Final Beta Alert: Google Pixel “Android 17 Beta 4” Released

On Thursday, April 16, 2026, Google released “Android 17 Beta 4,” the final scheduled beta and a force update for the initial Android 17 Beta 1, which debuted on February 13, 2026.

“Android 17 Beta 4” is being distributed via Over-the-Air (OTA) update to Google Pixel devices enrolled in the Android Beta Program, including: Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a, 7, 7 Pro, 7a, Fold, Tablet, 8, 8 Pro, 8a, 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold, 9a, 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL, and 10 Pro Fold. Note that the latest budget-friendly model, the Pixel 10a, is not currently listed as a supported device for the Android Beta Program.

While Google previously released initial beta OS versions via “Developer Preview,” it has now switched to the “Android Canary” channel to ensure faster and more consistent updates. The introduction of the Android Canary channel requires a one-time manual flash of the factory image using the Android Flash Tool.

Furthermore, because the OTA images for Android 17 Beta 4 are available, users can also choose to flash this version manually using the Android Flash Tool.

Android 17 Beta 4 packs a wide range of new features and enhancements in categories including app compatibility and large-screen support, privacy and security, media and background behavior, performance and memory management, and developer tools and diagnostics. Key additions include mandatory size-changing for large screens, expanded Dynamic Code Loading (DCL) protection for native libraries, default enablement of Certificate Transparency (CT), default blocking of local network access, stricter background audio controls, per-app memory limits based on total RAM, and new profiling triggers for app anomalies. In addition, this release addresses several bugs, as listed below.

■ Android 17 Beta 4 Bug Fixes

Fixed an issue where sharing a screenshot from the capture preview would unintentionally include the web URL along with the image file. Resolved an accessibility bug that could cause the device to become completely unresponsive. Fixed an issue where media control widgets would disappear or fail to navigate between multiple active media sessions. Fixed bugs where Dream services failed to process key events, trigger keyguard unlock prompts, or execute service lifecycle callbacks. Fixed an issue where cinematic wallpapers or local weather wallpaper effects could not be properly downloaded or applied. Fixed an issue where the device would freeze and force a reboot while typing in messaging apps. Fixed a critical system instability bug that caused device hangs and crashes during normal use. Fixed an issue where charging speeds dropped significantly when the battery reached 80%, causing long delays before reaching the target charge and switching to bypass mode. Fixed a rendering bug where colorful horizontal lines would randomly appear and obscure the screen. Fixed an issue where the System UI would crash and the device would freeze when pulling down the notification shade while submitting feedback. Fixed an issue where critical system components, including the Pixel Launcher and navigation, would crash or become unresponsive for several minutes after a reboot. Resolved an accessibility bug where apps could not be controlled correctly after minimizing and restoring split-screen view. Fixed an issue where Bluetooth could not be toggled back on after being turned off from System Settings or the Quick Settings panel. Fixed an issue where notifications set to “setSilent(true)” would unexpectedly play a notification sound on Android 16 when multiple notifications were present in the shade. Fixed an issue where Wi-Fi analyzer apps failed to detect available signals, preventing network scanning and signal monitoring.

Following the Android 17 Beta 4 update, the build number is “CP21.260330.008,” the Android security patch level is “April 5, 2026,” and the Google Play Services app will be updated to v26.11.36 or later.

■ Build Number

“CP21.260330.008”

■ Android Security Patch

“April 5, 2026”

■ Google Play Services App

v26.11.36 or later

Android 17 Beta 4 is the final scheduled beta version. However, minor updates containing bug fixes may still be released.

Regarding last year’s “Android 16,” the major update was released in Q2 2025, followed by the “Android 16 QPR2” minor update in Q4. Similarly, for the next-generation Android 17, the major update is scheduled for Q2 2026, with the minor update “Android 17 QPR2 (tentative)” to follow in Q4 2026.

Source: Google