How to avoid Android 12.1 QPR releases without wiping your data
Joining the Android Beta program used to be pretty straightforward. Users could simply opt in through theAndroid Beta websiteand receive each new build until a stable version shipped, then everyone was automatically unenrolled. It was a commitment, but a predictable one. However, things took an unexpected turn when those that hadopted into the Android 12L betawere not removed once the final12L stable build shipped. They began receiving thenew Quarterly Platform Release (QPR) betasautomatically instead, presumably leaving them to ride out the end of Android 12 with regular beta releases — and any bugs that might come with them. Fortunately, there’s a safe way off this train.
Sign up forfree
Forgot your password?
Create an account
*Required: 8 chars, 1 capital letter, 1 number
By continuing, you agree to thePrivacy PolicyandTerms of Use.You also agree to receive our newsletters, you’re able to opt-out any time.
Users on Reddithave laid out a path to exiting the beta program and avoiding wiping data along with a few criteria for making this work. First, for this situation, make sure you havenotinstalled the QPR3 Beta 1 update. Second, download and install the 12.1 stable OTA package for your device. This works because it’s the same version of the OS (i.e. Android 12.1) and the stable package has a more recent release date than the beta installation that gets replaced.
You can find the packages and installation instructions onGoogle’s OTA page. The process isn’t hard but follow the steps carefully to ensure nothing goes wrong.
Once the stable OTA is installed, be sure to go to theAndroid Beta program websiteand remove your device. If everything was done correctly, your data should be intact and no updates will be installed until the next stable release. You may still see a notification that there is a beta available, but it should go away in a couple of hours (or possibly after a reboot or two).
Pixel 6 and 6 Pro users can’t do this yet because the 12.1 stable build hasn’t been released. It’s been delayed till later this month or to April. If you could avoid installing the QPR3 Beta 1 update until then, you can follow this process as well.
This is technically a viable path to ejecting from the beta, but it also shows that the messaging was unclear — there should be a more direct and intentional process for remaining in such a program. Hopefully, the next one will provide a more detailed pathway out.
Broader branding hints at wider paid-tier ambitions
The note-taking app I should have used all along
It’s never been cheaper
Check your order status!
Tablets and accessories are also on sale
EA has confirmed the early access release date for the next game in the Skate series
