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Google has just announced the Android 17 Beta update, marking the end of Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2. The next release in the pipeline is Android 17 Beta. Here’s what you need to know about staying enrolled in the Beta program and accessing the latest Android 17 Beta as soon as it becomes available.

The first Android 17 beta may be released as soon as tomorrow, February 12, 2025. The best part is Android 17 will now be available for Pixel 9 Pro all the way down to Pixel 7, and may even Pixel 6! In fact, Pixel 6, 7, and OG Fold will receive Android 17 and above, 5 years of extended OS support.

Android 17 Beta 1 Launch: How to upgrade

The Android Beta Program is gearing up for its next major cycle, and the Android Beta Team has shared crucial information about the upcoming Android 17 Beta 1 release. This official announcement from the Android Beta Program marks the transition from Android 16 QPR3 to the Android 17 platform release (26Q2), and there are important decisions current beta testers need to make.

What’s Coming with Android 17 Beta 1

Android 17 Beta 1 is the next major firmware upgrade of Google’s mobile operating system, building upon the foundation of the Android 16 QPR platform release. According to the Android Beta Team, this update will include the latest bug fixes alongside improvements to stability and performance, which is standard fare for beta releases but essential for testing the platform’s reliability.

The release follows the completion of Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2.1, the final patch in that cycle. The team expressed gratitude to beta testers for their contributions in shaping the Android 16 QPR release over recent months.

Stay in the Android Beta Program to receive Android 17

Automatic Enrollment

If you’re currently enrolled in the Android Beta Program and take no action, you will automatically receive Android 17 Beta 1. This automatic continuation is designed to keep active testers engaged in the program, but it’s a critical detail that requires awareness.

How to Exit Without Losing Data

For those who prefer stability over cutting-edge features, exiting the beta program requires careful timing to avoid data loss. The Android Beta Team outlined two specific methods to receive the final stable Android 16 QPR3 release without wiping your device:

Option 1: Opt Out Proactively

Simply opt out of the program before Android 17 Beta 1 is offered to your device. This prevents you from entering the next beta cycle entirely.

Option 2: Ignore the Downgrade OTA

Don’t apply the downgrade OTA update (which will be labeled with “Downgrade” in its description), and instead wait for the final public stable release of Android 16 QPR3 (CP1A), which is coming soon. Opting out won’t cause data loss as long as you don’t install the downgrade OTA update.

Data Wipe?

Understanding when your data will be wiped is crucial:

Immediate return to public version: Installing the downgrade OTA update will wipe your device lacks details about:
Specific features or improvements in Android 17
Device compatibility and supported models
Expected timeline for subsequent beta releases
Known issues from Android 16 QPR3 that might carry over

The Android Beta Team has committed to posting updates and information about Android 17 Beta in the community, suggesting more details will emerge as the beta cycle progresses.

Should You Stay or Should You Go?

Reasons to Continue in the Beta Program

Access to cutting-edge Android features months before public release
Opportunity to provide feedback that shapes the final product
Testing apps and workflows with upcoming Android versions
Being part of the Android development community

Reasons to Exit Now

Need for device stability and reliability
Use of critical apps that may not support beta software
Unwillingness to troubleshoot potential bugs and issues
Desire to avoid the June 2026 lockout period

List of Google Pixel devices receiving Android 17

According to the updated Google software updates support page, the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 series devices will receive Android 17. Google extended its software support to five years of OS updates, explicitly covering these models.

Pixel 6
Pixel 6 Pro
Pixel 6a
Pixel 7
Pixel 7 Pro
Pixel 7a
Pixel Tablet
Pixel Fold
Pixel 8
Pixel 8 Pro
Pixel 8a
Pixel 9
Pixel 9 Pro XL
Pixel 9 Pro
Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Pixel 9a
Pixel 10
Pixel 10 Pro XL
Pixel 10 Pro
Pixel 10 Pro Fold

How To Download & Install Android 17 Beta?

The Android 17 Beta will be available soon. You can skip the manual installation, like the factory image, and receive the OTA on your device. The easiest way is to sign up your Pixel device into Android Beta Program. Sign in with your Google Account associated with your Pixel phone and follow the instructions.

Alternatively, you can get Android 16 on select Pixel devices by downloading the full Factory Images listed below and installing them via the new Android Flash Tool portal.

You will need to enable USB Debugging (ADB access) and OEM Unlocking before flashing the Android beta 1.