How to download Android 15 right now

Android 15 is now officially available, and users with compatible devices can install it right away. After months of testing, the update includes several new features and various improvements. Below, we’ll explore how to download it and what you can expect once it’s installed.

Although not a revolutionary update, there's still plenty to like about Android 15. Thanks to its upgraded screen recording, powerful notification tools, and more, there are tons of Android 15 features for you to play around with.

If you want to download Android 15 and try the software for yourself, here's everything you need to know.

Joe Maring / Digital Trends

Which devices can download Android 15?

Google’s Pixel phones are at the forefront of devices that can download the Android 15 update, which is already available for them.:

• Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro
• Pixel 6a
• Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro
• Pixel 7a
• Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro
• Pixel 8a
• Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL
• Pixel 9 Pro Fold
• Pixel Tablet

Additionally, a small number of phones, including the Nothing Phone 2a, Vivo X100, and Vivo X Fold 3 Pro, have already received open beta updates based on Android 15. Motorola is also rolling out a beta update for the Motorola Edge 2024, though this is only available in certain regions, where the phone is known as the Edge 50 Fusion.

Meanwhile, OnePlus has announced OxygenOS 15, its custom interface based on Android 15. Samsung, which typically is one of the first to adopt new updates, has postponed the One UI 7.0 update until January. We expect this delay will coincide with the launch of the Galaxy S25 series.

If your device isn’t on this list, don’t stress. There’s a comprehensive list of phones that will eventually get Android 15.

Joe Maring / Digital Trends

How to download Android 15

The easiest way to install Android 15 is by downloading the update over the air. Here's how to do so on a supported device:

Step 1: Go to the Settings app on your phone.

Step 2: Select Software updates.

Step 3: Select System update.

Step 4: Select Check for update.

Next, you should see the Android 15 option appear as an available download.

Nadeem Sarwar / Digital Trends

Why should you download Android 15?

Android 15 brings some game-changing security updates to keep your sensitive data protected. Google is rolling out new theft protection features that use AI to detect if your phone has been snatched and is trying to run away. It will then automatically lock your device to prevent thieves from accessing your personal info.

But that's not all — Android 15 also introduces a "Private Space" to hide away sensitive apps like banking or dating apps behind an extra layer of authentication. It's perfect for keeping prying eyes away from your private affairs.

For tablet and foldable users, there are fresh multitasking capabilities like an improved taskbar, app pairing for split-screen mode, and better lowlight camera controls across apps.

Android 15 is packing tons of other cool updates too — from satellite messaging to passkey authentication.