Google Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL both are now receiving Android 10 stable update. To install the new factory image immediately, this article explains exactly how. After successful Beta testing, Google has finally started to push Android 10 on all devices. Further, the brand has also decided that it will now have version number as the name rather than giving titles inspired from desserts. So, Android 10 is the complete name for Android Q. If you are looking to manually update your Google Pixel 3a or Pixel 3a XL, read ahead for the complete procedure that even works with phones that have been rooted, are running custom ROMs or other modifications.
Right before we begin, do make sure you have a complete backup of all your phone data as a new firmware install might lead to a factory reset. Further, for major upgrades such as this, we recommend you start fresh and do the factory reset yourself even if the update doesn’t initiates it. Lastly, it is recommended that you read the whole guide first before implementing it in order to get a better grasp on the procedure.
Disclaimer: All the custom ROMs and firmware, official software updates, tools, mods or anything mentioned in the tutorial belong to their respective owners/developers. We (TeamAndroid.com) or the developers are not to be held responsible if you damage or brick your device. We don’t have you on gun point to try out this tutorial 😉
Google Pixel 3a / Pixel 3a XL Android 10 Factory Image Details:
An annual version release such as this carries various major changes. Starting from UI refinements, the new version should also include performance improvements and various new features. Here is a brief rundown as what is new:
- Dark Theme (System wide Dark Mode)
- Project Mainline (Updates through Play Store)
- Users will have more control over location / GPS
- Improved privacy protections in Android 10
- Support for fold-able and innovative new screens
- Sharing Shortcuts, Settings Panels and a lot more!
To read more about the full announcements in Android 10, make sure you read our post.
Google Pixel 3a / Pixel 3a XL USB Drivers
You will need to connect the Google Pixel 3a or Pixel 3a XL with the computer – Windows, Mac or Linux. For that, please make sure you have installed the correct USB drivers for these phones properly. If not, you can download the latest official drivers from our Android USB Drivers section here:
Download Google Pixel 3a / Pixel 3a XL USB drivers!
All set and ready? Good. You can now continue reading below and update your Google Pixel 3a / Pixel 3a XL to Android 10 factory image.
Install Android 10 on Google Pixel 3a / Pixel 3a XL Using Official Factory Image
We have put together a detailed step-by-step instructions guide on how to install Android 10 official firmware on Google Pixel 3a / Pixel 3a XL using the factory image provided by Google. This tutorial is for beginners who are not used to playing around with official factory images by Google on the Pixel phones.
Please make sure your phone fulfills all the requirements and you read the entire tutorial once before actually performing it on your device.
Disclaimer: Try this on your own risk. We are not responsible if you mess up with your Google Pixel.
Just To Remember:
- This tutorial is only for Google Pixel 3a and Google Pixel 3a XL phones.
- Your phone can be on any previous Android version or even on a custom ROM. It doesn’t matter at all. This tutorial will still work for installing Android 10.
- Enjoy Android 10 on your device and let us know your review about it!
NOTE: Installing Android 10 factory image will WIPE / DELETE / ERASE everything from your phone even if your bootloader is still locked or already unlocked. Please make sure you have a backup of all the data. Read: How to Backup Android Apps and Other Data.
Complete Step-By-Step Instructions:
Step 1 – Download Android 10 factory image for your Pixel 3a or Pixel 3a XL on your PC, if you haven’t already.
- sargo-qp1a.190711.020-factory-afb4dbc1.zip – Google Pixel 3a
- bonito-qp1a.190711.020-factory-1f47c677.zip – Google Pixel 3a XL
Step 2 – Connect your Google Pixel 3a / Pixel 3a XL to your computer using the USB cable.
Step 3 – Please make sure Fastboot is configured and properly installed on your computer. How? See here: How to Set Up ADB and Fastboot with Android SDK.
Step 4 – Turn OFF your phone.
Step 5 – Get into the Fastboot / Bootloader Mode on your phone. Turn ON the phone while pressing and holding the Volume Up + Volume Down + Power buttons till you see the Fastboot menu and START on top.
Step 6 – Now extract the downloaded file anywhere in your computer. Go to the folder sargo-qp1a or bonito-qp1a and then copy/paste all the files to your Fastboot directory.
Note: If you followed our tutorial on setting up Fastboot on your computer, there is a 99% chance your Fastboot directory will be the platform-tools folder in your Android SDK directory.
Step 7 – From the factory image files in your Fastboot directory, do the following depending which OS you are on:
- On Windows: Run the file “flash-all.bat”.
- On Mac: Run the file “flash-all.sh” using Terminal.
- On Linux: Run the file “flash-all.sh”.
Step 8 – That’s pretty much that you had to do for flashing the Android 10 factory image on your Google Pixel 3a / Pixel 3a XL. Now wait and watch as the process is completed — or follow the on-screen instructions on your phone if in case you have to unlock the bootloader.
Step 9 – After the installation completes, the phone will boot now and it might take about 5 minutes to boot on your first time. So, please wait with patience!
That’s it! Your Google Pixel phone should now have the official Android 10 official software update installed on your phone using the stock factory image from Google! Go to Settings > About phone to verify.
Backup and Other Important Tips
Please take a look at the following tips and important points you need to take care of. These are important, as we don’t want anyone losing their personal data or apps.
Always backup your important data that you might need after you install a new custom ROM, an official software update or anything else. Make a backup for just in case, you never know when anything might go wrong. Read: How to Backup Android Apps, Text Messages, WhatsApp, Call History.
If you already have a custom recovery (ClockworkMod, TWRP etc.) installed on your phone, we strongly recommend a backup using that as it creates a complete image of your existing phone set up. [Tutorial: How to Backup Android Phone using TWRP]
A few more optional tips that you should remember:
1. Having problems connecting your Android phone to the computer? You need to enable USB debugging mode. See here: How to Enable USB Debugging — for Gingerbread, Ice Cream Sandwich, Jelly Bean, KitKat, Lollipop, Marshmallow, Nougat and Oreo.
2. Make sure your Android device is charged up to 80-85% battery level. This might help you: How to Check Battery Percentage. Why? Because, if your phone goes off suddenly while installing a custom ROM, flashing an official firmware update or installing mods etc. — your phone might get bricked or go dead permanently. No one wants that, right?
3. Most of the tutorials and how-to guides on Team Android are for factory unlocked Android phones and tablets. We recommend not to try our guides if your phone is locked to a carrier, unless we have specified the carrier name or device model.
Have fun playing with the new Android 10 firmware. All the instructions are clearly given above, but if you have any issues, please let us know through Facebook or Twitter!
