The smartphone companies that are at the top of their software update game are very few. Fortunately, Google Pixel users not only get important updates before anyone else, but they can also try out the next version of Android through a public beta program. It’s been some time since Google released android 13 via the beta channel for eligible Pixel devices and while the update has received generally favorable reviews, we can’t get over the fact that it’s still just beta-quality software, not a daily driver like Android 12.
If you accidentally installed a developer preview/beta build and have been wondering how to downgrade your Google Pixel to the stable version of Android, then this guide is for you.
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Downgrade your Google Pixel smartphone to a stable version of Android
While developer preview and beta builds are generally intended to help app developers find and resolve issues with the latest versions of Android, anyone can update to them on a compatible device. If you haven’t done it yet and want to check it out, here you go. how you can install android 13 on your google pixel phone. However, you should also learn about the process of downgrading from beta to stable channel for the sake of usability. We can all deal with some bugs better than others, and if an update brings one of the bugs you can’t deal with, you can look into going back.
Fortunately, restoring your Google Pixel device to a stable version of Android is quite easy. You can ask Google to send you a special OTA to transition or manually update the stable build on your device yourself. The only drawback is that rolling back the operating system to a previous version requires a factory reset during the process, which wipes all your data and settings from the device. So make sure backup of your personal data before moving on to the next step.
- Downgrading from the developer preview/beta channel to the stable version usually requires a full data wipe.
- You can downgrade your Google Pixel phone with or without using a computer.
- To return to the beta channel it is not necessary to delete the data.
Method 1: Leave the beta program
This is the exact opposite of signing up for Google’s Android developer preview/beta initiative. All you need to do is disconnect the target Pixel device from the beta program. Google will then issue a specially crafted OTA package that will wipe the beta and install the latest stable version of Android on your device. Notably, this process does not require an unlocked bootloader.
- go to the Android beta program page.
- click or tap See your eligible devices to view Pixel devices enrolled in beta.
- In case you can’t find your device, make sure you’re signed in to the Google account linked to the devices you want to roll back.
- Select the Opt out option for listed devices that you need to remove from the beta program.
- The target device will receive a new update within 24 hours. You can also navigate to Settings > System > Upgrade system > Search for updates on your phone to see if the update is available.
- Once the OTA arrives, install it.
- That is all!
As mentioned above, the OTA will erase all data on the device during the flashing process. Although you don’t need an unlocked bootloader to get started, it’s always best to keep your bootloader unlocked when it comes to beta releases.
With the release of Android 12, Google began offering “a window of opportunity” to opt out of the beta without wiping a beta participant’s device:
When you apply the stable version update for the version you are beta testing, you can choose not to wipe data for a limited time until you apply the next beta update.
Server-side switching will only be offered at the end of a beta cycle. Since it’s unclear how much time will be given before a new preview/beta build is started, this is slightly less reliable than manual unenrollment.
Method 2: manual downgrade
If you don’t want to wait for Google to issue the rollback update, then you have the option of updating to the latest stable version of Android yourself. However, you will need a PC/Mac/Chromebook to run the flashing operation. The target device also needs the unlocked bootloader.
Using the Android Flash Tool
of Google android flash tool (as its name suggests) is essentially a flashing tab in a browser. Streamlines the entire process of flashing Pixel devices by wrapping everything in a web application, thanks to the Web USB API. There’s no need to download images, configure CLI platform tools, install drivers, and run update commands—the Android Flash Tool can take care of it all.
- Make sure you have a browser on your PC/Mac/Chromebook that supports WebUSB UPI. Chromium-based browsers such as Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge are recommended.
- Enable developer options and USB debugging on the target Android device, if you haven’t already.
- Plug your device directly into one of the USB ports on your PC/Mac/Chromebook.
- Avoid USB hubs, adapters, or extenders to avoid potential errors.
- Open flash.android.com in a browser on your computer.
- Click on the Start button. Next, allow the web-based flash tool to communicate with the target device via bad accepting the popup that says Give Android Flash Tool access to your ADB keys to communicate with connected devices.
- Click Add a new device.
- Select the target Pixel device from the list and click Connect.
- On your Pixel screen, select Always allow from this computer and click okay to accept the USB debugging connection.
- Select the connected device in your browser.
- Select the build that says “Return to Public” from the list. You can then select options, such as wiping the device, relocking the bootloader, or force flashing all partitions.
- Click on Install build to start the process.
- After the flashing process is complete, disconnect the device from the USB cable.
If all goes well, your Pixel device will reboot to the latest stable version of Android. It should now start the device setup process, allowing you to sign in and enjoy stable Android software.
Using fast boot
In case you prefer to take full control of the flashing operation, go for the Fastboot flashing method.
- Download the latest stable Android factory image for your Pixel smartphone. For Android 12/12L, check out our download index.
- Flash the factory image using Fastboot.
- Optionally relock your Pixel phone’s bootloader:
- After restoring stable Android firmware, reboot the device into bootloader mode using ADB:
adb reboot bootloader - Run the following command to relock the bootloader:
fastboot flashing lock - On your Pixel phone, scroll to the “lock bootloader” option with the volume keys and accept the option with the power button.
- The phone will reboot and once again erase itself.
- After restoring stable Android firmware, reboot the device into bootloader mode using ADB:
That’s what you need to know about downgrading your Google Pixel smartphone from beta/developer preview to stable version of Android. Are you going to opt for a reversal? Let us know your reasons in the comments section below!