Google has started the Android 15 Developer preview, with the DP1 now available for Pixel phones. We expect other OEMs to join the preview in the coming days, but if you are using a Pixel phone, you can install the build on your device. Unfortunately, Pixel phones released in 2020 and early 2021 will not be participating in preview.
Although we do not recommend installing beta versions on your regular device, you can give it a try if you have a spare Pixel phone. In this guide, we’ll show you how to install Android 15 Developer Preview on Google Pixel phones that are compatible. So, let’s get started!
Things to Keep in Mind
Here are a few things you need to keep in mind before you begin:
- A Pixel phone that’s supported (Pixel 6 series, Pixel 7 series, Pixel 8 series, Pixel Fold or Pixel Tablet)
- To unlock the bootloader, your device’s data will be wiped, so make sure you have a backup.
- Make sure you have the latest Android SDK Platform Tools installed on your computer.
- Android 15 Developer Preview 1 OTA image
- Pixel 4a, Pixel 4a 5G, Pixel 5, and Pixel 5a are not eligible for the Android 15 Developer preview
Should I install Android 15 Developer preview?
Google will start Android 15 beta releases in April, with February and March for Developer preview. As the name suggests, the build is for developers to test their apps and see all the changes Google will make in Android 15. Developer Previews are not stable builds, and we don’t recommend installing the build unless you have a spare Pixel phone. Since Android 15 beta will start in April, it will be wise to wait until then before installing Android 15. However, if you wish to proceed with the installation, below is a step-by-step guide on how to install Android 15 Developer Preview on Google Pixel phones.
Yearly Android releases typically begin with a couple of developer preview releases. This year, Google says there will be two previews released in February and March. Then, in April, the Android 15 Beta program will officially begin.Google estimates there will be five Android 15 Beta releases in April, May, June, and July leading up to a final release soon after. Android 14 launched unexpectedly late in October 2023, so it remains to be seen if Android 15 will follow suit or move back to its September slot.
Basic Steps to Install Android 15 Developer Preview on Google Pixel Phones
Now, let’s dive into the installation process. Follow these basic steps to install Android 15 Developer Preview on your Pixel phone:
Step #1: Download Android 15 DP1 OTA image from the Android developer website. Find the OTA file for your Pixel device under Full OTA Images and download the correct build.
Step #2: Unlock the bootloader on your Pixel device by enabling USB debugging under Developer options. Connect your phone to your computer and run this command: fastboot flashing unlock.
Please note that this will wipe all your device’s data. If your device’s bootloader is already unlocked, skip this step.
Step #3: Boot your device into recovery mode. Turn off your device and hold the Power and Volume Down buttons until you see the bootloader menu. Then, use the volume keys to select Recovery mode and press the Power button to confirm. Alternatively, you can use this command: adb reboot recovery.
Step #4: In recovery mode, select Apply update from ADB by using the volume keys and power button.
Step #5: Sideload the OTA update on your computer. Use this command: adb sideload android-15-dp1.zip.
The process might take a couple of minutes, so please be patient.
Step #6. Once the installation is complete, reboot your device. Select Reboot system now from the recovery menu to boot into Android 15 DP1.
Final Words
There you have it on how to install the Android 15 Developer Preview on Google Pixel phones! However, please keep in mind that this version is still in beta, so stability and performance might not be as ideal as the official release. We recommend using a secondary device instead of your daily driver.
