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September 2021 Android Update Rolling out to Google Pixel Phones

Latest Google Play System Update

For those who are asking what is the latest Google Play System Update, now it’s August 1, 2021. We’ve verified it on a Pixel 3a (unlocked) device.

Pixel Latest Update – September 2021

September 2021 security patch is now available for Pixel 3/XL, Pixel 3a/XL, Pixel 4/XL, Pixel 4a, Pixel 4a 5G, Pixel 5 and Pixel 5a. Google usually releases the update on the first Monday of each month. But as it was a Labor Day in US this Monday, the update has been rolled out the next day.

17 vulnerabilities has been fixed in this September 2021 security patch dated 2021-09-01 and 23 for patch level 2021-09-05. You can find more information in the Pixel Update Bulletin.

This is the first update for Pixel 5a after it’s launch.

This update doesn’t include Pixel Feature Drop because much awaited Android 12 is just around the corner. Google has just released final Beta update to Android 12 – Beta 5. Which means the next step is official Android 12 release – around end of September. Pixel 3 and later devices will get the official Android 12 update when it’s released.

Below is the latest version information after updating the device (Pixel 3a) to September 2021 update.

Android Version: 11.0
Android Security Patch Level: September 5, 2021
Build: RQ3A.210805.001.A1
Google Play System Update: August 1, 2021

Build Numbers

Global

Pixel 3 (XL): RQ3A.210905.001
Pixel 3a (XL): RQ3A.210905.001
Pixel 4 (XL): RQ3A.210905.001
Pixel 4a: RQ3A.210905.001
Pixel 4a (5G): RQ3A.210905.001
Pixel 5: RQ3A.210905.001

North America

Pixel 5a: RD2A.210905.002

Japan

Pixel 5a: RD2A.210905.003

Want to know how to update your Pixel phone? Click here.

___________________________________________

August 2021

Pixel phones started receiving August 2021 update. This update includes August 2021 Android security patch (August 5, 2021) and only one notable fix preventing accidentally triggering of Google Assistant on all supported Pixel phones.

Below is the latest version information after updating the device (Pixel 3a) to August 2021 update.

Android Version: 11.0
Android Security Patch Level: August 5, 2021
Build: RQ3A.210805.001.A1
Google Play System Update: August 1, 2021

Build Numbers

Global

Pixel 3 (XL): RQ3A.210805.001.A1
Pixel 3a (XL): RQ3A.210805.001.A1
Pixel 4 (XL): RQ3A.210805.001.A1
Pixel 4a: RQ3A.210805.001.A1
Pixel 4a (5G): RQ3A.210805.001.A1
Pixel 5: RQ3A.210805.001.A1

Want to know how to update your Pixel phone? Click here.

___________________________________________

July 2021

Finally, the wait is over! July 2021 Android security update has started rolling out to Pixel phones. Due to holidays the update is slightly delayed by couple days.

This update fixes critical bugs, security vulnerabilities and improves the performance and stability of your device.

This update includes the latest Android security patch (July 5, 2021), Pixel specific security patches and below two significant improvements.

Enabling VoLTE support on certain networks
Preventing continued device reboots under certain conditions

Notable Fixes

The update size is around 16 MB (as seen on Pixel 3a). It may vary depending upon your device.

Below is the latest version information after updating the device (Pixel 3a) to July 2021 update.

Android Version: 11.0
Android Security Patch Level: July 5, 2021
Build: RQ3A.210705.001
Google Play System Update: June 1, 2021

Build Numbers

Global

Pixel 3 (XL): RQ3A.210705.001
Pixel 3a (XL): RQ3A.210705.001
Pixel 4 (XL): RQ3A.210705.001
Pixel 4a: RQ3A.210705.001
Pixel 4a (5G): RQ3A.210705.001
Pixel 5: RQ3A.210705.001

Want to know how to update your Pixel phone? Click here.

___________________________________________

June 2021

June 2021 update is rolling out to all supported Pixel phones. This update includes latest Pixel Feature Drop, latest Android security patch (June 5, 2021), fixes for Pixel phones and other improvements.

Below is the list of notable fixes included in this June 2021 Pixel update.

Along with the above improvements, below new features are added through the Pixel Feature Drop to all eligible Pixel phones.

What’s New in the latest Pixel Feature Drop (June 2021)?

Astrophotography videos in Night Sight
Car Crash Detection comes to three more countries – Spain, Singapore and Ireland
Heads Up in Digital Wellbeing
Locked Folder in Google Photos
Call Actions (Answer/Reject) with Google Assistant
Call Screen comes to Japan
Recorder app now supports more English dialects, including Australian, Irish, Singaporean and British English
Cut-copy-paste improvement in Gboard
New wallpapers
New Ringtones and Notification Sounds

Below is the chart showing features availability per Pixel phone.

The update size is around 140 MB (as seen on Pixel 3a). It may vary depending upon your device.

Below is the latest version information after updating the device (Pixel 3a) to June 2021 update.

Android Version: 11.0
Android Security Patch Level: June 5, 2021
Build: RQ3A.210605.005
Google Play System Update: June 1, 2021

Build Numbers

Global

Pixel 3 (XL): RQ3A.210605.005
Pixel 3a (XL): RQ3A.210605.005
Pixel 4 (XL): RQ3A.210605.005
Pixel 4a: RQ3A.210605.005
Pixel 4a (5G): RQ3A.210605.005
Pixel 5: RQ3A.210605.005

Want to know how to update your Pixel phone? Click here.

___________________________________________

May 2021

May 2021 update rolling out to all eligible Pixel phones. This update includes latest Android security patch (May 5, 2021), Pixel specific security updates and bug fixes.

This month Google has not highlighted notable fixes included in this update.

We might see new features in the upcoming June 2021 Pixel update as Google usually releases Pixel Feature Drop every three months.

Below is the latest version information after updating the device (Pixel 3a) to May 2021 update.

Android Version: 11.0
Android Security Patch Level: May 5, 2021
Build: RQ2A.210505.002
Google Play System Update: May 1, 2021

Build Numbers

Global

Pixel 3 (XL): RQ2A.210505.002
Pixel 3a (XL): RQ2A.210505.002
Pixel 4 (XL): RQ2A.210505.002
Pixel 4a: RQ2A.210505.002
Pixel 4a (5G): RQ2A.210505.003
Pixel 5: RQ2A.210505.003

Want to know how to update your Pixel phone? Click here.

___________________________________________

April 2021

Pixel phones are getting April 2021 update. This update includes latest Android security patch (April 5, 2021) and bug fixes.

Below is the list of major improvements included in this update.

Below is the latest version information after updating the device (Pixel 3a) to April 2021 update.

Android Version: 11.0
Android Security Patch Level: April 5, 2021
Build: RQ2A.210405.005
Google Play System Update: April 1, 2021

Build Numbers

Global

Pixel 3 (XL): RQ2A.210405.005
Pixel 3a (XL): RQ2A.210405.005
Pixel 4 (XL): RQ2A.210405.005
Pixel 4a: RQ2A.210405.005
Pixel 4a (5G): RQ2A.210405.005
Pixel 5: RQ2A.210405.005

Canada

Pixel 3 (XL): RQ2A.210405.006

Want to know how to update your Pixel phone? Click here.

___________________________________________

March 2021

Pixel phones are getting March 2021 monthly update on the very first day of the month along with the latest Pixel Feature Drop and Android security patch.

What’s New in Pixel March 2021 Update?

Latest Android Security Patch (level March 5, 2021)
Functional Improvements (see full list in the image below)
Pixel Feature Drop
New Google Recorder features – Sharing of Recorder files, cloud backup and a dedicated website (recorder.google.com)
Underwater photography using Kraken Sports Universal Smart Phone Housing. For more information click here.
Smart Compose in Gboard (English-US only) – Autocomplete your sentences
Bedtime mode with Pixel stand – New Bedtime screen and redesigned notifications (Available on Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL, Pixel 4, Pixel 4 XL, and Pixel 5)
3 New wallpapers to Curated Culture
Heart and Respiratory rate measurements in Google Fit (This feature has rolled out now to Pixel phones.)

List of Functional Improvements

Summary of Features Availability per Device

The update size is around 156 MB (as seen on Pixel 3a). It may vary depending upon your device.

Below is the latest version information after updating the device (Pixel 3a) to March 2021 update.

Android Version: 11.0
Android Security Patch Level: March 5, 2021
Build: RQ2A.210305.006
Google Play System Update: February 1, 2021

Build Numbers

Global

Pixel 3 (XL): RQ2A.210305.006
Pixel 3a (XL): RQ2A.210305.006
Pixel 4 (XL): RQ2A.210305.006
Pixel 4a: RQ2A.210305.006
Pixel 4a (5G): RQ2A.210305.006
Pixel 5: RQ2A.210305.006

Virgin UK

Pixel 4a: RQ2A.210305.007
Pixel 4a (5G): RQ2A.210305.007
Pixel 5: RQ2A.210305.007

Want to know how to update your Pixel phone? Click here.

___________________________________________

February 2021

February 2021 security update is now available for Pixel 3 (XL), Pixel 3a (XL), Pixel 4 (XL), Pixel 4a, Pixel 4a (5G), and Pixel 5. This update includes February security patch (level Feb 5, 2021) and functional improvements.

There is no any Pixel feature drop this month.

This update addresses below two notable fixes concerning Touch and Sensors.

Sensor detection on startup of the devices for all currently supported Pixel phones.
Further tuning and improvements for touch experience on Pixel 4a (5G) and Pixel 5.

The update size is around 15.40 MB (as seen on Pixel 3a). It may vary depending upon your device.

Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL won’t get February 2021 update as their update support has ended. December 2020 was the last monthly update for Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL.

Below is the latest version information after updating the device (Pixel 3a) to February 2021 update.

Android Version: 11.0
Android Security Patch Level: February 5, 2021
Build: RQ1A.210205.004
Google Play System Update: December 1, 2020

Build Numbers

Global

Pixel 3 (XL): RQ1A.210205.004
Pixel 3a (XL): RQ1A.210205.004
Pixel 4 (XL): RQ1A.210205.004
Pixel 4a: RQ1A.210205.004
Pixel 4a (5G): RQ1A.210205.004
Pixel 5: RQ1A.210205.004

Verizon

Pixel 3 (XL): RQ1D.210205.004
Pixel 4a (5G): RQ1D.210205.004
Pixel 5: RQ1D.210205.004

T-Mobile

Pixel 4a (5G): RQ1C.210205.006
Pixel 5: RQ1C.210205.006

Want to know how to update your Pixel phone? Click here.

___________________________________________

January 2021

Google Pixel phones start receiving new year’s first, January 2021, monthly update. This update includes bug fixes and various performance and stability improvements.

Some important fixes like volume level improvements of system sounds on Pixel 5, auto-rotation and auto-brightness response, fix for issue preventing calls on certain MVNO Networks and a few more.

Below image is showing the list of improvements rolled out to the respective devices through this update.

The update (level January 5, 2021) also addresses all the security vulnerabilities and functional improvements mentioned in the Pixel Update Bulletin (Jan 2021) and Android Security Bulletin (Jan 2021).

The update size is around 32 MB (as seen on Pixel 3a). It may vary depending upon your device.

Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL won’t get January 2021 update as their update support has ended. December 2020 was the last monthly update for Pixel 2 (XL).

Below is the latest version information after updating the device (Pixel 3a) to January 2021 update.

Android Version: 11.0
Android Security Patch Level: January 5, 2021
Build: RQ1A.210105.002
Google Play System Update: December 1, 2020

Build Numbers

Global

Pixel 3 (XL): RQ1A.210105.003
Pixel 3a (XL): RQ1A.210105.002
Pixel 4 (XL): RQ1A.210105.003
Pixel 4a: RQ1A.210105.002
Pixel 4a (5G): RQ1A.210105.003
Pixel 5: RQ1A.210105.003

Verizon

Pixel 3 (XL): RQ1D.210105.003
Pixel 4a (5G): RQ1D.210105.003
Pixel 5: RQ1D.210105.003

Want to know how to update your Pixel phone? Click here.

___________________________________________

December 2020

Pixel December 2020 update is rolling out with the latest Android security patch (December 5, 2020), new Pixel feature drop, battery optimizations and several bug fixes and stability improvements.

December 2020 update includes following new features (Pixel Feature Drop).

Hold for Me (available in US and English only)
Extreme Battery Saver
Screen Sharing in Duo Group Calls
Adaptive Sound
Adaptive Connectivity
Adaptive Charging
Location Improvements
Contextual Translation
Now Playing Playlist Export
Home Screen Customization
New Wallpapers

You can check out the feature availability per device in the below table styled image.

Want to know more about the new features? Click here.

You can also learn more about the new features on your Pixel device using Pixel Tips app. Just make sure your Pixel Tips app is up-to-date or you can update it in the Google Play Store.

The latest security patch level December 5, 2020 contains patches to the security vulnerabilities and functional improvements as mentioned in the Pixel specific update bulletin.

The update is rolling out in phases depending on your device and carrier. Verizon users having pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL, Pixel 4a(5G) and Pixel 5 will get the December 2020 update next week starting from 14 December, 2020.

The update size is around 168 MB (as seen on Pixel 3a). It may vary depending upon your device.

Below is the latest version information after updating the device (Pixel 3a) to December 2020 update.

Android Version: 11.0
Android Security Patch Level: December 5, 2020
Build: RQ1A.201205.003
Google Play System Update: October 1, 2020

Build Numbers

Global

Pixel 3 (XL): RQ1A.201205.003
Pixel 3a (XL): RQ1A.201205.003
Pixel 4 (XL): RQ1A.201205.008
Pixel 4a: RQ1A.201205.008
Pixel 4a (5G): RQ1A.201205.011
Pixel 5: RQ1A.201205.011

AT&T

Pixel 4 (XL): RQ1A.201205.008.A1
Pixel 4a (5G): RQ1A.201205.010
Pixel 5: RQ1A.201205.010

Verizon

Pixel 3 (XL): [Roll out starting the week of 14 December]
Pixel 4a (5G): [Roll out starting the week of 14 December]
Pixel 5: [Roll out starting the week of 14 December]

Want to know how to update your Pixel phone? Click here.

___________________________________________

November 2020

November 2020 update is rolling out for Google Pixel phones. This update includes various bug fixes and improvements.

A bug preventing phone calls while using Android Auto has been resolved in this update for Pixel 4a (5G) and Pixel 5. This update also includes some other improvements such as auto-brightness response during outdoor conditions, hidden navigation during full screen media playback, inconsistent touch sounds and touch response with certain screen protectors.

Below is the list of major improvements bundled in this update.

Source: Pixel Phone Help

20 issues have been resolved in the November 2020 security patch dated November 1, 2020 and 13 more for the patch level November 5, 2020. For Pixel phones, along with these fixes, security patches for Qualcomm components are also included in this update as mentioned on Pixel Update Bulletin page.

November 2020 Pixel update is not available for Pixel 2 and Pixel 2XL devices. However, these devices will get their last update next month (December 2020). You can check out Pixel update and support periods here.

The latest Google Play System update is September 1, 2020. We’ll update here once new Google Play System Update is rolled out.

Below is the latest version information after updating the device (Pixel 3a) to November 2020 update.

Android Version: 11.0
Android Security Patch Level: November 5, 2020
Build: RP1A.201105.002
Google Play System Update: September 1, 2020

November 2020 – Screenshots (Pixel 3a)

Screenshot taken from Google Pixel 3a

Build Numbers (Global)

Pixel 3 (XL): RP1A.201105.002
Pixel 3a (XL): RP1A.201105.002
Pixel 4 (XL): RP1A.201105.002
Pixel 4a: RP1A.201105.002

NA / US
Pixel 4a (5G): RD1A.201105.003.C1
Pixel 5: RD1A.201105.003.C1

NA / US / Verizon
Pixel 4a (5G): [Rolling out week of 11/9]
Pixel 5: [Rolling out week of 11/9]

NA / Canada
Pixel 4a (5G): RD1A.201105.003.C1
Pixel 5: RD1A.201105.003.C1

EU
Pixel 4a (5G): RD1A.201105.003.B1
Pixel 5: RD1A.201105.003.B1

APAC / AU
Pixel 4a (5G): RD1A.201105.003.A1
Pixel 5: RD1A.201105.003.A1

APAC / Taiwan
Pixel 4a (5G): RD1A.201105.003.C1
Pixel 5: RD1A.201105.003.C1

APAC / Japan
Pixel 4a (5G): RD1A.201105.003
Pixel 5: RD1A.201105.003

Want to know how to update your Pixel phone? Click here.

___________________________________________

October 2020

Google Pixel phones are getting October 2020 security update along with many fixes and improvements. This update (security patch level October 5 2020) includes fixes to security vulnerabilities, critical bug fixes and performance & stability improvements.

You can check out below image to know about major improvements included in this update.

Source: Pixel Phone Help

The update size is around 20 MB. This update doesn’t include Google Play System Update.

Below is the latest version information after updating the device (Pixel 3a) to October 2020 update.

Android Version: 11.0
Android Security Patch Level: October 5, 2020
Build: RP1A.201005.004
Google Play System Update: September 1, 2020

October 2020 – Screenshots (Pixel 3a)

Screenshot taken from Google Pixel 3a

Build Numbers (Global)

Pixel 2 (XL): RP1A.201005.004
Pixel 3 (XL): RP1A.201005.004
Pixel 3a (XL): RP1A.201005.004
Pixel 4 (XL): RP1A.201005.004
Pixel 4a: RP1A.201005.006

Want to know how to update your Pixel phone? Click here.

___________________________________________

September 2020

Android 11 stable update is rolling out now for eligible Pixel phones in India also.

September 2020 Android security updates are rolling out to Google Pixel Phones along with Android 11. The update size is around 1.48 GB.

This update (security patch level September 5 2020) includes fixes to security vulnerabilities, functional improvements and performance & stability fixes.

Apart from security vulnerabilities described in the September 2020 Android Security Bulletin, this update also includes functional patches, and security vulnerability patches for Qualcomm components and Qualcomm closed-source components.

The Google Play system got updated to September 1, 2020.

Below is the latest version information after updating the device (Pixel 3a) to September 2020 security update (Android 11 update).

Android Version: 11.0
Android Security Patch Level: September 5, 2020
Build: RP1A.200720.009
Google Play System Update: September 1, 2020

Build Numbers (Global)

Pixel 2 (XL): RP1A.200720.009
Pixel 3 (XL): RP1A.200720.009
Pixel 3a (XL): RP1A.200720.009
Pixel 4 (XL): RP1A.200720.009
Pixel 4a: RP1A.200720.010 (EMEA and SG carriers)
Pixel 4a: RP1A.200720.011 (All carriers except EMEA, SG, IN)

Note: Android 11 and September Security update is now available in India for eligible Pixel phones.

___________________________________________

August 2020

Google Play System has been updated to July 1, 2020

Google Pixel phones are started receiving August security update. Pixel 2 (XL), Pixel 3 (XL), Pixel 3a (XL), Pixel 4 (XL) are getting the August security patches. The update size is around 15.11 MB.

This update (security patch level August 5 2020) includes critical bug fixes and performance & stability issues. Apart from security vulnerabilities described in the August 2020 Android Security Bulletin, this update also includes the security vulnerability patches for Kernel components and Qualcomm components.

There is no Google Play system updates this month.

Below is the latest version information after updating the device (Pixel 3a) to August 2020 security update.

Android Version: 10.0
Android Security Patch Level: August 5, 2020
Build: QQ3A.200805.001
Google Play System Update: May 1, 2020

August 2020 – Screenshots (Pixel 3a)

Screenshot taken from Google Pixel 3a

Build Numbers (Global)

Pixel 2 (XL): QQ3A.200805.001
Pixel 3 (XL): QQ3A.200805.001
Pixel 3a (XL): QQ3A.200805.001
Pixel 4 (XL): QQ3A.200805.001

Want to know how to update your Pixel phone? Click here.

___________________________________________

July 2020

Google Pixel 2 (XL), 3 (XL), 3a (XL) and 4 (XL) start receiving July 2020 security update. The update size is around 12.02 MB. This update fixes critical bugs and contains performance and stability improvements.

Below is the latest version information after updating the device (Pixel 3a) to July 2020 security update.

Android Version: 10.0
Android Security Patch Level: July 5, 2020
Build: QQ3A.200705.002
Google Play System Update: May 1, 2020

July 2020 – Screenshots (Pixel 3a)

Screenshot taken from a Google Pixel 3a

Build Numbers (Global)

Pixel 2 (XL): QQ3A.200705.002
Pixel 3 (XL): QQ3A.200705.002
Pixel 3a (XL): QQ3A.200705.002
Pixel 4 (XL): QQ3A.200705.002

How to Update Google Pixel Phone?

You will receive a notification about the update on your phone or simply check for updates manually – Settings > System > Advanced > System update

The update maybe available depending your device and carrier.

4 Comments

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Peri

1 year ago

After getting the update, my phone glitches and I’m having issues with texting… It’s sending double texts

Author

InsideTechno

11 months ago

Reply to Peri

Which Pixel phone is it? Also, are using an US carrier?

Peri

11 months ago

Reply to InsideTechno

Pixel 3a yes, I use US Cellular

Author

InsideTechno

11 months ago

Reply to Peri

Have you tried updating your phone to latest version – Android 11?
Alternatively, you can try removing SIM, then restart the phone without SIM and then insert the SIM again.
OR try turning RCS chat features off in Android Messages.
Please update us once it’s fixed.

Last edited 11 months ago by InsideTechno