How to download Android 12 Beta 4

Google announced Android 12 at its I/O developer conference and although the new mobile OS arrives properly later this year, you can get the Android 12 Beta – now version 4 – on a range of phones right now so here’s how to download and install it if you want to try out the new Material You design or latest privacy features.

Google sometimes limits the Android beta to its own Pixel phones but this year you can get Android 12 Beta 4 on various other devices from the likes of OnePlus, Asus, Xiaomi and more. The method is a little different, but we’ll explain how to get it on any compatible phone – and which phones support the new beta.

Beta 1, 2 and 3 are now in the past with Beta 4 rolling out now. There’s no new features this time (3 added things like scrollable screenshots, AppSearch and improved auto-rotate) but as per Google’s timeline, the release moves Android 12 into the platform stability phase and closer to the final release.

Warning: As is always the case with beta software, it’s not advisable to load it onto your main phone as the software could be buggy or even brick your device. Things are more stable now we are close to a release candidate, though.

Which phones can install Android 12 Beta 4?

Here’s the full list of phones which can get the Android 12 Beta 4:

Pixel phones

• Pixel 3
• Pixel 3 XL
• Pixel 3a
• Pixel 3a XL
• Pixel 4
• Pixel 4 XL
• Pixel 4a
• Pixel 4a (5G)
• Pixel 5

Other phones 

• Asus ZenFone 8
• OnePlus 9/ 9 Pro 
• Oppo Find X3 Pro 
• Realme GT 
• Sharp AQUOS sense5G
• Tecno Camon 17 
• TCL 20 Pro 5G 
• Vivo iQOO 7 Legend
• Xiaomi Mi 11, Mi 11 Ultra, Mi 11i and Mi 11X Pro 
• ZTE Axon 30 Ultra 5G 

How to get the Android 12 beta on Pixel phones

As you might expect, Pixel phones are at the front of the queue to get Android 12 and getting the beta is super easy. Follow these steps and you’ll have it downloaded and installed in no time.

1. Head to the Android Beta Program site, making sure you’re logged into your Google account
2. Scroll down to ‘Your eligible devices’ (see screenshot above)
3. Select ‘opt in’ on the device you want to install Android 12 on
4. Read the T&Cs, tick the relevant boxes and then click ‘Confirm and enroll’
5. On your phone head to Settings > System > Advanced > System Update > Check for update

If you ever want to opt out, simply go to the Android Beta Program site and select ‘opt out’ under Your eligible devices.

How to get the Android 12 beta on non-Pixel phones

As mentioned earlier, the method is a bit different for phones made by Google’s partners. In general, you’ll need to head to the manufacturer’s website to get the beta.

1. Head to this Android Beta page (on your phone to download, another device for instructions)
2. Scroll down and select the make for your phone
3. Follow the specific instructions on the page

Related reading:

• Everything announced at Google I/O
• Samsung and Google team up to fix Wear OS
• Fitbit’s next smartwatch might run Google’s Wear OS
• Best Android phones