How to install Android 11 Beta on Google Pixel Devices

The latest and much-awaited Android OS Beta is now live for the public. Yes! It’s none other than the Android 11 Beta. This year, Google has released a couple of Android 11 Developer Preview Beta updates to its eligible Pixel models as well as Project Treble compatible devices. Now, the Android 11 beta is officially available for Pixel models only (except for 1st-gen Pixel/XL). It’s also worth mentioning that previously the public beta release has been delayed a couple of times due to the Coronavirus pandemic situation all over the world. So, all the interested people can install Android 11 Beta on Google Pixel devices by following this article.

It’s already been almost nine and a half months of Android 10 released (in September) and still, plenty of OEMs are trying to complete the update rollout timeline as promised. Meanwhile, the Android 11 Public Beta in the market right now and most of the eagerly awaited Google Pixel users are very much excited to have this new OS version with plenty of improvements and features. You can check out the Android 11 (R) Device List, Release Date, and Features here.

Note: Make sure that the Android 11 Beta is still in the development process until the official stable version releases in September 2020. So, we will recommend you think twice and then proceed to the installation process as the beta version always buggy and unstable in most cases. Ensure to take a full backup at first before doing anything.

How to install Android 11 Beta on Google Pixel Devices

Android 11 Beta Eligible Devices:

  • Google Pixel 2 / 2 XL
  • Pixel 3 / 3 XL
  • Pixel 3a / 3a XL
  • Pixel 4 / 4 XL

How to install Android 11 Beta on Google Pixel Devices

As time goes on, Google is trying to deliver a much quicker and easier task in order to install an Android OS beta update on Pixel devices. It offers less technical knowledge, quicker & safer processes, the easier tasks to perform at any time, anywhere. Now, you don’t need to install/flash the Android 11 Beta on your Google Pixel models using Bootloader or ADB & Fastboot method or Factory Image method (if you don’t want).

Use Android Beta Program to Install Android 11 Beta

This is the easiest and ready to use the officially recommended process in order to install the Android 11 Beta via the OTA update once you’ve enrolled your device model with Android 11 Beta. You don’t need to do anything extra. It saves a lot of time and your device will also take a deep breath as compared to heavy and complex flashing tasks.

  • From your Pixel device, open the Android Beta Program portal.
  • Sign in to the Google account that you’re using on your Pixel device.
  • Scroll down to the list of Your eligible devices.
  • Choose and select your specific Pixel model.
  • Now, tap on the Opt-in button if you want to enroll in the Beta program.
  • It will take some time to arrive OTA update notification on your device automatically.
  • Have some patience and keep checking for the OTA update manually (if any).
  • Once available, download and install the OTA update. (Connect to Wi-Fi and charge the device)
  • You’re done.

Steps to Leave the Android 11 Beta Program (Opt-out)

  • The initial process will be the same as above.
  • Just go to your device model under the eligible device list and tap on Opt-out.
  • That’s it.

You can opt-out of the Android 11 Beta program at any time you want, if in case you don’t like it only when you want to go back to the stable version or public version of Android OS. If you opt-out your device which is already running on the Android beta version, then all the user data on your device will be wiped out completely. But if you like the beta version and continue using it until the official stable version releases, you will get an OTA update of the Android 11 stable version automatically and in that case, your deivce data will be saved.

Use Android Flash Tool to Install Android 11 Beta

  • Go to the Android Flash Tool site from your PC/Laptop.
  • Click on Get Started.
  • It will ask you to download and install the Android USB Driver on your PC. If already installed, then click on Already Installed.
    • If not, then click on download Android USB Driver and install it first.
  • Next, the page will ask you to “Allow site access to your ADB keys in order to communicate with devices?”
  • Just click on OK to allow access.
  • Make sure that the Developer options, USB Debugging, and OEM Unlocking are enabled on your Pixel handset.
  • Now, connect your device to the computer using a USB Data Cable.
  • Once the device is connected to the PC, you will have to select the device model from the pop-up list and follow the on-screen instructions in order to install the Android 11 Beta on your Pixel device.

Unlock Bootloader on Pixel Devices

  • First, enable Developers Options, USB Debugging, and OEM Unlock on your device. (Guide)
  • Now, download the ADB & Fastboot Tool and setup on your PC.
  • Next, go to the installed ADB & Fastboot Folder in the system directory on the computer. Then do Shift + Right Click to open PowerShell Window Here.
  • Make sure to backup all your internal data as the unlocking bootloader process will delete all your data.
  • Connect your device to PC using the original USB data cable.
  • Boot your Pixel device into the bootloader mode by using the command below:
adb reboot bootloader
  • Now, to unlock your phone, enter this command in the CMD:
fastboot flashing unlock
  • On your phone allow the device to be unlocked (use Volume keys to navigate and Power key to select the task)
  • Once your Google Pixel device is unlocked, your handset will automatically reboot to the Bootloader mode again.
  • Next, enter the following command to restart your phone into the system normally:
fastboot reboot
  • You’re done.

Flash Android 11 Beta Factory Images on Pixel Models

  • First of all, you will need to download the Android 11 Beta Factory Image (zip) file for your specific Pixel model on your computer.
  • Next, go to the installed ADB & Fastboot Folder in the system directory on the computer. Then do Shift + Right Click to open PowerShell Window Here.
  • Type the following command and hit Enter:
./fastboot devices
  • If properly connected, you will get a bunch of fastboot code on the terminal screen.
  • Next, type the below command and press Enter in order to flash the updated bootloader.
./fastboot flash bootloader [bootloader file].img
  • Now, reboot your device into the Bootloader mode again by following the below command.
./fastboot reboot-bootloader
  • Type the following command and hit Enter individually to flash the cellular radio.
./fastboot flash radio [radio file].img

./fastboot reboot-bootloader
  • Finally, flash the Android 11 Beta Factory Image (zip) file by following the below command.
    • Replace the [image file] with the actual file name and hit Enter.
./fastboot -w update [image file].zip
  • You’re done.

You’ve successfully installed the Android 11 Beta on your Google Pixel devices. If you want go back to the Android 10 stable version again, check the steps to downgrade to Android 10 from Android 11 (Uninstall Android 11). Keep visiting the blog for more info.

Ravis Sharma
Ravis Sharma
Ravis Sharma, a tech expert, simplifies complex Android, iOS and Windows topics, offering clear news coverage and user-friendly how-to guides.

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