How to Install Android 13 Beta on Your Phone

Apr. 27, 2022

The following Pixel phones will receive the Android 13 update directly from Google. This time around,Google is dropping support for Pixel 3a and 3a XL. Check out the complete list of supported Android 13 Pixel devices below:

Unlike Android 13 developer preview builds, Google offers an official OTA program for beta releases. This way,you can opt in to enroll in the beta program and get new beta updatesas soon as they are released. Follow the steps below to enroll in Android 13 Beta OTA program.

1. Visit Google’s Android 13 Beta programwebsiteand sign in with your Google account. You will now see a list of all your eligible devices under the “Devices” section.Click on the “Opt in” button present below your device’s nameto enroll in the Android 13 beta OTA update. You can also opt out of the beta program later from this page.

2. After enrolling in the beta program, wait for a few minutes for the OTA to reach your Pixel phone. You can manually check for updates fromSettings -> System -> System Update.

3. Once the update arrives, download it and wait for the installation process to complete. Restart the phone after the update to start using Android 13 beta on your Pixel phone.

In case you prefer manually installing the OTA image instead of signing up for the official OTA, you can do that too. It’s worth pointing out thatsideloading the OTA image doesn’t wipe your phone. Furthermore, you don’t have to unlock your bootloader to install the OTA image, making this a convenient method to install the Android 13 beta.

As a prerequisite, make sure you haveinstalled ADB on your PCand have enabled USB debugging on your phone fromSettings -> Developer Options -> Enable USB Debugging. In case you’re not seeing Developer options, you can tapSettings -> About Phone -> Build numberseven times to enable it. With that out of the way, follow the steps below to sideload Android 13 beta OTA:

After the installation process ends,choose “Reboot system now”to restart your Pixel. Your phone should now boot to Android 13 beta and you can pick up right where you left off.

Another method to install the Android 13 beta is using the Android Flash Tool. To get started, check if you have enabled USB Debugging and OEM unlocking on your phone fromSettings -> Developer Options. Once that’s done, follow the steps below:

Installing Android 13 beta using a factory image is also a possibility you could consider. This method is ideal for those who are using a Pixel device with an unlocked bootloader. After ensuring that you have enabled USB debugging, use the steps below for installing Android 13 from a factory image:

The easiest way to install the Android 13 beta is through the Beta OTA program. Sign up for the program and you will receive the build in a while. If you are someone who’s comfortable with ADB commands, sideloading the OTA image is the next best method. While the initial setup might take a few minutes, installing the build is as easy as running a simple ADB command.

Then there’s the Flash Tool method, which is ideal for those with a reliable internet connection. Meanwhile, the factory image method is meant for those who are already used to tinkering with their devices and have an unlocked bootloader. Of all these methods, you can pick the one that works the best for you.

Install Android 13 Beta on Your Phone

That brings us to the end of this Android 13 installation guide. In case you run into errors or roadblocks during the installation process, feel free to let us know in the comments and we will try to help you out. If you don’t have a compatible Pixel phone, feel free to go through our Android 13 coverage to stay updated with all the top features Google has planned to introduce in this iteration of Android.

Subin writes about consumer tech, software, and security. He secretly misses the headphone jack while pretending he’s better off with the wireless freedom.