Update: Android 15 Beta 1 and Android 15 Beta 1.1 have been released and we have added the factory image and OTA in the article. Did you know Google is well on its way to releasing Android 15 as it has already started pushing Android 15 Developer Preview? If you didn’t, then you will find this guide to be quite helpful. In this guide, you will get to know more about Google pushing Android 15 Developer Preview.
The Android 15 Developer Preview has been released for developers across the globe to try the newest offering from Google to try out new app compatibility. As per the timeline released by Google, the Android 15 Public Beta is expected to arrive around April 2024 while the final release could be around August 2024.
The Android 15 update is geared to enhancing productivity, minimizing battery impact, maximizing app performance, maximizing smooth app performance, protecting user privacy, and more.
Warning: Only if you know how to manually flash firmware proceed; otherwise, wait for the stable update to come or join the developer update program to get the update via an OTA.
List of devices compatible with Android 15
Coming to compatibility, Pixel 6 and later models will be eligible for the new Android 15 update. Google has updated the compatibility criteria and excluded the likes of Pixel 4a 5G, Pixel 5a, and Pixel 5 from receiving the Android 15 update. Here is the list of all devices eligible for Android 15 Developer Preview –
- Google Pixel 6
- Google Pixel 6a
- Google Pixel 6 Pro
- Google Pixel 7
- Google Pixel 7a
- Google Pixel 7 Pro
- Google Pixel 8
- Google Pixel 8 Pro
- Google Pixel Tablet
- Google Pixel Fold
Download and update to Android 15 Beta OTA and Factory Images
The Android 15 Developer Preview is available for developers as they can install Android 15 on their eligible handsets to test their apps for compatibility. For public users, it is recommended that they avoid the developer preview and wait for the public beta build. If you wish to install Android 15 Developer Preview, the easiest way would be by flashing the factory image and OTA image.
Android 15 Beta 1.2
- Pixel 8 Pro
- Pixel 8
- Pixel Tablet
- Pixel Fold
- Pixel 7a
- Pixel 7 Pro
- Pixel 7
- Pixel 6a
- Pixel 6 Pro
- Pixel 6
Android 15 Beta 1.1
- Pixel 6
- Pixel 6 Pro
- Pixel 6a
- Pixel 7
- Pixel 7 Pro
- Pixel 7a
- Pixel 8
- Pixel 8 Pro
- Pixel Tablet
- Pixel Fold
Android 15 Beta 1
Note:The OTA images have worked only for Android 15 Developer Preview 2 or Android 14 QPR3 Beta 2
- Pixel 6: Factory Image | OTA Image
- Pixel 6 Pro: Factory Image | OTA Image
- Pixel 6a: Factory Image | OTA Image
- Pixel 7: Factory Image | OTA Image
- Pixel 7 Pro: Factory Image | OTA Image
- Pixel 7a: Factory Image | OTA Image
- Pixel Fold: Factory Image | OTA Image
- Pixel Tablet: Factory Image | OTA Image
- Pixel 8: Factory Image | OTA Image
- Pixel 8 Pro: Factory Image | OTA Image
Android 15 Developer Preview 2
| Device | Factory Images |
|---|---|
| Pixel 6 | Download |
| Pixel 6 Pro | Download |
| Pixel 6a | Download |
| Pixel 7 | Download |
| Pixel 7 Pro | Download |
| Pixel 7a | Download |
| Pixel 8 | Download |
| Pixel 8 Pro | Download |
| Pixel Tablet | Download |
| Pixel Fold | Download |
Android 15 Developer Preview 1
| Device | Factory Images |
| Pixel 6 | Download |
| Pixel 6 Pro | Download |
| Pixel 6a | Download |
| Pixel 7 | Download |
| Pixel 7 Pro | Download |
| Pixel 7a | Download |
| Pixel 8 | Download |
| Pixel 8 Pro | Download |
| Pixel Tablet | Download |
| Pixel Fold | Download |
How to join the Android 15 Beta program?
You’ll can join the Android beta program for trying the new software. To do that, go to the Android Beta Program site and enroll in the beta program
Manual update check
It’s important to note that this update is only for those enrolled in the Android Beta Program. If you’re part of this program and own a Pixel 5a, you should receive the update promptly. You can check for it by navigating to Settings > System > Software updates, and then tapping on ‘System update.’ If it’s available, the download and installation process will begin immediately.
Manual Installation
Warning: Manual flashing is a very high risk task. Your phone may be soft-bricked. If you are not familiar with ADB, please avoid it and seek the help of an expert.
Step 1: Install Android SDK
To start off, install the Android SDK Platform Tools on your PC or computer. It’s the official ADB and Fastboot binary provided by Google. You should download it and extract it to a convenient location on your PC. Doing this will give you the necessary platform-tools folder.
Step 2: Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking
Then, you will need to enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking on your smartphone. The former makes your pixel recognizable by the PC in ADB mode. Meanwhile, it’ll allow you to easily boot your smartphone to Fastboot Mode.
OEM Unlocking will be needed to carry out the bootloader unlocking process. You’ll need to go to Settings -> About Phone -> Tap on Build number 7 times -> Return to Settings -> System -> Developer Options -> Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking.
Step 3: Download the firmware for Google Pixel
- Now, you need to get hold of the OTA image for your pixel
- You should download the full update package
- Once you’ve downloaded the file, transfer the firmware to the platform-tools folder on your PC
- Likewise, you should rename the file to update such that the complete name ends up being updates.zip
Step 4: Boot to stock recovery
- Connect your smartphone to the PC using a USB cable
- Go to the platform-tools folder and type in CMD in the address bar before hitting enter to launch the Command Prompt
- Enter the following command in the CMD window for booting your device to the stock recovery –
adb reboot recovery
- You will be taken to the No Command Screen
- For exiting the screen, you should press and hold the Power button
- When doing that, press and release the Volume Up key and release the Power Key too
- You will be taken to the stock recovery
Step 5: Install the Firmware using ADB Sideload in Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro
- Use the Volume keys for highlighting the Update from ADB option and then press the Power key for confirming it
- Now, you should go to the platform-tools folder
- Type in CMD in the address bar before hitting Enter to launch the Command Prompt
- Type the following command in the CMD window for verifying the ADB Sideload connection –
adb devices
- If you’re getting the sideload keyword in the Command Prompt, the connection will stand successful and you might be able to proceed ahead
- Go to the CMD window and type the following command to install the OTA file –
adb sideload update.zip
- The installation process will begin and can take a few minutes
- Once it is done, use the Volume keys for selecting the Reboot System Now option and then press the Power Key for confirming it
We hope this guide helped you get your hands on Android 15 Developer Preview. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to mention them in the comments section.
