Pixel April Android 9 Pie Update: What to Know

Just as expected, Google’s Pixel Android 9 Pie update for the month of April is now available. This software delivers some important changes, bug fixes and improvements for multiple phones. Here’s what Pixel owners need to know, what to expect, what’s changing and how to get the update right now.

Each month Google releases new software to improve security, patch exploits and fix any lingering issues. And while every device will benefit from this round of updates, there are some specific Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL improvements in April.

Essentially, your Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL, Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL will get an update this week with the latest and greatest Android 9 Pie software. This month we’re getting a few security enhancements, stability changes, and multiple critical security patches. Here are all the details.

Supported Devices

• Pixel and Pixel XL (all Android 9)
• Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL
• Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL
• Pixel C Tablet (missing for now)

Before we begin it’s worth noting that the Pixel C isn’t in this round of updates, which is a first. There’s a chance it could arrive later this week. However, it’s highly likely the Pixel C is reaching end of life, and may not get updates as frequent as it once did.

April Android Pie Update for Pixel Devices

Google released this new software on Monday, April 1st, and it’s not an April Fools joke. You can get it right this moment. Expect an over-the-air update notification today, tomorrow, or you can manually check in settings.

Google shared more info about the changes on the Android security bulletin, and device-specific info at the Pixel security bulletin page.

• Improves Voice-Unlocking performance for Google Assistant
• Adjust Wi-Fi connectivity during eSIM activation on certain carriers
• Improves Bluetooth connectivity on Pixel devices
• Removes screen flash when ambient display wakes for some Pixel 3 devices

The most noteworthy changes are, again, Bluetooth performance improvements, as well as a fix for the always-on display flashing problem we keep hearing about from Pixel users. Essentially, this is an update you’ll WANT to accept and install as soon as you can.

Download the April Pixel Pie Update

If you’d like to get this newest version of Android for your Pixel device now, instead of waiting, you can download or flash it from the links below. That said, we’re already seeing the update hit most devices, so we recommend waiting for the OTA instead of manually downloading the files.

1. Download Factory Images
2. Grab OTA Update Files

When Will I Get the Update?

Once the announcements go online these updates typically arrive instantly, or within 24-48 hours. I already received it on my Pixel 3, while my bigger Pixel 3 XL is still waiting for its arrival. While you might not get it for a day or two, almost every user should see this arrive overnight or before the end of the week.

As usual, just go to Settings > System > System Update > Check for Updates to get it immediately. This pulls the update from Google’s servers to your phone. The entire process should take less than 10 minutes. From downloading to installing and rebooting the Pixel 3 XL on Android Pie. And in case you didn’t know, Google claims the “check for updates” button works these days.

Other Details & What’s Next for Your Pixel

Oddly enough, we’re not seeing anything about the Pixel C tablet, nor the older Nexus phones. In recent months Google ended support for the Nexus 5X and 6P, and now it looks like the Pixel C is reaching the end of its life too. What this means is that almost all upcoming and future updates will be for Pixel devices, and that’s about it.

That said, between all the improvements in February and March for the Pixel 3 XL, its camera and software lag, and now this update, the Pixel 3 XL running Android 9 Pie should be pretty stable right now. Then, you can expect Android Q in the near future to start this process over again.

As a reminder, only Google devices are getting this monthly update. Well, and the Essential Phone. Every other device is waiting for updates from its respective manufacturer, like Samsung. If you have a phone from Samsung, LG, Motorola, and more this doesn’t apply to you. Those devices are still slowly getting the Android 9 Pie updates.

In closing, get the latest April Android 9 Pie for your Pixel 1, 2, or Pixel 3 and let us know if it fixes your problems. Then, stay tuned for more details on Android Q in April and May.