Google has recently rolled out the first developer preview of Android 15 for compatible Pixel phones. This initial unstable beta release gives Pixel 6a users a chance to preview new features and updates coming in the next Android version before public availability.
While installing a developer preview allows early access, it also comes with potential risks. These pre-release builds are meant for developers to test their apps and discover the bugs.
However, suppose you are eager to try Android 15 on your Pixel ahead of general users. In that case, this guide will walk you through downloading and installing the Android 15 developer preview on Google Pixel 6a.
Backup your Google Pixel 6a
- Open the Pixel 6a Settings App.
- Scroll down and tap on "Google".
- Click on "Backup".
- Tap "Back up now" to start the backup.
Enable Developer Options on Google Pixel 6a
To enable developer options on Google Pixel 6a, follow the below steps:
- Open the Settings on your Pixel 6a
- Scroll down and Tap on "About phone".
- In the About phone section, locate the "Build number".
- Tap on the "Build number 7 times" continuously until you see a message saying, "You are now a developer".
Enable USB Debugging And OEM Unlocking on Google Pixel 6a
Enabling USB Debugging
To enable USB debugging on Google Pixel 6a, follow the below steps:
- Open Settings on your Pixel 6a.
- Scroll down the Settings menu and Click on "System".
- Locate and select the "Developer options" menu in the System menu.
- In the Developer options section, Find the "USB debugging" toggle and turn it on.
- A pop-up message will appear. Tap "OK" to enable USB debugging.
Enable OEM Unlocking
To enable OEM unlocking on Google Pixel 6a, follow the below steps:
- Navigate to Settings on your Pixel 6a.
- Scroll down and tap on "System".
- In the System menu, find and select the "Developer options".
- In the Developer options screen, locate the "OEM Unlocking" toggle and turn it on.
- A pop-up will appear. Tap "Enable" to confirm.
Download
To flash the Android 15 Developer Preview on Google Pixel 6a, you need to Download the Android Flash Tool and Android 15 Developer Preview image for Pixel 6a.
- Android Flash Tool - Download
- Android 15 Developer Preview image for Pixel 6 - Download
- Android 15 Developer Preview image for Pixel 6 - Download
Note:
When installing the prerelease software, use a secondary Pixel device rather than your primary phone. This prevents any issues caused by the developer preview from impacting your primary device.
Flash Android 15 Developer Preview on Google Pixel 6a
To flash the Android 15 developer preview on Goole Pixel 6a, Follow the below steps:
- If you have ADB installed on your PC, stop the adb service by running this command so it doesn't interfere with flashing:
$ adb kill-server
- Connect your Pixel 6a to the PC via a USB cable.
- Open Chrome browser and go to flash.android.com website.
- When a pop-up message appears asking to allow adb access, tap "Allow" to let the Flash tool connect to your phone.
- Click on "Add new device" and select your Pixel 6a from the list. Click on "Connect".
- On your Pixel 6a, tap "Always allow" and "OK" to allow USB debugging when prompted.
- In Chrome, select the connected Pixel phone.
- On the Flash tool, under "Popular builds", find and click on "Developer Preview" to continue.
- Click on "Install" to start the flashing process. The Pixel 6a will reboot into fastboot mode.
- Once you see the "Flash Complete" message, disconnect your Pixel 6a from the USB cable.
Thats it! you have successfully flashed the Android 15 Developer Preview on your Google Pixel 6a phone.
Conclusion
The Android 15 Developer Preview grants early access to the newest features and updates before public release. However, being an unfinished build, stability and performance are not guaranteed. Install the preview at your own discretion, only if you can troubleshoot potential issues.
For most regular users, waiting for the public beta or stable build to deliver a much more refined experience is advisable. The Developer Preview is optimal for coders and advanced users who want to assist Google in finding bugs.
Remember to back up data and reset your phone when switching to official firmware. In summary, the Android 15 Developer Preview provides an exciting glimpse into the future of Android on Pixel phones, albeit with some caution needed when installing pre-release software.
Also Read: Download and Install Android 15 Developer Preview on Google Pixel 6 and 6 Pro
If you've liked our article, please let us know in the Comment Section
This page may contain affiliate links so we earn a commission. Please read our affiliate disclosure for more info.
JOIN THE DISCUSSION: