Download Android 7.0 N on a Nexus device
Android is the most popular operating system in the world, installed on millions – if not billions – of devices, from smartphones and tablets to smart appliances such as TVs and fridges.
So it's always exciting when a new version is released, and Google is busy working on Android 7,0 Nougat.
Update: Google has announced the Android 7.0's official name is Android Nougat.
At the Google IO 2016 event, Google announced that you can now sign up your device for the Android 7.0 N Beta Quality Release Candidate. To sign up go to the Android Beta website and select 'Enrol device'. You'll need to have a Google Nexus device to make use of this new version, however.
The current version of Android, Android 6.0 Marshmallow, hasn't even been out a year, and many Android owners are still waiting for it to become available for their devices. That hasn't stopped Google working on its follow-up, although Android 7.0 Nougat is still in its early stages.
But, even though it's still early days for Android 7.0 Nougat, you can still download and install it right now – although there are some caveats.
First, this is an early developer preview, which means it's not intended for regular smartphone owners, but rather app developers who want to make sure their products work with Android 7.0 Nougat. So although you can expect some of the latest features of Android 7.0 Nougat to work, such as bundled notifications and multi-window support, you should expect some bugs and errors as well.
If you want – or need – an Android device that works smoothly and reliably, then you should wait for the final release of Android 7.0 Nougat, which will hopefully be later this year.
The second important thing to remember about this early version of Android 7.0 Nougat is that it will currently only work with certain devices - such as Google's Pixel C tablet or a newer Nexus device: the Nexus 5X,Nexus 6P, Nexus 6, Nexus Player or Nexus 9.
Sony has also announced that you can try out Android 7.0 Nougat on its Xperia Z3 smartphone, but it hasn't yet announced when Android Nougat will be available for newer Xperia devices.
- Still waiting for Android 6.0? Here's how to download Android 6.0 Marshmallow right now
What to do before you download and install Android 7.0 Nougat
If you've got a Pixel C, a recent Nexus device, or a compatible version of the Xperia Z3 and you're certain you want to give this early version of Android 7.0 Nougat a try, then there are a few things you should do before you download and install it.
First of all, you should make sure you back up your device before you begin. The Android 7.0 Nougatdeveloper preview is likely to have some bugs in it, so if it doesn't work, or if Android 7.0 Nougatjust isn't for you, having a backup will enable you to revert back to your previous version of Android quickly and easily.
Ensure that your device's built-in back-up feature is enabled – to do this go to Settings > Backup & reset and make sure both 'Back up my data' and 'Automatic restore' are checked.
You can also back up your photos by plugging your Android device into a PC via USB, and then view the phone in Windows or Mac OS X , browse to the DCIM folder and copy it over.
To make sure absolutely everything is backed up, check out our comprehensive guide to backing up your Android device.
How to download Android 7.0 Nougat on a Nexus device
With your Android device backed up you can now download Android 7.0 N. Head over to the Android Nougat eveloper Preview web page for all the information about Android 7.0 Nougat developer preview.
This page shows you an overview of the various stages of the preview, giving you a good idea of what sorts of features and functionality you'll be getting, and when.
With Android 7.0 Nougat it's now easier than ever to get the developer preview on your compatible device via the Android Beta Program. Go to the Android Beta Program website, and sign in using your Google account.
Once you're signed in you'll see your eligible devices listed. To enrol a device in the beta program click the 'Enroll Device' button. Once your device is enrolled you'll get over-the-air updates to Android 7.0 Nougat, just as you would with regular OS updates.
You can also install the Android 7.0 Nougat update manually by downloading and installing the Android 7.0 system image. This is a more risky and complicated way of updating to Android 7.0 Nougat, and it also means you won't automatically get updates. If you're still keen on doing this, then follow Google's instructions onhow to flash your Nexus device.
Going back to an earlier version of Android
If you want to switch back to an earlier version of Android, then return to the Android Beta Program website and click 'Unenroll device'. An update will then appear on your smartphone or tablet, which when downloaded and installed will uninstall Android 7.0 Nougat and reinstall the latest stable public version of Android.
Be warned though: this will also wipe any user data from your device, so again make sure you back up your device first.
Download Android 7.0 on Sony Xperia Z3
Sony has announced that you can download the developer preview of Android 7.0 Nougat on a compatible Xperia Z3. There are currently two variants of the Xperia Z3 that can have the developer preview installed, so if your Xperia Z3 has the model number D6603 or D6653, then you'll be able to download and install the new version of Android.
Once you've confirmed that you have a compatible version of the Sony Xperia Z3, then the next step is to back up your data and files as we described on the previous page.
With your Xperia Z3 backed up, follow these steps to install Android 7.0 Nougat on the device.
1. Install the latest version of the Xperia Companion
You've probably noticed that when you have plugged in your Sony Xperia device into your PC or Mac a pop-up window appears asking if you want to install Sony's Xperia Companion software.
This program supposedly helps you transfer files two and from your PC and your smartphone, but it's not normally necessary - however you will need the latest version to install Android 7.0 Nougat on your Xperia Z3.
You can download the latest version of the Xperia Companion software from Sony's website.
2. Connect your Xperia Z3
Next, make sure your Xperia Z3 is powered on and then plug it in to a USB port on your PC or Mac. The Sony Xperia software should automatically launch when your computer recognises the smartphone.
3. Download and install Android 7.0 Nougat
Hold down the Alt key on your keyboard and click on 'Software repair', which is displayed on the home screen of the Xperia Companion software. A step-by-step guide will now take you through the process of downloading and installing Android 7.0 Nougat.
At some point you will be asked to disconnect your Xperia Z3 from your PC and then turn off your device. Once the Xperia Z3 has turned off, hold down the volume down key on the smartphone and plug it back into your computer.
Android 7.0 Nougat will now continue to install.
Going back to an earlier version of Android
If you want to switch back to an earlier version of Android, then reconnect your Xperia Z3 to your PC and launch the Xperia Companion program. Click on 'Software repair' and follow the instructions to reset your device - but remember that this will also wipe all of your data, so make sure you back up first.
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