Affiliate links on Android Authority may earn us a commission.Learn more.
How to install Android 11 — a step by step guide
June 25, 2025
Android 11has been making its way to devices since last year and it continues to reach new handsets. We have acomprehensive trackerthat will tell you if your phone has it, or when it will get the update. But if you want to speed things up, you’re able to also install Android 11 manually.
For most users, the easiest and most practical method for installing Android 11 is to just wait for an OTA update, which we can confirm has already begun rolling out for some users. You can check for updates by going toSettings> System> System Update. Your phone will take you to a new window with aCheck for updatebutton.
It’s probably better not to manually upgrade, but there are reasons you might want to wipe it all clean — such as if your phone was already having software issues, or you’ve just accumulated a lot of bloat using your phone and you want to start all over. If that sounds like you, keep reading for a guide on how to install Android 11.
Also:Android 11 review
Editor’s note:Keep in mind this guide is specific to Pixel devices. The process will be different (and likely much more complex) for non-Google devices.
Here’s what you need to get started
Now for the actual steps.
Download the proper files to install Android 11
You must download the proper file for your device before you get started. We recommend usingOTA imagesover factory images, as the process is easier to do and allows you to keep old files if that’s something you’re interested in.
Clickhere to grab the OTA imagefor your specific Pixel device. It’s also possible to use the full factory images (here), though that requires extra hoops like unlocking your bootloader and more. So if you want to keep things simple, we recommend sideloading the OTA, and we designed our directions below for this install type.
Prepare your phone
Once you’ve installed the file, you need to reboot your phone into Recovery Mode in order to apply the OTA. You’re ready to install Android 11!
Prepare your PC to install Android 11
Now that you’re phone is ready, it’s time to make the magic happen.
That’s it. If everything went okay, you were able to install Android 11 successfully.
Thank you for being part of our community. Read ourComment Policybefore posting.
