Google is providing Android N Developer Preview .zip files for easy sideloading

Google is doing something a little different this year with the Android N Developer Previews. Instead of simply giving us the factory images and making us flash it all by ourselves, they’ve also created the Android Beta Program, which will send your device an OTA with the latest Developer Preview version. When Android N was first unveiled, the OTA rollout was quick. Users could sign up for the Beta Program and get an OTA sent to their devices within a few minutes. However, this definitely wasn’t the case with the newly-announced Developer Preview 2. While users (including me) expected to have an OTA available through the ABP when the update was announced, Google took a little longer to roll it out to everyone.

You should have received the OTA if you’re enrolled in the Beta Program. If you haven’t yet, there’s an easier way to get the update. Google is now sharing .zip files for the second Android N Developer Preview, so you can easily sideload it if you’re getting impatient. Feel free to follow the links below to download the proper .zip for your device:

• Nexus 5X
• Nexus 6P
• Nexus 6
• Nexus 9 (Wi-Fi)
• Nexus 9 (LTE)
• Pixel C
• General Mobile 4G (Android One)

.zip files are much easier to sideload than factory images. There’s no need to flash numerous files to your device, unlock the bootloader, and you don’t need to be worried about performing a factory reset on your device in the process. If you need instructions on how to sideload a .zip file to your device, head to this Android Developers page for all the details.

Are you already running the Android N Developer Preview 2? If so, how are you liking it so far? Be sure to speak up in the comments below.