Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3 is Here: What Pixel Users Need to Know Now

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AI Summarize

Google moved to the second phase of its Android 16 beta program, wrapping up QPR1 and releasing it ito stable. The QPR1 Beta has concluded this month, and the features are being migrated to stable Android 16 with Material 3 Expressive! Android 16 QPR2 Beta 2 update introduced custom app icon shapes, native step tracking, expanded exercise data integration with Health Connect, improved garbage collection efficiency, and enhanced SMS OTP protection.

Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3 brings welcome fixes to many frustrating bugs, particularly around system UI, media controls, and connectivity. However, the installation complications around desktop mode serve as a reminder that beta software comes with real risks.

However, it also adds the controversial developer verification, which could block the ~~sideloading~~ installation of unverified Android apps on any Android device.

Eligible devices include Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a, 7, 7 Pro, 7a, Fold, 8, 8 Pro, 8a, 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold, 9a, 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL and Pixel Tablet series devices*.

What’s new in Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3?

Google has released Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3 (BP41.250916.009 for Pixel 6/Pro/a and BP4A.250916.009.A1 for other devices), bringing a substantial list of bug fixes to address issues plaguing the previous beta releases. However, this update comes with its own set of challenges that beta testers need to be aware of before hitting that update button.

Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3 is a significant improvement over Beta 2, which was widely considered the most problematic release in recent memory. Many users experienced severe Bluetooth issues, poor battery life, and system instability with Beta 2.

System Stability Improvements

This beta addresses several critical system-level issues that were causing frustration among beta testers. Google Play System Updates, which were failing to install for many users, have been fixed—a crucial repair that ensures devices can receive important security and feature updates through the Play Store infrastructure.

The update also tackles display and UI problems that made daily use problematic. Home screen shortcuts that appeared as blank gray circles are now functioning properly, and the Wallet icon on the lockscreen no longer displays incorrect coloring. These might seem like minor cosmetic issues, but they significantly impact user experience when you’re trying to quickly access your payment methods or favorite apps.

Navigation and Gesture Fixes

One of the most annoying bugs addressed in Beta 3 is the swipe-up gesture from the bottom occasionally stopping working. Navigation gestures are fundamental to modern Android’s user interface, and when they fail, it can make your device feel broken. This fix alone will be welcomed by many frustrated beta testers who found themselves temporarily stuck in apps.

Additionally, the system now properly applies selected themes on the first attempt, eliminating the need to repeatedly change settings to get your desired appearance.

Camera and Display Enhancements

Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the fix for 50MP images captured with ultrawide or telephoto lenses, which previously displayed rainbow artifacts. This issue was particularly problematic for Pixel users who rely on their device’s camera for photography.

The update also addresses display freezes, screen noise, and instances where the screen became unresponsive or froze when unlocking the device—problems that could make a phone nearly unusable during critical moments.

Battery and Performance Optimization

Battery life concerns have been partially addressed, particularly for foldable device users who experienced excessive CPU usage by the launcher. While beta software is expected to be less optimized than stable releases, poor battery performance can make daily use impractical. This fix specifically targets the launcher’s resource consumption on foldables, which should result in noticeably improved battery life.

The update also fixes an issue where battery would charge to 100% even when adaptive charging was enabled—a feature designed to protect battery health by slowing charging overnight.

Connectivity and Audio Improvements

Bluetooth audio routing issues during calls have been resolved, ensuring your calls connect to the correct audio device. For users in New Zealand, access to all 6GHz Wi-Fi networks has been restored, addressing a connectivity limitation that was unnecessarily restricting network options.

Terminal App and Developer Features

For developers and power users utilizing the Terminal app, this update brings important fixes. The app no longer crashes when changing the device’s UI font size while it’s open, and users can now type special characters like *, @, and # in the GUI terminal—essential functionality for command-line work.

Lockscreen and Widget Improvements

The update addresses buggy animations and laggy, unresponsive UI that occurred when simultaneously swiping lockscreen widgets and the notification shade. According to community feedback, one of the most celebrated fixes is the return of media player controls on the lockscreen—a widely reported bug where the media player would mysteriously disappear, requiring users to change system colors or wallpaper as a temporary workaround.

Critical Installation Warning: Desktop Mode Issue

Before installing this update, users must disable “Desktop Experience” features in Developer Options. Multiple beta testers have reported bootlooping issues, installation failures, and even soft-bricked devices when attempting to update with desktop mode enabled.

The community quickly identified this problem, with users experiencing:

Repeated boot loops requiring factory resets
Update failures after multiple download attempts
SystemUI crashes preventing normal device operation
Devices stuck at the Google logo during startup

One user reported their Pixel 9 Pro Fold ended up in rescue mode with the error “reason: rescueparty,com.android.systemui,” ultimately requiring a factory reset. Another tester described their device bypassing the lock screen and crashing within seconds, making it impossible to even access the feedback app.

How to disable:

Navigate to Settings > Developer Options
Disable “Enable desktop experience features”
Restart your device
Check for and install the update
Re-enable desktop mode after successful installation (if desired)

Known Issues

What’s Fixed

Media player now consistently appears on lockscreen
Bluetooth connectivity improved for smartwatches and accessories
System responsiveness noticeably better than Beta 2
Themed app icons display correctly (mostly)

What’s Still Broken

No GPU driver update included
Some themed app icons remain inverted (dark icons in light mode, vice versa)
Pixel 6 devices still showing September 5 security patch instead of October 5
PixelIMS compatibility broken—users dependent on this app for carrier VoLTE should wait

Update Size and Device Compatibility

Download sizes vary by device:

Pixel 8 series: 525-535 MB
Pixel 7 Pro: 527 MB
Pixel 6: 469 MB
Pixel 9/10 series: 525-532 MB

Eligible devices include Pixel 6 and newer models, including the Pixel Fold, Pixel Tablet series, and the recently released Pixel 10 lineup.

Pixel 6 and 6 Pro
Pixel 6a
Pixel 7 and 7 Pro
Pixel 7a
Pixel Fold
Pixel 8 and 8 Pro
Pixel 8a
Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, and 9 Pro Fold
Pixel 9a
Pixel 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL
Pixel Tablet series devices

Security Patches and System Updates

The update brings:

Security Update: October 5, 2025
Play System Update: November 1, 2025
Updated kernel and baseband (device-specific)

How to Install Android 16 QPR3 Beta?

Developers and testers can begin exploring Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3 by enrolling supported Pixel devices to receive over-the-air beta updates. This straightforward process provides immediate access to the latest features and capabilities without complex setup procedures.

For developers without Pixel devices, 64-bit system images are available for use with the Android Emulator in Android Studio.

Existing Android Beta program participants will automatically receive over-the-air updates to Beta 2, streamlining the upgrade process. Google regularly updates system images and SDK components throughout the Android 16 QPR2 release cycle, ensuring developers have access to the latest improvements and bug fixes.

Download Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3

Users can join the Android 16 QPR2 Beta program by enrolling their eligible Pixel device through Google’s official beta website. Once enrolled, devices automatically receive beta updates, including this latest release.

New beta testers: Visit Google’s Android Beta Program website to enroll your eligible Pixel device
Current Android 16 Beta users: You’ll automatically receive QPR1 Beta 3 and future updates as they become available. Vsisit Settings > System Updates.

OTA Download Links

Apply OTA images — can be installed without data reset and bootloader unlocking
Factory Image Files (Downloads)
Android Flash Tool Files (Install)
Installation Instructions (Install)
Download Android 16 QPR2 GSI (Generic System Image)

Important Considerations for Beta Users

For those currently enrolled in the Android 16 Beta program, Google has provided some critical information:

If you prefer to receive the public stable release of Android 16 instead of continuing with beta updates, you can opt out without wiping your device data—but you must do so before installing QPR2 Beta 1
If you opt out after installing Beta 1 or future updates, your device data will be wiped according to standard program guidelines
Opting out will trigger a “Downgrade” OTA update—if you want to wait for the stable release, simply ignore this update