Android 16 development is well underway, as Google has moved up its beta testing and release cycles for new Android versions. That means Android 16 has already achieved platform stability with the Beta 3 update, although it still isn’t perfect. Any Google Pixel 6 or newer smartphone can test out the Android 16 beta by participating in the Android Beta Program, but what if you want out?
Luckily, it’s possible to opt out of the Android Beta Program and uninstall the Android 16 beta if you have second thoughts. There are easy methods that completely erase your phone and one way to keep your data that requires a bit of patience. Let’s dive in.
All the ways you can uninstall the Android 16 beta
We always recommend users back up their device before installing the Android 16 beta, and there’s a key reason for that — it’s very inconvenient to uninstall the beta without erasing your data. The only way to uninstall the Android 16 beta is to wait for its official public release; all other methods require completely erasing your device. There are three options available:
Opt out of the Android Beta Program and wait for an over-the-air (OTA) update that erases your device, reverting it to the latest stable version.
Opt out of the Android Beta Program and wait for the stable version of the update you’re testing, which will be sent as an over-the-air (OTA) update — this option can take up to three to four months.
Install a stable version of Android using the Android Flash Tool or ADB — this involves sideloading, will erase ALL of your data, and is only recommended for advanced users.
