Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3.1 Hotfix Update for Bootloop: Here's How to Recover

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With the Android 16 QPR2 3 beta update, we were the first to let you know about the bootloop issue that plagued it. When developer options are enabled, some Pixel phones go into a bootloop after installing the QPR2 3 beta update. The only option was to factory reset. The issue has now been fixed in the new Android 16 QPR2 3.1 hotfix OTA update rolling out today, and here are 5 different ways to recover your Pixel device if it’s affected.

However, the controversial developer verification, which could block the ~~sideloading~~ installation of unverified Android apps on any Android device, remains in the QPR2 Beta 3 and will continue to remain, unless users do something about it.

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.

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*.

We also added a comprehensive tutorial on how to avoid the critical bug during installation. You have to disable Desktop Mode from developer options. Or disable developer options entirely before installation.

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)

What’s new in Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3.1?

Google has released Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3.1 BP41.250916.010 for Pixel 6/Pro/a and BP41.250916.010.A1 for all 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.

Google Play System Updates were failing to install for some users. (Issue #420748298, Issue #438257102)
Home screen shortcuts appeared as blank gray circles. (Issue #440302367)
The Wallet icon on your lockscreen could sometimes appear with incorrect coloring. (Issue #419061603, Issue #434489536)
Battery charged to 100% when adaptive charging is turned on (Issue #445583926)
The swipe-up gesture from the bottom occasionally stopped working. (Issue #436632152, Issue #445023211)
Your selected theme might not apply on the first attempt. (Issue #440830741)
50MP images captured with the ultrawide or telephoto lens displayed rainbow artifacts. (Issue #422058430, Issue #443250512)
Poor battery life due to excessive CPU usage by the launcher, particularly on foldable devices. (Issue #441741448)
Calls could incorrectly route Bluetooth audio. (Issue #448580013, Issue #448580779)
Users in New Zealand could not access all 6GHz Wi-Fi networks. (Issue #444050891)
The Terminal app would crash if you changed your device’s UI font size while it was open. (Issue #412082408)
Users couldn’t type special characters like \*, @, or # in the GUI terminal. (Issue #444130818)
Simultaneously swiping lockscreen widgets and the notification shade caused buggy animations and a laggy, unresponsive UI. (Issue #446133358)
The screen sometimes became unresponsive or froze when unlocking the device.
Display freezes and screen noise
Unexpected device crashes

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)

Download Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3.1

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.

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)

How to recover from Bootloop after an update?

Here are five recovery options for devices that installed Beta 3 with “Enable desktop experience features” enabled and are now unable to boot:

Option 1: Automatic System Recovery

Allow the system to automatically roll back to Beta 2 after several failed boot attempts. If this doesn’t occur, proceed to the next option.

Option 2: ADB Command Fix (USB Debugging Required)

This method requires USB debugging to be enabled in developer options before the bootloop occurred.

Note: If you haven’t previously granted ADB access to your computer, refer to the workaround recommendation.

Connect your device via USB. While the device is stuck at the bootloop (Google logo), repeatedly execute this command:

adb shell settings put global override_desktop_experience_features 0

The command will fail if ADB isn’t connected yet. For Linux/MacOS users, use this shell command to automatically retry:

watch -n 1 “adb shell settings put global override_desktop_experience_features 0”

Option 3: Sideload Beta 3.1 OTA Update

Download the Beta 3.1 OTA image (-ota.zip file) from developer.android.com.

Enter recovery mode:

Hold the power button without releasing
While holding power, also hold the volume down button (you may need to hold both for 30+ seconds)
Release when the bootloader appears
Press volume down until “Recovery Mode” appears next to the power button
Press power to select. An Android robot with an open chest will appear
Press and hold both power and volume up buttons simultaneously, then release
Press volume down until “Apply update from ADB” appears, then press power to select

You’ll see: “Now send the package you want to apply to the device with ‘adb sideload ‘”

Connect your device to your computer with a USB-C cable. In the terminal, navigate to your Downloads folder containing the OTA package and execute:

adb sideload

Example: adb sideload ota.zip

After installation completes, use the volume buttons to navigate to the reboot option and confirm with the power button.

WARNING: Options 4 and 5 will erase all user data

If USB debugging wasn’t enabled before the bootloop or sideloading fails, you must factory reset your device using one of these methods:

Option 4: Factory Reset from Android Recovery

If you’re already on the Android Recovery page after the bootloop:

Press volume down to select Factory Reset
Press power to confirm

Option 5: Factory Reset from Recovery/Rescue Mode

Hold the power button without releasing
While holding power, also hold the volume down button (you may need to hold both for 30+ seconds)
Release when the bootloader appears
Press volume down until “Recovery Mode” appears next to the power button
Press power to select. An Android robot with an open chest will appear
Press and hold both power and volume up buttons simultaneously, then release
Use volume down to scroll to “Wipe Data/Factory Reset”
Press power to select
Press volume down to select “Yes”
Press power to confirm

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