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Android 12: How to download and install Google's new phone OS on Pixel

Android 12 is out and available for several phones. We'll tell you which, and how to get it.

Shelby Brown Editor II
Shelby Brown (she/her/hers) is an editor for CNET's services team. She covers tips and tricks for apps, operating systems and devices, as well as mobile gaming and Apple Arcade news. Shelby also oversees Tech Tips coverage. Before joining CNET, she covered app news for Download.com and served as a freelancer for Louisville.com.
Credentials
  • She received the Renau Writing Scholarship in 2016 from the University of Louisville's communication department.
Shelby Brown
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Android 12 is here. We'll tell you how to get started and what to know. 

Sarah Tew/CNET

Google released Android 12 Tuesday during its Pixel launch event. The new operating system includes several new features and changes, as well as new privacy tools. The most notable update is a new design that changes the entire look of Android, called Material You.

Below I'll walk you through the process of signing up Android 12 on your compatible device

Can I install Android 12 on my phone?

For now, you'll only be able to download Android 12 for select Pixel devices:

Android 12 will arrive on Samsung Galaxy, OnePlus, Oppo, Realme, Tecno, Vivo and Xiaomi smartphones later this year.

How do I download Android 12 on my Pixel phone?

Here are the steps I used to manually downloaded Android 12 on my Pixel 5 after yesterday's release:

1. Open the Settings app.

2. Scroll down and tap System.

3. Tap System Update.

4. Tap Check for Update or begin the Android 12 download if the option is available.

For more, check out all of Android 12's download details, compatibility, new features and more, as well as a first look at the Pixel 6.

Watch this: First impressions of the new Pixel 6 and 6 Pro

Jason Cipriani contributed to this article.