The next version of Android Nougat is now available for beta testing.
Google has released a public beta of Android 7.1.2 Nougat, which means that early adopters who enrolled in the Android Beta Program can access the recent build.
A public beta is a work-in-progress build of Android 7.1.2 Nougat that is released before consumer rollout of the full version. The beta helps collect and incorporate feedback from users.
The final Android 7.1.2 Nougat software is expected to be available in the next few months. Those who have not yet enrolled in the Beta Program can still join. Once you do, you will receive over-the-air updates from Google.
Android 7.1.2 Nougat Device Compatibility
Only a select few devices are eligible for beta testing: Nexus Player, Nexus 5X, Pixel, Pixel C, and Pixel XL. To check whether your device is eligible, go to https://www.google.com/android/beta. The device you have signed into with your Google account will appear.
Google has confirmed that Nexus 6P will be included in the beta test, while Nexus 6 and Nexus 9 will not be included in the cut.
How to Install Android 7.1.2 Nougat on Your Phone
The same beta program for Android 7.1.2 Nougat was used for Android 7.0 and 7.1, so installing the recent build is quite simple.
Android Beta Program
1. If you have not yet enrolled in the Android Beta Program, visit https://android.com/beta to sign-up.
2. Log into your Google account when prompted.
3. Scroll down the page and you will see a list of your eligible devices. Click the 'Enroll Device' button to sign-up in the Beta Program.
4. Tick the box to agree to terms and conditions and tap 'Join beta.'
5. A message will pop up confirming that your device has been enrolled. You will receive an OTA update to the beta version. Click OK. Updates will arrive over the air.
If you have not received your update notification after 24 hours, check if you're connected to the internet, head to Settings, About, System updates and check for updates.
If you manually flashed Android on to your device, you will not receive OTA updates. You will need to manually install Android N on your device. This is a traditional way of getting the build.
System Image/Manual Flashing Route
Download the system images from Google. Visit https://developers.google.com/android/images to get the binary image files. It will be a fresh install and all the previous files on your device will be erased.
Opt-Out of a Beta Test and Return to Public Release
You may opt-out of the beta program anytime to return to the public version of Android. Before you do so, however, you must backup all your Android data. Any data not backed up will be wiped.
