Install Android 13 on Google Pixel Phones

For the flash-friendly readers, Android 13 is currently available as a Developer Preview release, and for those who are interested in getting their hands on the system images, Google has already made them available. If you have the hardware for it, you can give it a shot and that too, without any issues. However, remember that at the time of writing, the device support is not as extensive and you only get to choose from Google Pixel 4, Pixel 4 XL, Pixel 4a, Pixel 4a 5G, Pixel 5, Pixel 5a, Pixel 6, and the Pixel 6 Pro.

You should also remember that this is a developer preview of Android 13, meaning that it is rough around the edges. You will need an eligible Google Pixel device with an unlocked bootloader to flash the system image using your computer. There are also OTA files that will update your Pixel to the Developer Preview without an unlocked bootloader, however, that will require you to manually sideload the OTA package for the initial build.

Flash Android 13 on Google Pixel Phones and Try Out the New Features

Note: This is only for the Developer Preview 2. If you want to install the first one, head over here and then look for an OTA update.

To make things easier, we are going to stick with the OTA method that will not require you to unlock the bootloader. So, let's get started.

Step 1: You will have to download the update zip on your computer from the bottom of this guide. For your convenience, it would be better to just have a simpler name of the file and you are good to go. Place the file in the directory where you have ADB located. If you have system-wide ADB, then it is not needed.

Step 2: Enable USB debugging on your phone by going to Settings > About Phone > Tap Build number 7 times, enter your pin or password to enable Developer options. Navigate back to Settings > Developer Options > Enable USB Debugging.

Step 3: Connect your phone to your computer and authorize your computer connection on your phone when you see a prompt on the device. This only happens if you are connecting your phone for the first time.

Step 4: On your computer, run the following command

adb reboot recovery

Step 5: You should get the "No command" on your phone screen. Now press and hold the Power button on your phone. While you hold the power button, press the volume up button and let go of both buttons quickly. You should be at the Android recovery menu now.

Step 6: Now select the option Apply Update from ADB from the recovery menu.

Step 7: On your computer, run the following command.

adb devices

You should now get a device serial with the "sideload" next to the name. This confirms that your device is connected in sideload mode.

Step 8: On your computer, run the following command.

adb sideload "filename".zip

The "filename" here represents the name that you have given to the file.

Step 9: The update should start installing on your phone, once it is installed. Simply choose Reboot system now and your phone will reboot into Android 13.