Google on Wednesday released the first beta of Android Q, and now you can too.
The beta program is available for anyone who wants to help test Android Q, unlike in previous years when it was limited to only developers for the first beta.
Warning: CBT does not recommend installing Android Q on your primary phone
There will be bugs that break functionality and drain battery life. If you don’t have a secondary phone that’s compatible with the beta program, it’s a good idea to wait until later in the beta cycle before installing it. Plus aside from dark mode there isn’t much worth mentioning when it comes to accessibility.
Even Google warns users during the signup process, “Certain functionality including core functionality, such as your ability to place and receive calls or applications may not work properly.”
Now that you have been warned, if you’re interested in providing feedback and helping Google track down bugs, here’s what you need to do:
Is your device eligible?
Currently, only Google’s Pixel phones are eligible. That means the original Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL, Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL.
How to install it?
There are two options. The easiest is to wait for the beta program website, and sign in to the Google account linked to your Pixel phone. Scroll down and find your eligible devices, then click on Opt In and accept the terms. After you enroll your device, you’ll receive all Android Q beta updates over-the-air, the same way you receive software updates right now. It can take up to 24 hours before your device receives the update, so give it some time.
How to flash the system images?
With this method, you will need to unlock your device’s bootloader, factory reseting it in the process, and then install the update from Google. Also, because you flashed the first image, you won’t receive future updates over-the-air. You’ll need to manually flash each beta update.
Can you leave the beta?
You better believe it! Regardless of how you installed the beta, you can leave at any time. For those who signed up through the beta program, you can visit the same site again and opt out. You will receive the latest official build for your device over-the-air, but it will factory-reset your phone.
Those who flashed Android Q will need to download the latest official build and flash it via the same tools, and your device will be factory reset.
