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Google Rolls Out Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3.1 to Fix Pixel Bootloops

The patch addresses a crash tied to the Desktop Mode developer option with Google providing step-by-step recovery guidance.

Overview

  • Google pulled the Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3 OTA after reports of bootloops on Pixels that had the developer setting "Enable desktop experience features" turned on.
  • Beta 3.1 is now live as a targeted hotfix, with build BP41.250916.010 for Pixel 6/6 Pro/6a and BP41.250916.010.A1 for other eligible Pixels.
  • For devices already on Beta 3, the over-the-air patch is tiny (about 2.64 MB), while Pixel 6-series units coming from Beta 2 receive a larger package that also includes the original Beta 3 fixes.
  • Google outlines recovery paths for stuck devices: allow automatic rollback after several failed boots, use ADB/USB debugging to sideload the update, sideload via recovery, or perform a factory data reset as a last resort.
  • No new release notes accompanied Beta 3.1, signaling that its sole purpose is to resolve the Desktop Mode-triggered bootloop.