How to use ADB or Flash Tool to manually install Google Pixel updates
Google releases monthly system updates for Pixel devices with updated security patches to help keep your device safe. These updates can also include new features and critical bug fixes, providing you with the best possible user experience. You don’t have to sit and wait for the update to install itself, either; you can also do it manually. Check out the guide below to learn more about all the different ways you can install the monthly system update for your Pixel device.
Manually check for OTA system updates
Aside from just waiting for the automatic OTA (Over the Air) update to hit your device, it’s possible to also force-check for updates. You’ll still rely on the official OTA method of installing the update; however, kick-starting the process saves you some time. To manually check for your monthly system update, you can do the following:
It may seem obvious to more advanced users, but not everyone knows that you can check for system updates in this manner. You might be surprised to find out the update was just sitting there waiting for you to install it. And if your update doesn’t show up right away, keep checking back — Google rolls out most updates in stages.
Use the Android Flash Tool
Since the OTA update typically doesn’t drop for everyone simultaneously, you may not be eligible to receive yours right away. Rather than waiting for Google or your wireless carrier to send you the update, you can skip that step. If you want to install an update immediately with minimal effort, the Android Flash Tool is the option for you.
Always be sure to create a backup of your device and files just in case there’s a problem. Sometimes accidents happen — it’s better to take a moment and keep your data safe.
To install your monthly system update using the Android Flash Tool, do the following:
After your phone has connected successfully, you can search for the specific build you want to install through the Android Flash Tool. You’ll find the latest monthly system update for your device under thePublic releasessection. ClickBack to Public, and it’ll automatically select the latest version for you.
Since you’re using the Flash Tool to modify your device rather than undergoing a factory reset, there’s one extra step you need to take. Click the pencil icon on the right to open a new screen with a few additional options.
Uncheck theWipe Device,Lock Bootloader, andForce Flash all Partitionsboxes to avoid losing the data on your device.
you could also go to theofficial Pixel system images page, locate your device and the latest version, then clickFlash. It’ll take you directly to that selected version in the Flash Tool with theWipe Device,Lock Bootloader, andForce Flash all Partitionsboxes already unchecked by default. Doing this saves you a few extra clicks; otherwise, the rest of the installation process remains the same.
Once you’re ready to install the latest system update for your device, click theInstall buildbutton to continue. Review your settings on the overview screen, then pressConfirm.
Accept the license agreement message that pops up by clickingI Accept.
Your phone will start preparing for the installation and reboot as a part of that process. If needed, click theReselect deviceoption in the Flash Tool, select your device again, then hitConnect.
The installation process will finally begin. It might take some time to download and install the latest system update for your device, so be patient.
Once the update is finished, your device should automatically reboot to your lock screen. It’s ready to use after that.
Sideload the OTA update yourself
Sideloading the OTA update manually is an excellent choice for more technical or adventurous users. Doing so gives you complete control over how and when your device updates are installed. If you’d prefer to sideload your OTA system update manually, you could do the following:
On some platforms (Mac and Linux in particular), ADBcommands will likely need to be entered with “./” minus the quotes at the beginning for them to work correctly. For example, type./adb reboot recoveryfollowed by theEnterkey to reboot your device intoRecovery Mode.
After you type theadb sideloadpart and hit the space bar, you can drag and drop the OTA image file onto the command window. Doing so will automatically generate the correct path regardless of where the original file is located. This means you won’t have to bother dragging and dropping the OTA image file to theplatform-toolsfolder.
The installation might take a bit to complete, so be patient as it updates your device. Once the process is finished, press the power button in the recovery menu to select theReboot system nowoption, and you’re good to go.
If you have a custom recovery installed on your Pixel, such as TWRP, you can take that same OTA image .zip file and install it from there. The TWRP method allows you to install your monthly OTA update without relying on a computer.
Sideload the full system update yourself
Much like the manual OTA method, sideloading the full system image is possible for more advanced users. However, the main difference is that you can grab theboot.imgfile from the system image files after you update. You can patch theboot.imgfile usingMagiskto gain root access, which many power users are eager to do after a system update.
If your bootloader is locked, Google won’t let you install these updates using the system image method. As such, this option is only for the advanced users who already have their bootloader unlocked and ready to go — it’s not a recommended choice for the average Pixel customer.
If you want to update manually using a full system image, you can do the following:
Now you’ll need to drag and drop all the contents from the Pixel system image folder to theplatform-toolsfolder. Theplatform-toolsfolder has the required ADB and Fastboot executables, allowing you to send the proper commands over to your phone.
Once the files are in theplatform-toolsfolder, you can run theflash-allscript after that. It’ll automatically start installing the entire system update for you and reboot when it’s finished. Your device is now fully updated to the latest version and ready to go.
If you had root access before the update, now is the time to grab theboot.imgfile and patch it through Magisk.
As you can see, there’s no shortage of the various different ways you can revise your Pixel device. Should you prefer to let the system take care of itself or install the updates manually, choose the best method for your needs. Advanced users can take advantage of many options for greater control.
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