Google announced it on August 15, 2022. Start rolling out Android 13 update Pixel devices portfolio. But as with Android updates, that doesn’t mean you’ll see the available update right away, even if you have an eligible Pixel device (basically Pixel 4 or newer). It usually takes a few weeks for Google to deliver the update to all devices out there.
While there is always a solution to use Android’s developer tools, a Mac or PC, and a USB cable to instantly install the update, an easier, PC-free option is also available. If you have a qualifying Pixel device and are tired of seeing the software update screen is nothing new, here’s a trick for you to force the update to show.
Sign up for the Android Beta program
The first step is to sign up for Google’s Android Beta program, which allows adventurous Pixel owners (and developers) to test the new software all summer. But since the final version of Android 13 is out, you won’t get a beta if you sign up today. It will be the same version of Android that Google is gradually making available to everyone.
- go to Android Beta Program website Sign in to any device with a browser (including your phone) and the same Google account your phone uses.
- At the top is a button to “see available devices”. Tap that and the page scrolls to the bottom where you’ll hopefully see your Pixel phone.
- You can then press the “Join” button to join the beta. A window will open and you will need to accept the terms and conditions of the program and then hit Confirm and Register.
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install the update
- Now that your phone is registered to the beta program, go to the settings app on your phone, go to System, tap it, then tap System Update. The Android 13 update should appear immediately. Tap the button that appears to install.
Quit Android Beta program
- After installing the update (it may take some time depending on your internet connection and how many apps you have installed on your phone), you can return later. Android Beta website and click the “Exit” button on your device in the picture to exit the program.
- Google gives a warning that if you are currently running beta software and you leave the beta program, an update will be sent to your phone that will wipe its data and bring it back to a stable build. But since you just installed Android 13 is is stable build, that won’t happen here.
And that’s it; You have bypassed any arbitrary order in which Google has placed you and you are now running Android 13. Note that this only works until Google releases a new beta build that is expected to do so in September. At this point, if you leave the beta program after installing this build, your phone will be wiped and restored to the stable version of Android 13.
Mostly we noticed that this process is necessary for Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro phones. It looks like the update is easier to use if you have a Pixel 4 or 5. Note that when you update to Android 13 on Pixel 6 or 6 Pro, there is no going back. Unable to go back to Android 12 in the future.
