Google finally released the first beta of Android 14 after testing two developer preview builds. Pixel 4a and new Pixel users can easily join the beta program to test Android 14 at an early stage. But non-Pixel users cannot apply for the beta.
Update: Second Android 14 beta released for Pixel phones. The GSI is also updated based on the second beta and we have updated the links below.
If you are a non-Pixel user, there is good news and that is Google has also released Android 14 GSI which was not available with the developer preview. This means that you can manually install Android 14 on any Android phone.
GSI aka Generic System Image is a type of firmware that can be installed on any Treble supported phone. Yes, the installation process is not easy at all. But if you are a developer, Porter, or advanced user, you can get benefits from GSI for things like testing apps, creating custom ROMs, or even testing new builds.
Download Android 14 GSI for Android
The GSI is a full package of the OS. Since it is the same as the Android 14 Beta, it includes all changes and features as well. With every beta build, Google will also release an update to GSI, so make sure to download the latest Android 14 GSI version.
Latest GSI Build Release Info:
- Date: May 10, 2023
- Build: UPB2.230407.014.A1
- Build type: experimental
- Security patch level: May 2023
- Google Play Services: 23.23.12
Android 14 Beta 2 GSI Download Link
Beta 1 GSI Build Release Info:
- Date: April 12, 2023
- Build: UPB1.230309.014
- Build type: experimental
- Security patch level: April 2023
- Google Play Services: 23.09.12
Android 14 Beta 1 GSI Download Link
How to Install Android 14 GSI
Once you have downloaded the latest version of GSI, you can install it on your Android phone. But there are requirements and points you should know before installing it.
Note: Since this is the early beta build, there are some known issues as well as unknown issues. And these bugs could affect your usage.
Prerequisites:
- Android 9 or newer OS Device
- Bootloader is unlocked
- Treble supported phone
- Take a backup of your data
- Install adb and fastboot driver on your PC (Or download Platform Tools)
- Download the correct GSI for your device
- Download vbmeta.img
- Make sure you are installing it at your own risk
Step 1: Enable USB Debugging
If you have unlocked the bootloader, then you already know how to access developer options. So enable USB Debugging from the developer options.
But if you don’t recall the process, go to Settings > About Phone and tap 7 times on Build Number. It depends on the device you have, like for the OnePlus phone tap on the OxygenOS version, for Xiaomi tap on the MIUI version, and so on. Now go back to Settings and search for developer options and then open it. In the developer options enable USB Debugging which will be somewhere in the top section.
Step 2: Check for Project Treble Support
It is an important criteria that the device on which you want to install GSI must be Treble compliant. Most of the latest devices are project treble, but still, make sure of it by running a given command.
To run the command you need to enable USB Debugging on your phone, which I think you already know from the method mentioned above. So after enabling USB Debugging enter the below command.
adb shell getprop ro.treble.enabled
The response must be True. And if false then your phone is not compatible with Android 14 Beta GSI.
Step 3: Extract Android 14 Beta GSI
Now copy the downloaded GSI or Generic System Image to your computer and extract the image. Copy system.img from the extracted folder and paste it to the C:/adb folder (if you have installed adb and fastboot drivers) or in the platform tools folder (if you are using platform tools).
Also copy the downloaded vbmeta.img file to the same location as system.img.
Step 4: Boot your Android phone into Fastboot Mode
To accomplish this, USB Debugging must be enabled. Connect your phone to your PC using a USB cable. It will ask for debugging permission so provide the authorization to continue. It will not ask for permission if you have already given permission before. Now open CMD on your PC and enter the mentioned command.
adb reboot bootloader
Your phone will boot into bootloader/Fastboot mode.
Step 5: Flash GSI to install Android 14 Beta
To flash the GSI first you have to disable Android verified boot to avoid the bootloop issue. To do that open the CMD/Command window from the C:/adb folder or platform tools folder where the system.img file is located. You can simply enter cmd in the path location in file explorer to open CMD on any specific location.
- Enter the below command to disable AVB Android verified boot:
fastboot flash vbmeta vbmeta.img
- Now wipe all the data for clean install using the mentioned command (It will remove all the data):
fastboot erase system
- Next, Install the Android 14 Beta GSI on your phone with this command:
fastboot flash system system.img
- Now Wipe the userdata partition once the installation is done:
fastboot -w
- That’s all, now you can reboot and enjoy Android 14 Beta on your phone.
fastboot reboot
After reboot, set up Android 14 and enjoy it on your phone. There is also a DSU Loader method to experience Android 14 GSI without permanently installing it. You can check the DSU method here. Android 14 has been announced for partner OEMs as well. This means if you have the latest flagship phone your device might be eligible for Android 14 beta.
Also Check: