Android 16 QPR1 Beta 3.1 is now arriving on Pixel devices as a fix-focused release, with build number BP31.250610.009 and the july security patchIt doesn't introduce any major new features, but it does have one of the longest fix lists in recent months, designed to polish the system before the public release.
The update is available immediately for those who are part of the Android Beta Program for Pixel, both in OTA format and in factory images. Google is aiming for a rapid rollout, and if all goes according to plan, the move to the stable version should happen soon; keep in mind that if you have already updated to August stable patch, you won't be able to switch to this beta because of its July security level.
What's changing in this Beta 3.1
This is a version designed for improve stability and polish the experience, with fixes covering connectivity, interface, sensors, multimedia, and performance. In some cases, unexpected shutdowns and restarts affecting several models are addressed.
In addition to the OTA deployment, Google offers the factory images and OTA files for manual installation. On some devices, such as a Pixel 9Pro, the reported OTA package is around 65MB, although the size may vary depending on the model.
Supported devices and availability
Beta 3.1 is available for currently supported Pixel devices: Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a, Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 9 Pro Fold and Pixel 9a, plus Pixel Tablets y Pixel FoldIt's a broad range that covers everything from the 6 series to the 9 series, including foldable and tablet formats.
The main build is BP31.250610.009 for phones, with a variant BP31.250610.009.A1 specific for the Pixel TabletsThe OTA images are now live and the update should appear. via Settings > System > System Update at any time if you are enrolled in the beta program.
If your device runs a stable firmware with a post-patch level (August), it won't be possible to downgrade to this beta due to the security gap. In that case, the sensible thing to do is wait for the next stable release that integrates these fixes.
Highlighted fixes in the update
System stability and performance
- Wi-Fi-related reboots and instability, thanks to a tweak to how the system processes network statistics.
- Optimizing the Context Hub (low-power sensor component) to avoid excessive memory usage, losses and associated crashes.
- Solved unexpected reboots both during normal use and after installing system or OTA updates.
- Arrangement of a kernel crash of type "Unable to handle kernel paging request" linked to edgetpu_kci_release_vmbox (RG5/BD1A.250219.006).
- Solved a memory corruption bug in the handling of audio buffers that could cause call drops or hangs when changing the playback speed.
- It is corrected brief screen flicker when opening apps from the notification curtain.
- Improvements in multimedia resource management to avoid shutdowns when the phone is connected to the computer to transfer files.
- A case is settled in which the writing stopped working due to race conditions in internal processes of the input system.
- Fix for widgets that they did not load when searching for obsolete app files.
Interface, notifications and multimedia
- La bottom row of pinned apps and the search bar on the desktop no longer disappears after certain screen transitions.
- Notifications that are overlapped or left anomalous gaps The curtain has been polished by adjusting the logic of animations and cutouts.
- La status bar that appears in Quick Settings is no longer misaligned with the standard bar.
- El Media player the lock screen stops disappearing or staying frozen under certain circumstances.
- Player notification stops be cut or lost when rotating the device; it now sizes and updates better during interface transitions.
- The system cleans the system correctly. transient states of the system bars to avoid the appearance of black translucent bars after exiting full-screen apps.
Connectivity, calls and Bluetooth
- Solved Bluetooth crashes and instability derived from an “Unimplemented Packet Type” error.
- The video calls initiated from voice calls No longer lose sound when changing call types; the system now routes audio output correctly.
Sensors, unlocking and folding
- Unlocking stops getting stuck due to a blocking reading of the camera ambient light sensor (ALS); a non-blocking method is now used to retrieve data.
- On unfolded foldable devices, the interface of Quick settings no longer appears cropped or misaligned due to a miscalculated camera crop.
To update, if you are already in the beta program, go to Settings > System > System update and search for the OTA. Those who prefer to do it manually can use the factory or OTA images official and use Google flashing tool.
This batch of fixes, together with the july security patch, paves the way for the stable release. It focuses on addressing critical bugs reported by the community, without drastic interface changes.
Android 16 QPR1 Beta 3.1 represents a major overhaul for the Pixel: it reduces reboots, optimizes notifications and multimedia, fixes bugs in foldables and Bluetooth, and improves stability before the next stable release.
