Recently, Google Pixel smartphones received the latest Android version, Android Q Developer Beta 2. Users of different devices can barely wait for the Android Q update to roll out on their smartphones. This update is the most important one in recent years, as it delivers many new features that users have been waiting for.
Android Q Features
Here are some of the new features in Android Q:
- Dark Mode
- Live Captions
- Improved Privacy Control
- 5G Support
- New Gestures
- Native Screen Recording
By the end of the year, Google Pixel smartphones and some other premium flagship devices will have the new Android Q update. The rest of us will have to wait before Google rolls out the update to more Android devices.
Fortunately, GSI can help you enjoy Android Q as well. GSI is now officially supported by Google, and it will give you the chance to install the newest Android version on your device.
How to Get Android Q On Your Device
Here are some requirements for the process to work:
- Your device needs to have had Android Pie installed from its factory settings
- Your device needs to be compatible with Project Treble
- Unlocked bootloader
- Enabled USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking
- A working Fastboot connection and the Fastboot and ADB drivers installed on your computer
- Your device charged to at least 75% before starting the process
- Backed up data
After you make sure you have all of the requirements, you can download Android Q GSI. The ARM 64 version is good for any device that came with Android Pie. The ARM64+ version can be downloaded if you want to have all the latest Google apps. Click here to download.
Once the download finishes, extract the file and you will receive two image files, system.img, and vbmeta.img. The next step is installing Android Q GSI on your smartphone:
- Connect your device to your computer with a USB cable.
- Launch the ADB command prompt or the terminal from the platform-tools folder.
- Reboot your Android device into Fastboot mode using this command.
- Add the previously extracted image files to the platform-tools folder.
- Use this command to flash the ‘vbmeta’ image: fastboot flash vbmeta vbmeta.img
- Wipe the system using this command: fastboot erase system
- Flash the system image containing Android Q: fastboot flash system system.img
- Reset your device to factory settings using this command: fastboot-w.
- Disconnect your phone from the computer and long-press the power button to reboot it.
That’s it! Now you can enjoy the latest Android Q GSI version on your smartphone.
Robert J. Smith is still early into his career as tech reporter but has already had his work published in many major publications including JoyStiq and Android Authority. In regards to academics, Robert earned a degree in business from Fordham University. Robert has passion for emerging technology and covers upcoming products and breakthroughs in science and tech.
