Note: I’m installing the Android P Developer Preview 1 on my Pixel 2 XL using a Windows laptop but the process should be similar if not identical for other devices.
Some Things to Know
If you have enrolled your device in the Android Beta program, it’s important to note that beta updates are not supported in the Android O Developer Preview. Also, the process requires you to unlock the bootloader of your device, which will delete all user data.
Flashing the system image will also delete user data, so I’ll recommend you to backup your Android devices. You can check out our detailed article on the different ways to backup an Android device. Also, since this is a very early developer build, you can expect a lot of bugs and issues.
Prerequirements:-
- Android P System Image
Download here ( For Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel 2, and Pixel 2 XL only.) - ADB and Fastboot
download ADB and Fastboot here. - Android Developer Options
Before you get started with the process, you will have to make sure that “OEM Unlocking” and “USB Debugging” are enabled in Settings->Developer Options. - Unlocked Bootloader (?)
How to Install Android P Developer Preview on Pixel Devices
Step-1 Extract the Android P system image you downloaded. Inside the extracted folder, you will find another ZIP file, extract that as well.
Step-2 Once you have extracted all the files, make sure to move them to the ADB and Fastboot folder.
make sure your Nexus or Pixel is in the bootloader mode
Step-3 launch the “flash-all.bat” file. This file should open up Command Prompt, flash all the files and install Android O onto your device.
If you face errors when executing the batch file,there is an alternative way. You can open up Command Prompt here and flash these images one by one via these commands:
fastboot flash bootloader <bootloader file name here>.img
fastboot reboot-bootloader
fastboot flash radio <radio file name here>.im
fastboot reboot-bootloader
fastboot flash -w update <image file name here>.zip
fastboot reboot
Step-4 Once the scripts finish, your device will be rebooted and Android P should be installed on your device.
Updating to Android P Developer Preview via ADB Sideload
Note: Users must be on OPM1.171019.021 (March security patches on 8.1) build for the OTAs to work.
Step-1 First, download the OTA .ZIP file for your device from the links mentioned below:
Step-2 Boot your device to the bootloader .
- Use the volume down method to browse till “recovery” and then press the power button. Your device will boot to an Android logo with an exclamation mark.
- To jump past this, press Volume Up and Power at the same time.
- Now, using the volume buttons, highlight “apply update from ADB” and press the power button.
adb sideload <filename of update.zip>
That’s it. The update process should begin, and once done, Android P should be installed on your device.
