Google has surprised Pixel smartphone users by rolling out Android 13 stable update, specially for Pixel 6a within a month of its official launch. The following Pixel phones will receive users the Android 13 update:
- Pixel 4 and 4 XL
- Pixel 4a and 4a (5G)
- Pixel 5 and 5a
- Pixel 6 and 6 Pro
- Pixel 6a
The Android 13 features and changelog can be found at official website. Though installing Android 13 update over the air (OTA) doesn't require a full reset of data but it is recommended to backup the data before installing the update.
After launching Pixel 4a long back Google has now launched Pixel 6a in India region which is also getting the Android 13 update.
Caution
Once you install Android 13 update on your Pixel device it is not possible to downgrade or rollback to Android 12 and below version. We found a warning message on Android website as below:
The Android 13 update for Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, and the Pixel 6a contains a bootloader update that increments the anti-roll back version. After flashing an Android 13 build on these devices you will not be able to flash older Android 12 builds.
How to get Android 13 update without waiting in queue?
Generally Android 13 update is pushed region wise and devices are generally queued by the system to receive the update. But if you are eagerly waiting to try Android 13 on your device then follow below steps.
Note that this method will work only till Google releases the next Android 13 Beta update (most probably in September).
- Login into the Android Beta website from your Gmail account which is also configured in your Pixel device.
- On successful login you should be able to see your device under "Your eligible devices" section.
- Click on "Opt in" option to enroll your device in the Beta program.
- On your device got the Settings > System > System update option and check for the update.
- Download the update and install it only when your battery is above 40%. It will take sometime to install and optimize the device so be patient. In the meantime you can still work with the applications.
- Upon successful installation head towards the Android Beta website and opt out from the Beta program.
- If you do not opt out from Beta program then your device will receive the next Beta update probably in September and upon installing your device will be part of Beta program.
- Generally, it does not require full data reset post installing Android 13. But if you notice any performance issues then you may take a call.
Common issues observed in Android 13
- The registered fingerprints before update does not work for some users. Therefore, user will have to delete the existing fingerprint and register new one.
- Some users reported that new fingerprint is not getting added. In this case try enabling touch sensitivity from Settings > Display > Increase touch sensitivity option and try registering the fingerprint again. If you use a screen guard then this option may help.
- For Google Fi users, the RCS is not connecting.
- UI freeze in rare scenarios.
Curious case of fingerprint on Pixel 6a
Many Pixel 6a users have reported issues with fingerprint which has got worse after Android 13 update. Some users have reported that moisturizing the finger helps to register or unlock phone without a miss. It seems that Google has made some changes in their touch sensitivity module in Android 13 which is affecting Pixel 6a. Also, its important to note that fingerprint sensor for Pixel 6a has been sourced from different vendor than Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. Though Google hasn't acknowledge fingerprint issues till now publicly we are hopeful that Google will soon release a bugfix to address the issue.
The fingerprint scanner issue in Pixel 6a smartphone is finally fixed by Google. Please refer to this post for more information.
