Google posts additional instructions for Pixel 6 owners that flashed Android 13

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1.5 in. x 5.5 in. x 96 in

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Getting Started

With Android 13, Google made it so that the Pixel 6, 6 Pro, and 6a cannot reinstall Android 12 in order to address a security issue. In addressing that vulnerability, another problem might arise, and Google has released instructions on how to avoid bricking your device if you flashed Android 13.

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What’s different with the Android 13 update for Pixel 6

A security vulnerability exists with the previous bootloader on the Pixel 6 series, and Android 13 makes it so that the vulnerable version associated with Android 12 cannot be reinstalled.

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Google on Thursday afternoon provided instructions on how to avoid that particular issue from arising. It involves flashing the inactive slot from Android 12 to Android 13. The simplest option is sideloading an OTA image – which updates the inactive slot – but steps for using factory images are also provided.

If you flashed Android 13

If you used the Android 13 OTA

Those who sideloaded — a process with no device/data wipe — an Android 13 OTA image or accepted the on-device OTA (which is Google’s recommended install method) and don’t intend to flash (again, different from sideloading) their phones “don’t need to take any action for now.”

The active slot is in bold, with OTAs installing in the inactive slot

Slot A                                        Slot B Android 12 ( patch).           Android 12 (June) Android 12 (July) .               Android13(August) Android 13 (Sept) .            Android 13 (August)

The company also tells us that there’s a very low chance of running into the issue for the overwhelming majority of users with locked bootloaders. The next OTA (presumably the September security patch) or sideload will update the inactive slot.