Google has begun rolling out the Android 13 stable update to its Pixel smartphones; here is how to download and install the update. Unlike Apple, whose update usually arrives for most users on the same day, Android updates are typically released in batches. They are also sometimes dependent on carriers, with unlocked phones usually getting updates before carrier-locked models.

The Android 13 update is only available for those who own a Pixel 4, Pixel 4XL, Pixel 4a, Pixel 4a with 5G, Pixel 5, Pixel 5a, Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, and Pixel 6a. Owners of the Pixel 3 and older, including the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL, which launched the same year as the Pixel 4 series, have already reached their end of life.

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Usually, users should get a notification informing them the Android 13 OTA is available to download, but that doesn't always happen. So it is advised to check for the update manually. To do so, open the Settings app, scroll down to the bottom, and select 'System.' Tap on 'System updates' and wait for the phone to check for the update. A quicker method is to search for 'System update' in the search box at the top of the settings menu and select the first result. Next, tap on 'Check for updates' and wait for the phone to check if there is an update. If it is available, tap on the 'Download and install' button that has appeared at the bottom of the screen. Wait for the process to complete and tap 'Restart Now' or choose a time the device should restart.

There Are Other Ways

Android 13 running on Android smartphone

Depending on the strength of the internet connection, it may take a while for the download to be completed. Also, those with several apps should expect the installation to take longer. For some users, after tapping on the 'Check for updates' button, the phone may return a message that says the phone's system is up-to-date, despite running an older version of the software.

One way to quickly get the update reported by The Verge is to enroll in the Android beta program. Users with an eligible Pixel smartphone can go to the Android beta website. If the Pixel phone is among the eligible devices, it will appear at the bottom of the screen after clicking the 'See eligible devices' button. Opt-in to join the beta and accept the terms and conditions. After enrolling, go to 'System update' on the phone by following the process explained above and tap on 'Check for updates.' After that, the update should be available to download.

Once the update has been downloaded and installed, return to the Android Beta website and opt out of the program. Do this by clicking on the 'Opt-out' button beneath the enrolled device. A warning should appear saying if the user is running a beta version of Android 13, opting out of the beta program will wipe the device. Considering the latest update available is the stable update, this should not be an issue. However, once a new beta update is available, following this method will wipe the device.

Android 13 brings new customization options, such as changing the color scheme of third-party apps to match the device's theme and wallpaper. Users also get more control over which apps can send notifications, Spatial Audio, support for Bluetooth Low Energy, and the ability to choose which media files an app has access to.

Source: Google Support, The Verge, Google