Pixel 6 Upgraded: Android 13 was just released for Google’s Pixel smartphones, and you can install it by checking for updates. If you have a Google Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, or Pixel 6a, you can’t roll back to Android 12 after updating. This means Android 13 is permanent.
On Android 13 factory images page, it says:
“The Android 13 update for Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, and Pixel 6a increases the anti-rollback version. After flashing Android 13, older Android 12 builds won’t work.
Xiaomi has used similar anti-rollback mechanisms in the past. Xiaomi implemented anti-rollback protection via software update on the Redmi Note 5. Users who downgraded without caution bricked their phones.
If you’re in the Android 13 beta test group and want to exit accelerated updates without wiping your device, now is the time. After updating to the latest version of Android, unenroll from Google’s beta site. If you stay in the beta group, you’ll get early access to Android 13 test builds.
Android 13 has new customization tools and a permission to reduce notifications. Currently, only Pixels are getting the update, but Samsung and OnePlus should get it later this year.
If you update your Pixel 6 to Android 13, you can’t go back to Android 12. The update installation confirmed this. We believe this only affects Pixel 6, 6 Pro, and 6a, so other Pixel devices should be safe.
You can’t go back to Android 12, but there’s no reason to. If you have concern about a bug or an annoying feature, don’t update.