The latest updated version of Google’s mobile operating system has many handy new improvements and Pixel owners have the chance install android 12 now
Now the update time for Google’s mobile operating system and install android 12. The latest version is Android 12 and it’s included with all sorts of improvements, some big and some small.
Google’s Android runs on more than 3 billion devices across the global network. You can find it on the top brands of smartphones from Samsung, Motorola, LG, Sony, OnePlus, and, naturally, on Google’s Pixel line. The update to Android 12 is a step than a leap, but some meaningful upgrades are lurking here. Before we walk into the features, here’s the way how to get the update on your mobile phone.
Download Android 12
Everyone won’t be able to install Android 12 hurrily. Most manufacturers take few months to push out major updates, often putting their spin on top of Google’s version. But some devices have the chance to install Android 12 now.
If you have a Google Pixel 3 or newer one, you can install Android 12 now. Hurrily, it will also be available for Android One devices, and as Google says, it will arrive for Samsung Galaxy, OnePlus, Oppo, Realme, Tecno, Xiaomi and Vivo devices later this year (most of them are part of the Android 12 Beta program). Before you install Android 12, it is always smart to back up everything, go to Settings > System > Backup > Back up now. We have further detailed instructions in our guide of How to Backup Your Android Phone.
To find out if you can install the update now on your Pixel, go to Settings > System and tap on Advanced > System Update. It should automatically search for the update, but you also can tap and check for the update. Remember that updates normally roll out over a few days, so even eligible mobile phones may have a short wait.
If you have an Android mobile phone from another manufacturer, check the company’s website, forums, or social media platforms to know when you can expect to install Android 12. Most high-end Android mobile phones can expect at least two years’ worth of updates (Samsung phones S10 and new one can expect four), so if you bought your mobile phone in late 2019 or recently, then you should be able to receive it at some points.
Best New Features
We have been dabbling with the Android 12 beta for some times, and these are our 12 best features. There are many of other smaller updates, and you can dive deeper at to learn more.
A New Smart Look
The smart look is the first thing you will notice about Android 12. Google has revamped its designs upon its deep customization options. Material that you are focused on personalization, and can automatically extract a color palette from your chosen wallpaper and apply it across the whole operating system, from the lock screen, app icons, and notification shade to volume controls and widgets. The redesign also includes larger quick setting options, bolder text, and larger font throughout the operating system.
The new interface, animations and transitions are also more appealing & energy-efficient. The user interface is more adaptable than ever, with changes based on context and input. Speaking of widgets, can expect more than a dozen new and refreshed ones from Google by the end of October.
Better Quick Settings Options
You drop down the notification shade in after install Android 12, you will see that the Quick Settings options at the top that have changed. The old circular icons have changed into rounded rectangles that display more details (and easier to tap). They now match your colour scheme, and you can still customize what options you want to see and in what order. Google has also added in controls for Google Pay, giving quick access to payments or the smart home devices. You can still tap to turn the things on and off or long-press to jump into the relevant settings page as your preferance.
You may not like that turning off Wi-Fi or mobile data is now a two-step process as the two have been merged into one tile. Tap it and then tap the toggle, next to your carrier’s name or your Wi-Fi network if you want to turn one of them off.
A New Privacy Dashboard
Privacy is the main important theme in Android 12, or at least Google is trying to give priority to it. That’s reflected in new Privacy Dashboard. A single screen displays all of your permissions. It indicate what data is being accessed, by which apps, and how often over the last 24 hours. A smart timeline view adds some transparency and should make it easier to control what you are sharing.
Microphone & Camera Control Option
Using a device with a microphone and camera is always a privacy concern, so an indicator at the top right of the status bar that let you know when apps are using either is welcome. Google has also included the option to toggle your microphone or camera off system-wide in the new Quick Settings when you drop down your notifications.
More Location Tracking Control Tool
Considering that third-party apps might be tracking your precise location and doing who knows what with the data is disconcerting. Some apps, as weather apps, have legitimate reasons to check your location, but they don’t want precise data. That’s why Google has added a new option to location tracking that allows you to specify Precise or Approximate. Now you can get local data without having to share an record of your movements.
At the same time, Google has upgraded Bluetooth permissions in Android. So that devices you connect, like headphones or smartwatches, no longer want to access your location details.
Richer Notifications Option
Notifications look clear and feature elegant transitions in Android 12. They are still extendable but can now contain richer content, and tapping on them, gives you direct access to the relevant app faster than ever before. There’s also more freedom for developers to protect lock screen notifications by requesting user authentication first.
Scrolling Screenshots
Mobile Phone manufacturers like Samsung and OnePlus already allow you to look beyond the visible screen with screenshots and scroll down to capture an whole web page. Now scrolling screenshots are baked into Android 12. You take a screenshot the same way as before, but there’s a capture more button. The markup tools to edit and annotate screenshots have also been elevate, with the option to add text and emojis.
Easier Wi-Fi Sharing
Already you can share your Wi-Fi password with a QR code, but Android 12 makes it easier, adding a Nearby button under the code that triggers Android’s Nearby Share option. It will scan for any devices near by, and you can tap on the device you want to share your Wi-Fi information with wirelessly.
On-Device Search
Google has included AppSearch in Android 12, this on-device search engine can search for indexed content within apps and other content on your phone, like Spotlight Search on iPhones. It works even when your device is offline. On Pixel phones, this option shows as a separate search bar in the app drawer. You can filter the search with toggles for Shortcuts, People, and Pixel Tips.
One-Handed Mode
Like the smart Reachability option on iPhones, one-handed modes have changed vital as phone screens have grown larger. You can turn it on via Settings > System > One-Handed mode in Android 12, and you can swipe down in any app to drag the top of the display lower down. This makes it more easier to reach those notifications and icons with your thumb without having to use your other hand. You simply swipe up from the bottom of the screen or tap on the top portion of the screen above the app to exit.
Better Gaming Options
There are some improvements in Android 12 just for mobile gamers and you can get them after install Android 12. Google has included a Game Dashboard to Pixels that offers quick access to Do Not Disturb, screenshots and screen recording, live streaming for YouTube, and a toggle to show your frames per second during gameplay. Other manufacturers have had many variations of this feature for some time now.
Also you can start playing some games when they are only partly downloaded, except having to wait for the full download to complete, just as you can on the PS5 and Xbox Series X. Also google has allowed developers to prioritize things like performance to afford people more choice in the setting options.
Odds and Ends
Now you can long-press the power button to conjure Google Assistant (mobile phones, like Pixels, have the option to see the power/restart menu in the notification drawer). If you don’t want this, you can disable it in Settings > System > Gestures > Press and hold power button.
Auto-rotate is handy and faster, using the front-facing camera on the Pixel 4 and new Google mobile phones to take a quick peek at your face to determine when to rotate that screen.
The Quick tap option is just for Pixel phones, but it lets people double-tap the back of their Pixel to open notifications, summon Google Assistant, or take a screenshot (among other options). You can find it via Settings > System > Gestures.
New smar Emoji designs are rolling out with changes to almost 400 existing Emojis and you can use them after install Android 12.
Read More : The Best Features of Android 13 So Far
How to Give Your Android 12 Screen a Makeover with Repainter
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Android 12 improve battery life?
Running Android 12 on a Pixel 5, saw a huge drop in battery life once Android 12 was installed on your phone. Also it may not be down to “old” hardware; Pixel 5 is only 12 months old version. At the same time, the battery life of my RealMe GT decreased a bit. Not too much, but it was noticeable.
Can I get Android 12 on my phone?
As a result of most of them only get one platform update, meaning that Android 10 mobile phones released in 2020 and early 2021 won’t get Android 12. Its only 2020 mobile phones to receive it will be its Razr phones; those who bought recent mobile phones like the Moto G Power (2021) are totally out of luck because Motorola doesn’t like updating its phones.
When can I update to Android 12?
Motorola revealed in their posts that several of its 2020 and 2021 Android phones will get bumped up to Android 12 starting in February 2022. This includes the Motorola Edge line that debuted this year, the Moto Razr 5G and the 2020 version of the Moto Razr. T
Can you install Android 12 manually?
If you have a supported Google Pixel device, you can check and upgrade your Android version to receive Android 12 over the air. In most cases, you don’t want to do a full reset of your data to move to Android 12, but it’s recommended that you back up data before installing Android 12 on your device. You can get mor guide from this: https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/7680439