The Android Q Developer Beta 2 has been released, and many hardcore Android fans from all over the world are looking forward to the release of the new update. It is thought that Android Q is one of the most important Android updates in the recent years, coming with a selection of new features, among which we can count the addition of a Dark Mode, Live captions for voiced content, support for foldable devices and 5G and a major focus on strategy.
Google Pixel smartphones and other premium devices will be the first to receive the Android Q update, but other users will have to wait until the OEM release their versions. Those who enjoy the vanilla Android experience and don’t have the patience to wait until an official update is released will have the option to update their device manually with the help of a Generic System Image.
Android Q GSI is a part of Project Treble, Google’s plan to increase the speed at which major updates arrive on smartphones. Devices which are included in Project Treble can run a generic system image of the stock AOSP Android without problems.
How to install Android Q GSI on your smartphone
Here’s what you need:
- A device which came with Android Pie pre-installed and is compatible with Project Treble. An unlocked bootloader is also necessary.
- Go to Developer options and Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking.
- A PC with a functional Fastboot connection, with ADB and Fastboot drivers, updated to the latest version.
- Backup sensitive data and charge your device at least 75%.
Download the Android Q GSI from the official website. The ARM64 version should work on most devices. If you also want the latest Google apps to opt for the ARM64+GMS GSI. Extract the archive, and you are got to go.
How to install Android Q GSI:
- Connect your device with a USB cable. Initialize the ADB command prompt or terminal prompt and reboot the device into Fastboot mode. They can be launched from the platform-tools folder. First-time users will have to grant debugging permissions to ADB on the computer and smartphone before they can continue.
- Copy the images files to the platform-tools folder.
- Enter the following commands. Wait until the previous task is completed and then enter the new command.
- Fastboot flash vbmeta vbmeta.img
- Fastboot erase system
- Fastboot flash system.img
- Fastboot –w
- Remove the cable from your device and press and hold the power button to reboot it.
Do keep in mind that this is a beta version of the Android Q GSI program, and you may encounter several errors. It is not recommended for daily use, but it will allow you to take explore the new features before a stable version is available.
Daniel Kiss is the senior editor for News Lair. Daniel was working as a writer since he finished high-school, first for local papers then he started online, nowadays he likes to write about the latest games and tech innovations.