, custom keyboard shortcuts, and more. Some of these features will arrive later this year. For now, here’s how you can download and install Android 16 on your Google Pixel device.
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In This Article
Which Google Pixel devices are compatible with Android 16?
These Google Pixel smartphones and tablets will receive the Android 16 update.
- Pixel 9
- Pixel 9 Pro
- Pixel 9 Pro XL
- Pixel 9 Pro Fold
- Pixel 9a
- Pixel 8
- Pixel 8 Pro
- Pixel 8a
- Pixel Fold
- Pixel Tablet
- Pixel 7
- Pixel 7 Pro
- Pixel 7a
- Pixel 6
- Pixel 6 Pro
- Pixel 6a
Download and install Android 16 on your Google Pixel smartphone
Android 16 will be delivered to eligible Pixel devices via an OTA update. Here’s how you can install it on your device.
Step 1: Go to Settings.
Step 2: Scroll down and select System.
Step 3: Tap on Software update. Let your device check for new updates.
Step 4: If the new software update is available for your device, it will automatically begin downloading.
Step 5: Restart your Pixel once the OS has been installed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When will Google release Android 16?
Google has released the first stable build of Android 16 for selected Pixel devices. Other smartphone manufacturers will release their custom skins in the coming months.
How do I download Android 16 on my Google Pixel?
If your Pixel smartphone is compatible with Android 16, go to Settings>System>Software update, and tap on ‘Check for updates’. The new OS update will download automatically.
Is Android 16 available on Samsung devices?
As of now, the stable version of Android 16 is only available on eligible Google Pixel devices. Samsung and other manufacturers like OnePlus, Xiaomi, and Oppo will release their custom Android 16 skins in the coming months.
Which Google Pixel devices are eligible to receive the new Android 16 update?
All Google Pixel smartphones from the Pixel 6 series and up are eligible for the Android 16 update. The Pixel tablet and Pixel Fold are also compatible with the new OS.
Can I install the QPR1 Beta version of Android 16 on my non-Pixel phone?
No, the developer previews and developer beta releases for Android are limited to Pixel devices.
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Final Thoughts
This is how you can download Android 16 on your Google Pixel smartphone. Since this is the first stable build, some of the new features have been reserved for future versions. To get access to desktop windowing and other exciting features, download the QPR1 Beta 2 release on your device. If you have any questions, let us know in the comments!
