(Credit: Eric Zeman / Google)
Last month, Google offered a deeper dive into Android 17 during The Android Show, but it saved some of the best features for Google I/O.
A stable version of the mobile OS is expected this summer, but you may be able to test drive new features today. If you have an eligible phone, you can try them out now by installing the Android 17 beta. It's not as stable as the final release (you might want to install it on an extra Android device), but the new 4.1 beta fixes a few bugs and will give you an early look at what's next for Android.
Here's what features you can test in the beta, which phones can try it out, and how to get it.
What's Included in the Android 17 Beta?
Google dropped Android 17 beta 4.1 on June 1. Perhaps the biggest new feature on tap is Google's own version of Apple's Handoff. Called Continue On for Android devices, this will allow you to essentially "hand off" tasks from your phone to another device. To start, it will work with Chrome and Docs and will only support mobile-to-tablet device transitions, but functionality should expand at a later date.
(Credit: Google)Of course, you can also expect a lot of new AI-related features. At some point this summer, Gemini Intelligence will help Galaxy S26 or Google Pixel 10 owners automate certain tasks, such as automatically ordering a rideshare (support for more handsets coming later). It will also add Gemini functionality to Chrome and Android's Autofill feature.
Other additions include a new built-in recording mode called Screen Reactions, which allows you to capture your screen and the front-facing camera. The new Pause Point digital wellbeing feature is meant to help users rethink doomscrolling. When you open an app that you've labeled as distracting, it will ask you to reconsider. You can also set a usage timer.
(Credit: Google)In iOS 26.3, Apple made it much easier to transfer your data to an Android device. Now, in Android 17, Google has returned the favor by allowing you to export data to an iPhone. Android Auto will also be fully redesigned, and Quick Share compatibility has been expanded.
Android 17 also has a lot to add on the security front. A new anti-spoofing feature will run a scammer's number against your bank apps to ensure the call is legitimate. Chrome's Safe Browsing feature will also analyze Android Package Kits (APKs) you download to ensure they don't contain malware. The update will also make it more difficult for thieves to get into your phone by requiring a PIN or passcode along with biometrics. Lastly, a new location permission feature will allow you to grant temporary, precise location permission to apps on a one-time basis.
(Credit: Google)Which Phones Can Install the Android 17 Beta?
Google has made the Android 17 beta available to a wide swath of phones, though you're limited by the manufacturer. While every Pixel phone released since 2021 can run the beta, Samsung phones are not compatible.
Phones That Support Android 17 Betas:
- Pixel 6, 6 Pro, and 6a
- Pixel 7, 7 Pro, and 7a
- Pixel Tablet
- Pixel Fold
- Pixel 8, 8 Pro, 8a
- Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold, 9a
- Pixel 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL, 10 Pro Fold, 10a
How to Install the Android 17 Beta
The easiest way to install the beta is to open the Android beta for Pixel web page while signed in to the Google account associated with your phone.
Scroll down to the Devices section, locate the phone you want to enroll in the beta, and then click Opt In. The update may not be automatic, but make sure you're connected to the internet. It should come through on your phone, ready to install. You can also check manually under Settings > System > System update.
Just remember that if you decide to unenroll from the beta, you'll need to wipe your phone to complete the process. When Android 17 fully rolls out to everyone, you'll be able to unenroll without deleting everything.