Smartphone companies that have mastered their software update game are rare. Luckily, Google Pixel users not only get major updates before everyone else, but they can also test out the next version of Android through a public beta program. It’s been a while since Google released Android 13 through the beta channel for eligible Pixel devices and while the update has received generally favorable reviews, we can’t forget the fact that it’s still only beta-grade software, not a daily driver like Android 12.
If you accidentally installed a preview/beta build from the developer and are wondering how to downgrade your Google Pixel to the stable version of Android, this guide is for you.
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Downgrade your Google Pixel smartphone to a stable Android version
While Developer Preview and Beta builds are generally meant to help app developers find and fix issues with newer versions of Android, anyone can flash them to a compatible device. If you haven’t already and want to check it out, here’s how to install Android 13 on your Google Pixel phone. Nevertheless, it is also worth asking about the process of downgrading from beta to stable channel for usability reasons. We can all handle some bugs better than others, and if an update brings one of the bugs that you can’t handle, you can look for the option to roll back.
Luckily, restoring your Google Pixel device to a stable version of Android is actually quite simple. You can either ask Google to send you a special OTA to make the transition, or manually flash the stable version to your device yourself. The only problem is that restoring the OS to an older version requires it to be reset to factory settings during the process, which erases all your device data and settings. So make sure to back up your personal data before proceeding to the next step.
Method 1: Quit the beta program
This is the direct opposite of signing up for Google’s Android developer preview/beta initiative. All you have to do is detach the target Pixel device from the beta program. Google will then release a specially crafted OTA package that will clear the beta and install the latest stable version of Android on your device. Notably, this process does not require an unlocked bootloader.
- Go to the Android Beta program page.
- Click or tap View your eligible devices to see Pixel devices enrolled in beta.
- If you can’t find your device, make sure you’re signed in to the Google Account associated with the device(s) you want to restore.
- Select the Opt out option for listed devices that you need to remove from the beta program.
- The target device will receive a new update within 24 hours. You can also navigate to Settings > System > System update > Check for update on your phone to see if the update is available.
- Once the OTA arrives, install it.
- That’s it!
As mentioned earlier, the OTA will erase all data from the device during the flashing process. Although you don’t need an unlocked bootloader to start with, it’s always best to keep the bootloader unlocked when dealing with beta builds.
With the release of Android 12, Google began offering “a window of opportunity” to opt out of the beta without wiping a beta participant’s device:
When you apply the stable version update for the version you are beta testing, you can opt out without erasing data for a limited time until you apply the next beta update.
Server-side switching will only be offered at the end of a beta cycle. Since it is quite difficult to know how much time will be given before a new preview/beta version starts, this is a little less reliable than manually unregistering.
Method 2: Manual downshift
If you don’t want to wait for Google to release the rollback update, you have the option of flashing the latest stable version of Android yourself. However, you will need a PC/Mac/Chromebook to perform the flash operation. The target device must also unlock the bootloader.
Using the Android Flash Tool
Google’s Android Flash tool (as the name suggests) is basically a flashing tab in a browser. It streamlines the whole process of flashing Pixel devices by wrapping everything in a web app, thanks to the WebUSB API. There’s no need to download images, configure CLI platform tools, install drivers, and run flashing commands – Android Flash Tool can take care of it all.
- Make sure your PC/Mac/Chromebook has a browser compatible with the WebUSB UPI. Chromium-based browsers, such as Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge, are recommended.
- Enable Developer Options and USB Debugging on the target Android device, if you haven’t already.
- Connect your device directly to one of the USB ports on your PC/Mac/Chromebook.
- Avoid USB hubs, adapters or extenders to avoid potential errors.
- Open flash.android.com in a browser on your computer.
- Click on the Begin button. Next, allow the web-based flash tool to communicate with the target device via ADB by accepting the pop-up stating Grant Android Flash Tool access to its ADB keys so it can communicate with connected devices.
- Click on Add a new device.
- Select the target Pixel device from the list and click Relate.
- On your Pixel screen, select Always allow from this computer and click OKAY to accept the USB debugging connection.
- Select the connected device in your browser.
- Select the version that says “Return to Public” from the list. You can then select options, such as wiping the device, relocking the bootloader, or force flashing all partitions.
- Click on Install release to start the process.
- After the flashing process is complete, disconnect the device from the USB cable.
If all goes well, your Pixel device will restart with the latest stable version of Android. It should now start the device setup process, allowing you to register and enjoy the stable Android software.
Using Fastboot
If you prefer to take full control of the flashing operation, go for the Fastboot flashing method.
- Download the latest stable Android factory image for your Pixel smartphone. For Android 12/12L, see our download index.
- Flash the factory image using Fastboot.
- If desired, relock your Pixel phone’s bootloader:
- After restoring stable Android firmware, restart the device in bootloader mode using ADB:
adb reboot bootloader - Run the following command to relock the bootloader:
fastboot flashing lock - On your Pixel phone, scroll down to the “lock bootloader” option using the volume keys and accept the option using the power button.
- The phone will reboot and wipe again.
- After restoring stable Android firmware, restart the device in bootloader mode using ADB:
This is what you need to know to downgrade your Google Pixel smartphone from beta/developer preview to stable Android version. Are you going to opt for a rollback? Let us know your reasons in the comments section below!
