Your Pixel just got a major update. Here’s how to download Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 right now

Google’s last couple of QPR updates for Android 16 have been nothing short of incredible. QPR1 brought Google’s excellent Material 3 Design UI to Pixel phones, while this month’s QPR2 update added new customization tools, an upgraded dark mode, and a ton more.

Now, Google is giving us our first taste of QPR3 with the release of the Android 16 QPR3 Beta.

Google launched Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 earlier this week, offering a taste of the company’s third and final QPR update for Android 16. There are already a few cool features included in this first beta update, and if you want, you can try them on your Pixel right now.

Here’s how to download Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1.

First, you’ll want to confirm that you have a supported Pixel capable of downloading QPR3 Beta 1. The good news is that if you’ve purchased a Pixel in the last few years, you’re almost certainly able to. Here’s every eligible Pixel:

• 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/9 Pro XL
• Pixel 9 Pro Fold
• Pixel 9a
• Pixel 10
• Pixel 10 Pro/10 Pro XL
• Pixel 10 Pro Fold

Have one of the above Pixels? Great. Next, you need to visit Google’s Android Beta website and enroll your Pixel in the beta program. To do this:

1. Open Chrome (or any web browser) and visit google.com/android/beta.
2. Log in to your Google account if you aren’t already (tap the profile button in the top-right corner to confirm).
3. Scroll down the page until you see the Your eligible devices section.
4. Tap Opt in next to the Pixel you want to enroll in the beta program.
5. Scroll down the page and agree to the terms.
6. Tap Confirm and enroll.
7. Tap OK.

With this done, your Pixel is now enrolled in the Android 16 QPR3 Beta. The next step is to actually download the beta. To do so:

1. Open the Settings app on your Pixel.
2. Tap System.
3. Tap Software updates.
4. Tap System update.
5. Tap Check for update.

If Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 doesn’t appear as an available update immediately, that’s normal. It sometimes takes a little while for Google to confirm your beta registration and send your device the update, so check back in an hour or two if you don’t see it right away.

While you’re waiting for the update to appear or download onto your Pixel, read our breakdown of all the Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 features to see what’s new.