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How to download Android 13 now

Full version on Pixel phones, beta on many others
By Anyron Copeman and Chris Martin
Tech Advisor AUG 16, 2022 11:10 am BST
Android 13 official promo image
Image: Google

After months of speculation and a rigorous beta process, Android 13 is finally available to download. The latest major version of Google’s OS arrives slightly earlier than in previous, but with the same caveats.

As it stands, you can only download the final version of Android 13 on a recent Pixel phone. Several other devices can download the public beta right now, suggesting they’ll be among the early adopters. But for many other Android handsets, you’re looking at many months before you’ll be able to move on from Android 12.

We’ll update this article once more devices are supported, but right now this tutorial is only relevant to a fraction of all Android users. Installing the full version should be smooth and mostly bug-free, but the beta is more prone to issues. As a result, we wouldn’t recommend installing the latter on your main device.

Without further ado, here’s how to install Android 13 right now.

Which phones can get Android 13 now?

As expected, Google is prioritising its own phones when it comes to Android 13. Only recent Pixel handsets can get the full version right now:

If you own a Pixel 6 phone, be completely sure you want to go ahead. Unlike the other phones in this list, there’s no option to go back to Android 12 if you don’t like it.

Of course, the upcoming Pixel 7 and 7 Pro will almost certainly run Android 13 out of the box.

Which phones can get the Android 13 beta?

There have been four versions of the Android 13 public beta, with the device support remaining the same each time. Aside from the Pixel phones above, here are the other devices which can still get the beta right now:

Google says these phones will get the full version of Android 13 “later this year”.

Android 13 eligible devices

How to download Android 13 on a Pixel phone

If you’re running the Android 13 beta or Android 12, the process is the same. It’s also exactly the same as if you were manually checking for software updates:

  1. Open Settings
  2. Scroll down and tap ‘System’ – it’s the second to last option
  3. Tap ‘System update’
  4. Tap the green ‘Check for update’ button
Checking for Android 13 update in Settings steps

Henry Burrell / Foundry

After a few seconds, the update to Android 13 should appear. If not, it should become available at some point in the next few days. There’s no need to continually check for updates; you should be notified once it’s available.

Alternatively, you can download the update manually via the official Android Flash Tool. However, this is only recommended if you really can’t wait.

How to download the Android 13 beta

Here’s how to install the OS in a few simple steps.

  1. Head to the Android Beta Program site, making sure you’re logged into your Google account
  2. Scroll down to ‘Your eligible devices’ (see screenshot above)
  3. Select ‘Opt in’ on the device you want to install Android 13 on
  4. Read the T&Cs, tick the relevant boxes and then click ‘Confirm and enroll’
  5. On your phone head to Settings > System > Advanced again
  6. Tap System Update, then Check for update

If you ever want to opt out, simply go to the Android Beta Program site and select ‘opt out’ under Your eligible devices where you clicked ‘Opt in’.

For non-Pixel devices follow these links for specific instructions as they are not handled by Google.

Android 13 beta program enroll

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