Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Android 15 on Your Pixel Phone

After a prolonged beta testing phase, Google has officially launched the stable version of Android 15 for its Pixel devices. This rollout has commenced, though it may take several weeks for the update to reach all users. Understandably, many users are eager to receive updates sooner, especially after the wait. Fortunately, there are manual update options available.

You have a couple of choices for manually installing the update, allowing you to select the method that you find most convenient.

While Android 15 may not present drastic changes compared to Android 14, it is still a significant update featuring various new functionalities and enhancements. This version arrives on Pixel devices alongside the October Feature Drop and the latest monthly updates.

Regarding device compatibility, there have been some adjustments. The Pixel 4a 5G, Pixel 5, and Pixel 5a will no longer receive major Android updates, meaning that only devices powered by Tensor will be eligible for Android 15. Below is the list of Pixel models eligible for the Android 15 update:

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

Steps to Sideload Android 15 on Pixel Devices

There are several methods for installation, each requiring specific files based on your chosen approach. Here’s what you’ll need according to the method:

• OTA Image for your Pixel device (for the second method)
• Factory Image for your Pixel phone (for the factory image method)
• Latest SDK tools (necessary for both OTA and Factory Image methods)
• A complete backup of your data (crucial)

Simple Method to Install Android 15

If you’ve received the OTA update on your Pixel but are unsure how to install it, follow these steps. This method will only work if the OTA update is available for your device, so try this before exploring more complex options.

1. Connect your Pixel to the Internet.
2. Navigate to Settings > System > Software Update.
3. Select Check for Update to see if any updates are available.
4. If the Android 15 update is ready, you’ll be able to download and install it directly.

This is by far the simplest approach to upgrade to Android 15. If the OTA update isn’t available yet, consider using one of the alternative methods outlined below.

How to Sideload OTA Manually

If you wish to avoid waiting, this method allows you to install Android 15 quickly. First, ensure you have no pending updates from the previous steps. To sideload Android 15 using the OTA image, your device should be up to date with Android 14. Here’s the process:

1. Download the SDK tool file to your PC and unpack it.
2. Transfer the OTA image into the extracted SDK folder.
3. On your Pixel, go to Settings > About Phone and tap Build Number seven times. You’ll see a notification that says, “You are now a developer” or “You are already a developer.”
4. Navigate to Settings > System > Developer Options and enable USB Debugging; you may be prompted for your device password.
5. Connect your Pixel to your computer. If you receive a USB Debugging prompt, click Allow.
6. Access the SDK folder you unpacked earlier, then open the command prompt or terminal in that directory. You can also use the ‘cd’ command to navigate there. Follow these instructions to open cmd in specific locations.
7. Enter the command below to confirm your device’s connection via adb:
   • adb devices
8. If you see your device’s ID, it confirms a connection. If not, allow debugging permissions, and try again. Once connected, send the command to boot into recovery mode:
   • adb reboot recovery
9. Next, run this command to sideload the OTA zip file. Remember to rename your OTA zip file to ota_file.zip.
   • adb sideload ota_file.zip
10. After the sideload is complete, reboot your device by selecting Reboot system now.

Now, you can disable developer options and start enjoying Android 15.

Installing Android 15 via Factory Image

This method is geared toward advanced users who understand the risks of unlocking the bootloader. For this process to succeed, your phone’s bootloader must be unlocked (follow the steps below). Be aware that this procedure will reset your device, so ensure all data is backed up. Don’t forget to download the factory image and SDK folder as mentioned in the requirements.

Manually Flash Factory Image

This method will wipe all data, so confirming your backup is essential. If the bootloader is already unlocked, you can skip Step 8.

1. Open Settings and select About Phone. Tap Build Number seven times to enable Developer Options.
2. Return to the main Settings menu and access Developer Options. Enable USB Debugging and also enable OEM Unlocking.
3. Ensure you have downloaded the SDK platform tools as specified in the requirements. Extract this on your PC and note the location of the folder.
4. Extract the Factory Image you downloaded to your computer. Copy the extracted files into the SDK platform tools folder.
5. Connect your Pixel phone to your PC via USB. Open cmd (command prompt) in the SDK platform tools folder. Again, you can use the ‘cd’ command to reach the right directory.
6. In the command window, type the following to verify device connection:
   • adb devices
7. If the command returns your device ID, all is well. If not, you likely have a pop-up requesting permission for debugging. Allow it and re-enter the command. Once connected, use the following command to boot into fastboot mode:
   • adb reboot bootloader
8. When in fastboot mode, enter the command to unlock the bootloader (note that this will erase all data):
   • fastboot flashing unlock
9. Confirm the action using the physical buttons. Wait for the bootloader unlock to complete.
10. Next, you’ll flash the appropriate image file. For Windows, use the. bat file, and for Mac, the. sh file. To execute, type the filename and press enter. For instance, on Windows, you would type:
    • flash-all.bat
11. Android 15 will now be installed on your Pixel device. Following this, your phone will automatically reboot into the system.

If you wish, you can relock the bootloader utilizing the command below. Boot your phone into fastboot mode using the same steps and then execute the command:

fastboot flashing lock

Flashing Factory Image with Android Flash Tool

1. Ensure your bootloader is unlocked, or refer to Step 8 from the last method. Also confirm that USB Debugging is enabled under Developer Options.
2. Visit the Factory Image file page. Scroll down to locate your device. Next to the Android 15 factory image link, you will see the flash link. Clicking it will open the Android Flash Tool.
3. Grant adb access, and your device should be detected automatically. You may also manually select Add New Device, choose your model, and then click Connect.
4. Follow the on-screen prompts, and you will have Android 15 installed on your Pixel in no time. You can relock the bootloader afterward using the instructions provided earlier.

That’s all you need to know about installing Android 15 on your Pixel devices. Enjoy exploring the new features that Android 15 has to offer! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out in the comments.

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