What the R Android Beta Was and How to Join an Android Beta Safely
"Android R" was Google’s internal name for Android 11, and the R Android beta was the public test program Google ran before Android 11’s stable release in September 2020. That beta is long over, but Google still runs the same kind of program today for newer Android versions. This guide explains what the Android R beta was, how it worked, and how to join a current Android beta safely.
What was the Android R beta?
Google names each Android version with an internal letter. Android 10 was Q, Android 11 was R, and Android 12 was S. For Android 11, Google released developer previews starting on February 19, 2020, followed by the first public beta on June 10, 2020. The stable Android 11 release arrived on September 8, 2020. Its internal dessert code name was Red Velvet Cake, although Google no longer used dessert names in public by then.
Which phones could join the Android R beta?
The Android 11 beta was available on Google Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL, Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL, Pixel 3a, Pixel 3a XL, Pixel 4, and Pixel 4 XL. Pixel owners enrolled through the Android Beta Program website and received the beta as an over-the-air update. Some other manufacturers also offered their own Android 11 developer builds for selected models.
What did the Android R beta introduce?
The beta previewed the main Android 11 features: a dedicated Conversations section in the notification shade, chat bubbles, built-in screen recording, one-time permissions for location, camera, and microphone, automatic permission reset for unused apps, a new media player in Quick Settings, and a power menu with smart home controls. Testers could try these features months before the stable release.
Can I still join the Android R beta?
No. The Android 11 beta ended when the stable release came out in September 2020, and Android 11 is now several versions old. If you want early access to new Android features, you can join the current Android Beta Program for Pixel, which gives you quarterly platform updates and previews of upcoming versions before they ship to everyone.
How do I join a current Android beta safely?
- Back up your phone with Google One backup and make sure your photos are synced.
- Check that you have a supported Pixel phone. Google lists eligible models on the Android Beta Program page.
- Visit the Android Beta Program website, sign in with the Google account on your phone, and enroll your device.
- Open Settings > System > Software updates > System update on your Pixel and install the beta update.
- Use the Android Beta Feedback app to report bugs.
Do not install a beta on a phone you depend on for work, banking, or other critical tasks. Beta builds can have bugs, and some banking or payment apps may not work on them.
How do I leave the Android beta?
To leave, return to the Android Beta Program website and opt out your device. If you leave while running a beta that is newer than the latest stable release, your phone receives a downgrade update that erases all data, so back up first. If you wait until the next stable release reaches your phone and then opt out, you can usually leave without a wipe.
Conclusion
The R Android beta was the public test of Android 11 in 2020, open to Pixel 2 through Pixel 4 owners. It is no longer available, but the Android Beta Program still lets Pixel owners try upcoming Android releases early. Back up your phone, use a secondary device if you can, and plan your exit so you don’t lose data.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the "R" in Android R stand for?
It is the internal letter for Android 11. Google assigns letters in alphabetical order, so Android 11 was R, after Android 10 (Q).
Is the Android beta available for Samsung or other brands?
Google’s Android Beta Program is for Pixel phones. Some brands, such as Samsung with its One UI beta, run their own programs for selected models and regions.
Will joining a beta erase my data?
Joining a beta does not erase data. Leaving early to go back to a stable version usually does, so back up first.