What is Android Canary and How to Install it on your Device
Well, this came as a surprise. Google has just launched the new Android Canary build for Pixel devices. But what exactly is this, and how can you install it onto your device? Let’s find out.
- What is Android Canary?
- What’s New in Android Canary?
- How to Install Android Canary
What is Android Canary?
Android Canary replaces the traditional Developer Preview builds and gives you the option to interact with the most up-to-date and pre-release Android APIs and potential upcoming behavior changes. So, what will be the update cycle? Well, Google hasn’t said anything about it, it can be bi-weekly, monthly, or even nightly builds [does this ring a bell, CyanogenMod users?]
What’s New in Android Canary?
At the time of writing, Google has released the first Android Canary update. Its version number is ZP11.250606.010.A1 and the launch date is July 10, 2025. It comes with the following tweaks and changes:
- You can now remove the AI Mode from the Pixel Launcher search bar. This can be done by launching the Google App > going to Profile menu > Settings > “Customize Pixel Search Box” > Turning off the AI Mode toggle.
- Colorful At a Glance weather icon makes its comeback [in the initial Android 16 builds, it was all white].
- User widget returns.
- Parental Controls has its own section now. It’s no longer under ‘Digital Wellbeing’.
- The new Low Light Mode in Screensaver replaces When to show: While charging”.
- Enhanced HDR brightness [you can access it from Settings > Display and Touch].
- New Now Playing lockscreen shortcut. Access it by long-pressing on the lock screen and selecting Customize Lockscreen > Swipe Down > Select Shortcuts > Now Playing.
How to Install Android Canary
As of now, Google hasn’t released any factory image for this build. So the only way to install Android Canary is via the Android Flash Tool . You may refer to the linked guide to know the installation steps. However, according to Google, “You should expect issues and breaking changes; these cutting-edge builds won’t be the best choice to use as a primary or only device”. So it’s not recommended to install it on your main device as the build might have some bugs and performance issues. So, take a backup beforehand and exercise caution before flashing it.
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