Google has kicked off Android 16 journey much earlier than usual compared to previous versions. Usually, the tech giant starts the developer preview in the first quarter, but this time they’ve started Android 16 developer preview almost four months ahead of usual schedule.
Users who have eligible Pixel devices can now install the Android 16 developer preview using the Android Flash tool or by manually flashing the Factory or OTA images.
If you choose the manual method, you can download Android 16 factory and OTA images for your Pixel phone. Here you will find factory images and OTA images for every DP and Beta that Google will release before the stable Android 16. This repository will be continuously updated.
Google took the decision of starting testing Android 16 early to align the release with its flagship phones. This year, the Pixel 9 was launched running Android 14 even though Android 15 was available in AOSP. So with Android 16 set to release early next year, the Pixel 10 will launch with Android 16.
Before we move on to the download section, let’s take a look at the list of supported models.
- Pixel 6 and 6 Pro
- Pixel 6a
- Pixel 7 and 7 Pro
- Pixel 7a
- Pixel Fold
- Pixel Tablet
- Pixel 8 and 8 Pro
- Pixel 8a
- Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, and 9 Pro Fold
These Pixel phones are eligible for the Android 16 update. If you have any of the eligible models and want to join the Android 16 ride, you can download the required files from links below.
Download Android 16 Factory Images and OTA Images
Before downloading, it’s important to know if you want a Factory image or an OTA image. A Factory Image is a full system image that requires a clean install and erases all your data. On the other hand, an OTA image is an incremental file that can be installed over your current version (must be latest) and does not require clean installation. Check out the installation process.
Android 16 Developer Preview 1 (BP21.241018.009)
| Device | Factory Image | OTA Image |
|---|---|---|
| Pixel 6 | Download | Download |
| Pixel 6 Pro | Download | Download |
| Pixel 6a | Download | Download |
| Pixel 7 | Download | Download |
| Pixel 7 Pro | Download | Download |
| Pixel 7a | Download | Download |
| Pixel 8 | Download | Download |
| Pixel 8 Pro | Download | Download |
| Pixel 8a | Download | Download |
| Pixel 9 | Download | Download |
| Pixel 9 Pro | Download | Download |
| Pixel 9 Pro XL | Download | Download |
| Pixel 9 Pro Fold | Download | Download |
| Pixel Fold | Download | Download |
| Pixel Tablet | Download | Download |
Note: To ensure you are downloading the right files, check the build number and your device codename. Both of these will be part of the link. So if both things match in URL, then you are downloading the correct file.
Before flashing these files on your Pixel, make sure to backup your data so that you can restore it in case something goes wrong.
Once you install the first Android 16 developer preview, you’ll start receiving upcoming builds directly on your device, which means you won’t need to manually flash the files every time.
As mentioned above, we will keep updating this page when a new DP or beta build release.
Also Check:
- How to Install Android 16 Developer Preview on Pixel Phones
- Google Surprises with Early Release of Android 16 Developer Preview
- Google Confirms Android 16 Coming Early Next Year!
- 16 Stunning Wallpapers for Android and iPhone – YMWC 30
- How to Downgrade Android 15 to Android 14 [2 Methods]
- Pixel Users! Try These 13 Features on Your Pixel Phone
