Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3.3 Update Released
Update: Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3.3 is now live for all Google Pixel devices. Alongside the Google Pixel Feature Drop from the November 2025 update rolls out for the stable channel.
Google has transitioned to the second phase of its Android 16 beta program, completing QPR1 and releasing it to stable. With the QPR1 Beta concluded this month, features are now migrating to stable Android 16 with Material 3 Expressive. The 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 delivers welcome fixes for numerous frustrating bugs, particularly affecting system UI, media controls, and connectivity. However, installation complications related to desktop mode serve as a reminder that beta software carries real risks.
Before installing this update, users needed to disable “Desktop Experience” features in Developer Options. Multiple beta testers reported bootlooping issues, installation failures, and even soft-bricked devices when attempting to update with desktop mode enabled. This issue was resolved in the latest beta. If you’ve already upgraded and your phone is stuck in a bootloop, consult this tutorial to recover from the bootloop.
The update also introduces controversial developer verification, which could block 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 3.3?
Google has released Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3.3 (BP41.250916.015.A1 for Pixel 6/Pro/a and BP4.250916.015.A1 for other devices), bringing several noteworthy updates.
Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3.3 represents a minor improvement over Beta 3, which was largely considered stable. However, Beta 3 presented challenges such as Pixel phones stuck in bootloops after upgrading, which were later resolved in Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3.1.
Possible Fixes and Upgrades in Android 16 Beta 3.3
- Upgraded to new modem firmware
- Added 2 new Google Pixel apps
- October 2025 security patch
- New Theme Packs app in Wallpaper and Style
- Weather At A Glance widget functioning again
- Lockscreen clock fixed
- Improvements in heating and battery drain
- System stability improvements
This beta addresses several critical system-level issues that frustrated beta testers. Google Play System Updates, which failed to install for many users, have been fixed—a crucial repair ensuring devices can receive important security and feature updates through the Play Store infrastructure.
The update also resolves display and UI problems that made daily use difficult. Home screen shortcuts that appeared as blank gray circles now function properly, and the Wallet icon on the lockscreen no longer displays incorrect coloring. While these may seem like minor cosmetic issues, they significantly impact user experience when quickly accessing payment methods or favorite apps.
Navigation and Gesture Fixes
One of the most annoying bugs addressed in Beta 3 is the occasional failure of the swipe-up gesture from the bottom. Navigation gestures are fundamental to modern Android’s user interface, and when they fail, your device can feel broken. This fix alone will be welcomed by 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 achieve 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 render 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 the 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 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 unnecessarily restricted 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 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.
Possible Fixes for Known Issues
- 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)
- No GPU driver update included
- Some themed app icons remain inverted (dark icons in light mode, and 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 QPR2 3.3 Beta?
Developers and testers can begin exploring Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3.3 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 3.3. However, the beta is not live yet, even though the firmware is seeding at Google servers.
You can either wait or download the Android 16 QPR2 Beta Factory Images (BP41.250916.015) beta below.
Download Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3.3
Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3.3 factory images and OTA updates are now available for download. How to install OTA updates on any Android device.
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
Thanks to TechGuru4Life and BazWollocks on Reddit. Pixel Factory Images Tracker on Telegram for factory images.
