Google announced Android 12 at its I/O developer conference and although the new mobile OS arrives properly later this year, you can get the Android 12 Beta 2 on a range of phones right now so here’s how to download and install it if you want to try out the new Material You design or latest privacy features.
Google sometimes limits the Android beta to its own Pixel phones but this year you can get Android 12 Beta 2 on various other devices from the likes of OnePlus, Asus, Xiaomi and more. The method is a little different, but we’ll explain how to get it on any compatible phone – and which phones support the new beta.
Beta 1 is now in the past and Beta 2 is rolling out to Pixel phones already (starting 10 June). It brings changes such as new Wi-Fi settings, a smaller volume slider and Privacy Dashboard. It also picks up complementary colours from your wallpaper, although this is still unfinished.
Warning: As is always the case with beta software, it’s not advisable to load it onto your main phone as the software could be buggy or even brick your device. Early reports appear to suggest that it runs well on Pixel phones, but some OnePlus and Xiaomi users are having issues.
Which phones can install Android 12 Beta 2?
Here’s the full list of phones which can get the Android 12 Beta 2:
Pixel phones
Pixel 3
Pixel 3 XL
Pixel 3a
Pixel 3a XL
Pixel 4
Pixel 4 XL
Pixel 4a
Pixel 4a (5G)
Pixel 5
Other phones
How to get the Android 12 beta on Pixel phones
As you might expect, Pixel phones are at the front of the queue to get Android 12 and getting the beta is super easy. Follow these steps and you’ll have it downloaded and installed in no time.
Head to the Android Beta Program site, making sure you’re logged into your Google account
Scroll down to ‘Your eligible devices’ (see screenshot above)
Select ‘opt in’ on the device you want to install Android 12 on
Read the T&Cs, tick the relevant boxes and then click ‘Confirm and enroll’
On your phone head to Settings > System > Advanced > System Update > Check for update
If you ever want to opt-out simply go to the Android Beta Program site and select ‘opt out’ under Your eligible devices.
How to get the Android 12 beta on non-Pixel phones
As mentioned earlier, the method is a bit different for phones made by Google’s partners. In general, you’ll need to head to the manufacturer’s website to get the beta.
Head to this Android Beta page (on your phone to download, another device for instructions)
Scroll down and select the make for your phone
Follow the specific instructions on the page
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