Android 14 debuted in late 2023, but Google is already testing the next mid-cycle update in Android 14 QPR3. Here’s how to install the latest Android 14 Beta on Google Pixel devices.
Table of contents
What Pixel devices can install the Android 14 Beta?
The following Pixel devices are eligible for the current Android 14 Beta program.
- Pixel 5a
- Pixel 6
- Pixel 6 Pro
- Pixel 6a
- Pixel 7
- Pixel 7 Pro
- Pixel 7a
- Pixel Fold
- Pixel Tablet
- Pixel 8
- Pixel 8 Pro
What’s the latest Android 14 Beta build?
As of February 7, 2024, two beta programs are active. Android 14 QPR2 is currently on Beta 3.1 and on track for a stable release soon, while QPR3 Beta 1 is now available as well. But, seeing that QPR2 probably won’t see any more beta releases, you probably won’t run into any issues. If you’re on QPR2 and don’t want to move to QPR3, simply don’t install any OTAs and/or opt-out of the Beta Program.
How to get Android 14 with the Android Beta Program
The easiest way to get Android 14 on your Google Pixel device today is through the Android Beta Program.
This automated program allows you to “opt-in” to Android beta updates and install them as you would a normal system update. There’s no computer or fancy tools required, and you can roll back to Android 13 any time you’d like by simply opting out.
How to sideload Android 14 Beta on Google Pixel
By far, 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. Here’s how.
- 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.
1. Download Android 14 QPR3 Beta files
To get started, you’ll first need to download the files needed to actually put the Android 14 QPR3 Beta on your Pixel. There are two ways to do so. First, you can install a Factory Image, which wipes your phone and starts everything from scratch. Alternatively, and the way we’ll detail here, 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 14 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 14 QPR3 Beta, only Pixel 5a, Pixel 6/Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7/Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel Fold, and Pixel Tablet are available, and you can upgrade straight to QPR3 even if you were on the normal beta.
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, or Pixel 5.
Note: This process (using OTA) won’t wipe your device, but it’s good practice to back up any irreplaceable data in case something goes wrong.
2. Boot into Recovery mode
Next, 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.
Now, you should see a smaller Android lying down with an exclamation mark over it. From here, 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.
3. 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, such as this one for the Android 12L Beta.
4. Connect the handset to a computer with ADB tools installed
This step is important as 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.
5. Enter the sideload command
As long as everything is in place, 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.
6. Reboot your phone
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.
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