After several developer betas, leaks, rumors, demos and what not Google has finally released Android Oreo 8.0 to the general public on 21st August 2017 for everyone including the OEMs, Nexus, and Pixel devices. If you have a Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Pixel C, Google Pixel/XL or a Nexus Player, and want to experience the latest features of Android Oreo, then the official images are published on Google Web site. To get it installed right away on your device, you will have to flash the image. I may warn you about your data. You are recommended to backup all the device to an external device like PC. Also, try this at your own risk.
Prerequisites :
- A compatible phone.
- A working USB Cable for the phone.
- Android SDK installed on a Computer with ADB and Fastboot in working condition.
- The factory image downloaded from Google’s Website for the phone.
- An archive reader/ extractor like 7-Zip or WinRAR.
- Unlocked bootloader (This erases all the data on the device).
How to unlock my bootloader :
- Turn developer options on Go to About Phone and type multiple times on build number to open developer options.
- Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlock your device from Developer options.
- Plug in the device.
- Open Command Prompt or CMD on your PC.
- Boot your phone into bootloader by typing this in CMD: ADB reboot bootloader
- Once, the device is booted to bootloader, type: fast boot flashing unlocks.
- If you have a Pixel device, press Vol Up to select Yes.
- Once unlocked type fast boot reboot in cmd.
- Now, the device will reboot and go to a factory reset.
How to Install Android Oreo update:
- Boot to the bootloader again and connect your phone.
- Type fast boot devices in cmd to check if the device is working properly in sync with PC.
- Next, it’s time to prepare the factory image you downloaded earlier. On your computer, use 7zip to extract the .tgz file you downloaded. Use 7zip a second time to extract the .tar file you extracted from the .tgz. When you’re done, you should have a folder with several files in it.
- Copy all the extracted files in the platform-tools folder in Android SDK folder. This folder is a part of the Program Files (x86)folder.
- Run the files with gear logo that says “Windows Batch File” on the right.
- Now, this starts the flashing process, do not unplug the device.
- Once done, the phone will automatically boot into Android Oreo with the new boot animation, and the device can be disconnected now.
Please note that you will still get future updates OTA if you follow this process.
