How To Install Android 8.1 Oreo Developer Preview on Google Pixel, Pixel 2, Nexus 6P

How To Install Android 8.1 Oreo Developer Preview on Google Pixel, Pixel 2, Nexus 6P, & Other Devices

BY Rajesh Pandey

Published 26 Oct 2017

Earlier today, Google released the first Developer Preview of Android 8.1 Oreo for its entire lineup of Nexus and Pixel devices. The update is all about bug fixes and some minor enhancements to help improve the overall Oreo experience.

The final version of Android 8.1 is scheduled to be released in December and the developer preview program will run until then. If you like living your life on the edge and want to have a taste of Android 8.1 on your device right away, here’s how you can do so.

While Google has released the Android 8.1 DP1 factory images, it has also made the OTA update available through its Android Beta Program. The update process to Android 8.1 becomes easier if you enrol into the beta program as after that Google will automatically send an Android 8.1 DP OTA to your device.

Compatible Devices

Google has released the Android 8.1 Developer Preview for the following devices

Pixel
Pixel XL
Pixel 2
Pixel 2 XL
Pixel C
Nexus 6P
Nexus 5X

Step 1: Head over to the Android Beta program website. You will first have to sign in with the same Google account that is currently synced to your Pixel or Nexus.

Android beta program

Step 2: A list of available devices eligible for the beta program will be shown on the page that opens up next, with an ‘Enroll Device’ button next to it.

Step 3: Click on it, accept the terms and conditions from the window that pops up, and click on ‘Join beta.’ And that’s it! You will soon receive an OTA update which will bump your Android version to 8.1 Oreo. Your data will also remain intact during the process but remember that

If you ever wish to roll back your device to the stable version of Android 8.0, you will first have to un-enroll your device from the Android Beta program. However, remember that going back to an older version of Android will format your device and wipe all your data from it.

If Google releases another Developer Preview build of Android 8.1, your device will automatically get an OTA update for it as well. Similarly, you will also get an OTA update to the final release of Android 8.1 Oreo when it drops in December.