Surprisingly, Google released a preview version of Android N for developers. It seems that Google wants to get as much feedback as possible before the final version of Android N. If you are someone who likes to try the latest technology as soon as possible, you can try the preview build on your Nexus device as well. You just need to have one of the following Nexus:
- Nexus 5X
- Nexus 6
- Nexus 6P
- Nexus 9
- Pixel C
- Nexus Player
- General Mobile 4G (Android One)
There are two methods of installing Android N of the preview build on your Nexus device. The first is the registration of your device in Android Beta Program. Once registered, your device will receive regular over-the-air updates (OTA) all built in milestone N Developer Preview.
This approach is recommended because it allows you to move from your current environment across different versions of the N Developer Preview. The second method is to manually install it on your device using a PC. If you choose manual installation, you must install the updates manually whenever a new version is released.
Note: All device data will be erased, please make a backup of your important files.
In addition, Android N is currently at the stage of dev preview so it is not intended for everyday use. Proceed at your own risk.
See also: How to Back Up Android Data and keep safe Everything.
How to Download and Install Android N (beta version)
method 1:-
- Download the factory image for your device from here on your PC. (Scroll to a flashing device manually for download links)
- Make sure you set the ADB and fastboot on your PC. Alternatively follow this guide to install ADB and Fastboot Minimal on your PC.
- Enable USB debugging on your device by going into development options. You need to enable the development options by tapping build number repeatedly found in the About Phone option of the Settings application.
- Also, accept Always allow this computer when you plug the device for the first time to enable USB debugging.
- Now, turn off and unplug it from your PC.
- Start in bootloader or fastboot mode. To do this, press and hold the volume down / up and the power button simultaneously for 5-6 seconds. When you see the bootloader screen, connect your device to the computer via a USB cable. (Choose fastboot if available) You can also make the following code when connected to the PC, to boot into the bootloader (without turning it off).
adb reboot bootloader
- Now connect your device to the computer and let the drivers install.
Navigate to the location where you placed the original image file on PC and extract it to get files with .img. - While the folder with the extracted image factory is opened, run the flash-all.bat file on Windows PC and confirm the flashing process. Wait until the process ends. If you use Linux or Mac OS, run the flash-all.sh file, and follow the instructions.
- When done… restart your android device, normally.
Method 2:-
Register your device to Android Beta program. To go as this link and sign in using your Google account (the one you use on your Nexus phone). You should see your Nexus mobile listed in the category of eligible devices. Select the device and put it in the Beta program. Once you’re in Android N beta program.
You’ll get an update every 4 to 6 weeks, until the public launch of Android N, which would be in the third quarter of this year (2016) . You can read the FAQs listed on the link given above for clearing things or leave a comment below.
Note: If you exclude when your device is running a beta version of Android N, all user data on the device will be erased.
You can register on the Android beta program after manually flashed the update to receive news updates on the air.
Do share your experience with the new Android version N with us in the comments section below. Also, let us know if you have problems / issues when installing your device.
Also, share your thoughts on the new name Android N. What do you think would be the next version of Android called?