How to Download and Install Android 10

Ready to take the latest Android operating system for a spin? Here's how to back up your device and download the update.

Android 10, formerly codenamed Android Q, is now available on Google's lineup of Pixel phones and the Essential phone; OnePlus 7 or 7 Pro owners can also take advantage of an open beta to get early access. For everyone else, it'll take weeks and months for Google's latest mobile OS to roll out to the entire fragmented landscape of Android devices.

If you'd rather not wait, see if your device is eligible to download the beta version. If you're a Pixel device owner, here's how to download the update right now.

First Thing's First: Back Up Your Device

Before you upgrade to Android 10, make sure you back up all the data on your phone to Google Drive first. There are always bugs in the transition from the developer beta to a wide release, so it's best to be safe in case things go very wrong during the installation process. Furthermore, if you want to return to using a previous version of Android, you'll wipe all your data in the process.

Back everything up now to avoid a later disaster.

We used a Pixel device, but it may work a little differently depending on your phone. Navigate to Settings > System > Advanced > Backup and make sure the Back up to Google Drive feature is switched to the on position.

Determine which items you wish to back up—app data, call history, contacts, device settings, and text messages—then tap Back up now to save your data in the cloud. Now if Android 10 acts up and you need to reset your phone, all the important data will be preserved.

Download the Update

To download the update on your Pixel or another Android phone, go to Settings > System > Advanced > System updates to manually check if you have any updates available. When the update arrives, tap the message and initiate the download. It will take several minutes for the beta to fully download, so be patient.

That's it! Once the download and installation are complete, restart your phone to start playing around with Android 10.