Android 17 Beta 1 Is Live — Here’s How to Install It on Pixel

Google has officially opened the Android 17 beta cycle, and Pixel users are once again first in line. If you like testing new Android versions early, this is the fastest way to get hands-on with what’s coming next — months before the stable release.

Android 17 Beta 1 focuses less on flashy features and more on platform readiness. The emphasis this time is performance, media support, and better behavior across different screen sizes. For developers and power users, this is where real testing begins.

Below is a clean, step-by-step breakdown of how to install Android 17 Beta 1 on a Pixel device, whether you’re already on a beta build or running stable Android.

What Android 17 Beta 1 brings

This first beta is built to stabilize the foundation for the Android 17 cycle. Key areas being tested include:

• Core performance and system efficiency improvements
• Support for the VVC (Versatile Video Coding) codec on supported hardware
• Better handling of foldables, tablets, and multi-posture devices
• Early platform behavior changes that affect apps and battery usage

This is not a cosmetic update. It’s aimed at smoothing out the system before feature-heavy betas arrive later.

If your Pixel is already on the Android 16 beta

If your device is currently enrolled in the Android 16 beta program, upgrading is straightforward. Android 17 Beta 1 arrives as a regular over-the-air update.

Steps to check and install:

• Open Settings
• Scroll down and tap System
• Tap Software updates
• Select System update
• Tap Check for updates

If Android 17 Beta 1 is available, it will appear within seconds. Follow the on-screen instructions to download and install. Once complete, your device will reboot running the first Android 17 beta.

No re-enrollment or extra steps required.

If your Pixel is on stable Android

If you’re running a stable public release, you’ll need to enroll your Pixel in Google’s Android Beta Program before the update appears.

Here’s how to opt in:

• Open a browser and go to google.com/android/beta
• Sign in with the Google account used on your Pixel
• Scroll to Your eligible devices
• Find your Pixel and tap Opt in
• Review the terms and confirm enrollment

Once enrolled, the update process is the same as any other OTA:

• Go to Settings
• Tap System
• Open Software updates
• Select System update
• Tap Check for updates

The Android 17 Beta 1 update may not appear instantly. In some cases, it can take a few hours after enrollment. If it doesn’t show up right away, check again later.

Important things to know before installing

Android beta builds are meant for testing, not daily reliability. Before installing, keep this in mind:

• Some apps may not behave correctly
• Battery life and thermals can vary
• Rolling back to stable usually requires a full device wipe

If your Pixel is your primary phone, consider waiting for later beta releases.

Why this beta matters

Android 17 Beta 1 gives early access to system-level changes that will define how apps behave in 2026. Installing it early helps developers test compatibility and lets advanced users understand where Android is heading before features are locked in.

This is the stage where feedback actually shapes the final release.