Google have started rolling out the stable version of the Android 11 to its Pixel Phones according to reports. Its no surprise that its coming to Pixel phones first but we also expect it to be rolled out to other devices soon (Google own Android and Pixel phones).
The best way to install the Android 11 is via OTA updates and we have news that it has began rolling out for some users. If you want to know if its available for your phone, you can check for the update by going to Settings > System > System Update. Here, you see a new window with the “check for update” button. Click the button to check if the update is available for your device.
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There are also some users who might want to upgrade manually. Well, we put together this guide for those users.
Most users are not tech savvy hence they prefer not to upgrade manually. But there are few reasons why you should probably do manual upgrade.
For example, if you phone was already having software issues, you have accumulated a lot of bloat using your phone, its probably better you wipe it all and give your device a new software look using manual upgrade.
If you are having the issues above, then this guide is for you and will guide you on how to install Android 11.
Requirements to Install Android 11
You need the following to get started
- A compatible Pixel device (Google Pixel Phones, Samsung Galaxy Phones, OnePlus Phones, Xiaomi Mi Phones, LG Phones (please check if your phone device is compatible for Android 11 upgrade)) and a USB cable to connect it to your computer.
- The Android SDK installed on your machine with ADB and Fastboot command successfully working — check this Android Authority Tutorial.
Now for the actual installation step by step guide.
Download the right Android 11 files for your device
For this upgrade to be successful, you must download the right Android file for your device before you start the process. You should use the OTA images over factory images, reason because the processes involve here is easier and also allows you to keep old files if you are interested in keeping them.
Click here to download the OTA image for your specific Pixel and Nexus device. You can also use the full factory images, but that requires some extra work like unlocking your bootloader and many other steps. To keep things simple and easy, we advice sideloading the OTA, and this tutorial is designed to install specific OTA image (in this case for the Nexus and Pixel device).
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Prepare your phone to Install Android 11
After installing the file, you have to reboot your device into Recovery Mode to be able to apply the OTA.
- First turn off your phone (by long pressing the power button).
- Next, hold down Power and Volume Down buttons at the same time.
- The bootloader menu will come up showing options. Use volume buttons to scroll down to Recovery Mode.
- Select Recovery Mode by clicking the power button.
- You’ll be presented with an Android robot with an exclamation mark on it. Now you’ll press power button and volume up button for about a second.
- Release the volume up button will send you fully into recovery.
- Next, use the volume buttons and scroll down to “Apply update from ABD”. Push the power button to select the option.
- Lastly, you’ll see a blank screen telling you how to sideload an OTA.
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Prepare your PC
If you followed the steps above, your phone is now ready for what comes next.
- Connect your phone to your PC via USB cable. Remember, your PC needs to have ADB tools installed.
- On Windows, enter Command Prompt. On Linux or Mac, you’ll want to use Terminal. For Windows users: make sure you navigate to wherever you’re storing the folder.
- Next, you must enter adb sideload for Windows, or ./adb sideload for Mac/Linux.
- Now you’ll want to enter the name of the .zip folder from before. Hit enter.
- Once completed, your phone will return to Recovery Mode and you can remove the USB cable.
- Go to Reboot Now with the volume keys and press the power button.
That’s it. If everything went okay, you’ll now reboot into the Android 11 Beta.
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Note: The guide above can be used to install the Android 11 for all device. But the OTA image links in this article is specifically meant for persons who own Nexus and Pixel devices. So, if your device is from another company, please download the right OTA image and follow the guide.
Again, if you are no tech savvy then you should just wait for the easier OTA update that will eventually be rolled out to your device soon. With the above guide, you should be able to Install Android 11 on your device and be among the first persons to enjoy the new Android OS.