The major update of Android 16 has finally arrived, and Google Pixel owners can now get the QPR1 update. This is how to set it up.
The long-awaited Android 16 has finally come after a well-known initial release earlier this year. With the first stable release of Android 16 QPR1 currently accessible on Google Pixel devices, the massive Material 3 Expressive redesign is officially live.
Android 16 QPR1 is now available on more devices than ever before, thanks to Google’s extended software support schedule. Every Pixel published since 2021 is on the list:
In the meanwhile, this update is pre-installed on the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro XL.
Downloading an OTA update is the primary method for installing Android 16 QPR1 on a Pixel phone. To accomplish this, select “Check for update” under Settings > System > Software updates. It could be able to pull the update a bit quicker than you’d receive a notification, but it might not function right away.
As an alternative, you can manually sideload the update.
Alternatively, you can sideload the update manually.
To do this, follow the steps below:
Before installing an OTA file, you need unlock your bootloader or, at the absolute least, enable OEM Unlock in developer options, even though this procedure is usually safe.
You must first download the necessary files in order to install Android 16 QPR1 on your Pixel.
The OTA file is available for download on Google’s OTA Image hosting website. You must scroll down to make sure you are getting the file that is linked to your device because that website has OTA files for sideloading several updates, including Android 16 QPR1, on all Pixel and Nexus devices. OTA downloads are available HERE for Android 16 QPR1. Examine each device’s most recent build.
Your Pixel will then need to boot into recovery mode. Turn off your phone completely to accomplish this. Next, press and hold the Power and Volume down buttons simultaneously until you reach the Bootloader screen. If you see an Android figure lying down on the screen, you know you’re in the proper area.
To access Recovery mode, use your volume buttons to scroll down. Click the power button to select this. As an alternative, you can use the reboot recovery command if you’re already connected to a computer via ADB.
A tiny Android with an exclamation point over it should now be visible to you. To fully enter Recovery mode, press the Power and Volume up buttons for approximately one second. You will enter Recovery after you release the Volume Up button.
Scroll down to Apply update via ADB using the volume buttons, then press the power button to choose it. This will start a largely blank screen with instructions on how to sideload an OTA toward the bottom.
Since there is no other means to move the downloaded OTA file to your phone, this step is crucial. ADB and Fastboot utilities must be kept close at hand. You can install Android Studio in its entirety or use the Command Line tools to obtain ADB tools from the Android Developers website. Additionally, you can utilize ClockWorkMod’s Universal ADB Drivers, which may facilitate the process for Windows devices.
For a quick and simple installation process, I personally unload the tools from the Android Developers website and add a shortcut to “cmd.exe.” The downloaded software build must be placed in the same folder as the “cmd.exe” file in order to accomplish this.
Now that you have everything set up, you may sideload the OTA file. Make sure the ADB tools folder is in the Command Prompt on Windows, then enter adb sideload. If you’re using Linux or macOS, follow the identical steps in Terminal (make sure your Terminal is pointing to the correct folder by using the “cd” and “ls” commands; if you need assistance, Google it) but enter “./adb sideload.” Then, to begin the procedure, enter the file name of the.zip folder you obtained from Google and press Enter.
Your computer and phone should display a dialog box that explains the sideload and installation procedure if everything is operating as it should.
Google Pixel Watch 5 (45mm)
Robert Haba is the founder and editor-in-chief of Droid Tools. A lifelong gadget enthusiast with over a decade following the Android ecosystem, he built this publication to cut through the noise and give readers honest, real-world coverage of the tech they actually use.
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