So why does it have an older OS? Well, at the time of writing, Android 13 is still in the beta stage, so there’s not much sense to incorporate an unstable OS onto a device. But as soon as the stable version is out, your device will be the first in line to get blessed with the same. However, if that time frame is way too long, then you could welcome the latest OS via the Generic System Image right away. And in this guide, we will show you how to do just that. Given here are the detailed steps to install the Android 13 GSI ROM and the official beta builds on your Google Pixel 6A.
How to Install Official Android 13 on Pixel 6A
From this section, you will be able to grab hold of all the Android 13 firmware [beta and stable] for your Pixel 6A device.
Download Android 13 Beta 4.1
The first beta build for Google Pixel 6A [titled Beta 4.1, in line with other Pixel devices] is now available to download. With the version number TPB4.220624.008.A2, the strange thing to note is that the Security patch update still shows June 1, 2022 [you could verify it from the System update screen and Security Hub]. With that said, you may now grab the firmware from below and start off with the flashing process-
Install Android 13 Beta 4.1 on Pixel 6A via Android Flash Tool
If you are looking for an automated method to get the job done- then don’t think twice before opting for this method. Among all the there methods, it requires a minimal degree of technical know-how.
Install Android 13 Beta 4.1 on Pixel 6A via ADB Sideload
While the flashing is automated, but you will have to manually checkmark a few prerequisites before starting off with the flashing process. It requires a relatively high degree of technical knowledge, such as booting the device to recovery mode.
Install Android 13 Beta 4.1 on Pixel 6A via Fastboot Commands
This is the completely manual method of flashing the firmware and is mostly aimed at tech enthusiasts. It also requires an unlocked bootloader. And as you might have guessed, it is the process with the most technical jargon involved.
How to Install Android 13 GSI ROM on Pixel 6A
The below instructions are listed under separate sections for ease of understanding. Make sure to follow the same sequence as mentioned. Droidwin and its members wouldn’t be held responsible in case of a thermonuclear war, your alarm doesn’t wake you up, or if anything happens to your device and data by performing the below steps.
STEP 1: Install Android SDK
First and foremost, you will have to install the Android SDK Platform Tools on your PC. This is the official ADB and Fastboot binary provided by Google and is the only recommended one. So download it and then extract it to any convenient location on your PC. Doing so will give you the platform-tools folder, which will be used throughout this guide to install Android 13 GSI on your Pixel 6A.
STEP 2: Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking
Next up, you will also have to enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking on your device. The former will make your device recognizable by the PC in ADB mode. This will then allow you to boot your device to Fastboot Mode. On the other hand, OEM Unlocking is required to carry out the bootloader unlocking process.
So head over to Settings > About Phone > Tap on Build Number 7 times > Go back to Settings > System > Advanced > Developer Options > Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking.
STEP 3: Unlock Bootloader on Pixel 6A
Next up, you will also have to unlock the device’s bootloader. Do keep in mind that doing so will wipe off all the data from your device and could nullify its warranty as well. So if that’s all well and good, then please refer to our detailed guide on How to Unlock the Bootloader on Google Pixel 6A.
STEP 4: Download Android 13 GSI ROM
Now download the Android 13 GSI for your Pixel 6A from the below link. Once you have downloaded it, extract it inside the platform-tools folder on your PC. Make sure you have both the system.img and vbmeta.img files.
STEP 5: Boot Pixel 6A FastbootD Mode
STEP 6: Install Android 13 GSI on Pixel 6A
That’s it. These were the steps to install the Android 13 GSI ROM on your Google Pixel 6A. If you have any queries concerning the aforementioned steps, do let us know in the comments. We will get back to you with a solution at the earliest. If your Pixel 6A gets stuck in a bootloop after flashing the GSI ROM, then fret not. You could easily rectify this issue and bring your device back to life using one of the below-given workarounds. But before starting, make sure to force reboot the device to Fastboot Mode.
First off, retry the entire flashing process, but this time around, do not flash the vmbeta file. In other words, do not use the “fastboot –disable-verity –disable-verification flash vbmeta vbmeta.img” command listed in STEP 6 and instead start from the next command [which is “fastboot erase system”].If you are still facing any issues, then you will have to flash the stock firmware via Fastboot Commands. For that, please check out our guide on Unbrick Google Pixel 6A via Fastboot Commands [Fix Bootloop & Brick].
Root Google Pixel 6A via Magisk Patched Boot.imgFlash Stock Firmware on Pixel 6A via Fastboot CommandsUnbrick Google Pixel 6A via Fastboot Commands [Fix Bootloop & Brick]Device not booting after flashing GSI: How to Fix
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