Google has rolled out Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3.1, a small yet important update aimed at fixing a serious bootlooping problem that affected several Pixel models. The release came on the same day Apple launched its iOS 26.1 Beta 4, making it a busy day for mobile software enthusiasts.
The new update is available under build number BP41.250916.010 for the Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, and Pixel 6a, with a download size of 469 MB. For all other eligible Pixel devices, the version number BP41.250916.010.A1 applies, weighing only 2.64 MB. The difference in size comes from the fact that the Pixel 6 family never received Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3, meaning this new version merges Beta 3 and Beta 3.1 for those specific devices.
Google had to pull the previous Beta 3 update after reports surfaced of Pixel phones getting stuck in bootloop cycles, where the devices continuously restarted without successfully booting into Android. The Beta 3.1 release specifically addresses this issue and allows affected devices to return to normal operation. Pixel users currently running Beta 2 can now go to Settings → System → Software update → System update to install the fix.
However, Google cautions that this update won’t repair phones already trapped in a bootloop, as those devices can’t complete the installation. In such cases, users are advised to let their system automatically revert to Beta 2 after several failed boot attempts. Because Pixel phones use an A/B partition system, the device will attempt to boot from the alternate partition if the main one fails. If both partitions fail to load properly, users may need to sideload the Beta 3.1 build manually using the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) tool.
Google later confirmed that the bootlooping issue occurred primarily on units with Desktop Mode developer options enabled either before or after the Beta 3 update. The company hasn’t released separate release notes for Beta 3.1, but the update includes all the fixes that were originally planned for Beta 3. For devices still running QPR2 Beta 2, this patch should finally deliver a stable experience after weeks of uncertainty.
If all else fails and the phone refuses to boot, Google recommends entering Recovery Mode and performing a factory reset to restore the device. While this last-resort step erases local data, it ensures the phone can boot properly.
Though incremental, the Beta 3.1 release underlines Google’s continued commitment to improving the Android 16 beta program’s stability — especially for early adopters and Pixel testers who rely on these updates for development and feedback.
