Google’s next smartphone operating system, Android 16, is just a few months away from its official release. Google has now released its fresh Android 16 Beta 2.1 update, squashing some key problems from Beta 2.
Android 16 is currently in the testing phase and available on Google Pixel devices, while Android 15 was released as stable last year. The Android 16 Developer Preview program started in November 2024, followed by the first Public Beta in January, and the second beta in February.
Android 16 Beta 2 introduced pro camera features, edge-to-edge apps, Ultra HDR improvements, and more. However, as expected with a beta, the update also introduced some problems like unexpected battery drain, random restarts, choppy animations, and more.
Android 16 Beta 2.1 Changelog
Google has fixed these bugs by releasing a minor Android 16 Beta 2.1 update, which you could already tell by that decimal point. A major update would have been designated as Beta 3. The changelog for build BP22.250124.010 details the following fixes:
- Fixed an issue that sometimes prevented devices from entering Doze mode. (Issue #396603519)
- Fixed issues that caused some animations to appear choppy while configuring live wallpapers. (Issue #397659072)
- Fixed an issue that sometimes caused devices to reboot unexpectedly. (Issue #396541565)
- Fixed various other issues that were impacting system stability, connectivity, and performance.
Many users experienced unexpected reboots, even when they did not intend to. Thankfully, Google addressed this issue promptly within the same month of the Beta 2 release, instead of passing in onto the Android 16 Beta 3 release.
The update also fixes the problem that prevented phones from entering Doze mode, which caused increased battery drain. Another issue, choppy animations while configuring live wallpapers, has also been fixed.
How to Try Android 16 Beta Yourself?
If you’re new to this, there are three ways you can try Android 16 Beta on your Google Pixel. Supported models include:
- Pixel 6 and 6 Pro
- Pixel 6a
- Pixel 7 and 7 Pro
- Pixel 7a
- Pixel Fold
- Pixel Tablet
- Pixel 8 and 8 Pro
- Pixel 8a
- Pixel 9
- Pixel 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, and 9 Pro Fold
1. Join the Android 16 Beta program: This is the easiest way to get Android 16 Beta. Sign up for the Android Beta Program, and then wait for Google to push the OTA (Over-The-Air) update to your phone.
2. Flash or manually install the image: Alternatively, you can download the latest Android 16 build for your Pixel model and flash it using the Android Flash Tool. Just head to the Pixel download page, download the latest image file, and follow the instructions mentioned to install it.
3. If you’re already on Android 16 Beta: If you’re already running Android 16 Public Beta or Developer Preview, you’ll receive the OTA update directly. Just go to Settings > System > System update.
The Android 16 Beta 3 is expected in March, with the stable release anticipated in Q2 of 2025, likely in April. For those who prefer a more stable experience, the full version of Android 16 will be available in just a few months.
