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Tag: flash android

  • How to flash Android 12 Developer Preview

    How to flash Android 12 Developer Preview

    Android 12 Developer Preview 1 is here, but it’s not exactly easy to get. Because this first Android 12 version is meant for developers, Google isn’t just making it an opt-in process like later beta versions will be. But, if you’re willing to take the risk (and not get upset if and when things go wrong), here’s where to get it.

    Google’s developer site has been updated today with a whole host of Android 12-related details, and among them are a pair of download pages for full factory images and sideloadable OTA files. In the future, installing Android 12 will be a snap: Just register for the Android Beta Program. But right now, that program is closed, so the only way to install this preview is manually by using those files.

    Although you can unlock your bootloader and flash the complete factory picture, we don’t recommend it because it’s a hassle, potentially dangerous, can break SafetyNet attestation, and needs wiping your phone. Consider sideloading the OTA file for your computer instead, which does not require an unlocked bootloader and does not necessitate a scrub. However, if you aren’t prepared, you may need to do some preliminary work.

    Google’s stock OTA images site has instructions for the process, and the same details apply to these preview releases.

    If you are unfamiliar with the method, you can study a comprehensive walkthrough for your computer platform before attempting it on your own. Installing the required software and drivers is a simpler process on some operating systems than on others.

    Prerequisites:

    1. A computer (PC, macOS, or Linux). Or, if you’re exceptionally adventurous: Another phone with USB OTG functionality.
    2. A supported phone to install Android 12 on: Pixel 3 series, Pixel 3a series, Pixel 4 series, Pixel 4a series, or Pixel 5.
    3. A known good cable to connect #1 to #2.

    The easy way

    Google has made DP1 available with the Android Flash Tool, which makes the process pretty simple and linear, with no tools to install. Just fire up the site at the link below, plug in, and follow the instructions:

    This is our recommended route. However, as a backup, you can also install it manually.

    The older way

    android 12
    1. Install the Android SDK tools (i.e., ADB) and USB drivers (if you’re using Windows).
    2. Download the Developer Preview OTA image for your device.
    3. Connect your phone to your computer.
    4. Reboot into recovery (via ADB/USB debugging or the key combination) and enter sideloading mode. Power+volume up opens the Recovery menu, scroll via the volume keys to “apply update from ADB,” and select it with a tap of the power button.
      1. Check that and prior steps worked by entering “adb devices” (no quotes) in a shell or command prompt. If ADB is installed and your phone is in the correct mode, you should see an identifier for your phone and a “sideload” state reported.
    5. Flash the OTA via a shell or command prompt, using “adb sideload your_file_name_here.zip” with no quotes, where the filename is the name of the OTA image you downloaded earlier. On some platforms, you’ll need to precede adb commands with “./” for them to work correctly.
    6. Stare anxiously at your phone while it slowly installs.
    7. Reboot when done.

    Once you have the preview installed, future Android 12 updates and releases will be delivered like any other normal system update, without requiring that you hit all these steps again, and your phone will automatically end up in the beta track later.

  • Flash Android 11 DP on Pixel devices

    Flash Android 11 DP on Pixel devices

    Even though the first developer preview of Android 11 is finally here a bit earlier than the normal March update. For now, the Android 11 DP1 supports only Google Pixel devices, including Pixel 2, 3, 3a and 4.

    The newest version of Android contains a range of new features focusing on privacy and protection, including enhanced support for 5 G and foldable smartphones.

    Since the Android developer preview came early, users did need to install the build too early, particularly since most features are developer-focused.

    On top of that, unlike previous versions of Android, the Android 11 DP1 is not available on an OTA update; instead, users will need to manually flash the Android 11 OS image.

    Required:

    Download the supported OTA file

    The official Over – The-Air (OTA) update is available for download from here. Make sure the Android 11 build is downloaded for your specific Google Pixel app.

    Sadly, early Android 11 research does not support the first Google Pixel. Although its official support has expired for a long time, Google could be getting generous and sending it to the final upgrade.

    Boot into Recovery Mode

    Power off the device. Now, hold the Power button and volume down button to get to the Bootloader page. Here, use the volume buttons to choose Recovery mode in the menu and hit the power button.

    On the next screen, hold down the Power button and Volume simultaneously for about a second to enter the recovery menu. Here, look out for “Apply update from ADB sideload”, and hit the power button to enter.

    Sideload Android 11 on your device

    Open Command Prompt on your PC, type the command adb devices . Now, enter adb sideload file name.zip Select Reboot now from the Android recovery menu once the installation is complete.

    adb sideload android 11
    SONY DSC

    Again, this is an early Android 11 build; so expect lots of bugs and crashes. Google’s beta program will get underway early, so you can also wait for it to develop a more stable Android 11. In fact, it’ll be much simpler to install.