How to Get the Android 11 Update on Your Chromebook

May. 7, 2021

After over two years, Google has finally released an Android update for Chromebooks. Moving directly from Android 9 toAndroid 11, Google has implemented a different approach to run Android apps on Chrome OS this time around. Unlike ARC++, which had a native container, the Android 11 update brings a VM approach called ARCVM, similar toLinux on Chrome OS. The ARCVM will be independent and will have its own Linux kernel. While that sounds exciting on paper, we will have to wait and see how much of a performance difference it brings. But if you want to try it out, go ahead and install the Android 11 update on your Chromebook right away.

Here, we have mentioned all the Chromebooks due to get the Android 11 update, along with a simple guide on how to install the Android 11 update on your Chrome OS device right away. You can click on the table below and move to the relevant section with ease.

Before we move ahead, check if your Chromebook is eligible to get the Android 11 update. We hadrecently collated a list of supported Chrome OS devices, cross-referencing the device codenames fromChromium’s Gerrit. Having said that, while every Chromebook mentioned on the list will get the Android 11 update over time,those with the ‘Hatch’ baseboard are receiving the Android 11 updateright away. So, to begin with, here are the Chromebooks with the Hatch baseboard.

If your Chromebook is present on the list above, follow our guide and update your device to Android 11. Specifically, if your Chromebook is built on the Hatch baseboard, you are first in line to get the Android 11 update.

1. Android 11 is currently rolling out in the Beta channel of Chrome OS. So all you have to do isswitch to the Beta channel, and you will receive the update. To do so, click on ‘Settings’ under the Quick Settings panel on the bottom right corner.

2. Next, move to ‘About Chrome OS’ and click on‘Additional Details’.

3. Here, change the channel to “Beta” by clicking on the ‘Change channel’ button.

4. Now, go back to the “About Chrome OS” page and‘Check for updates’. Your Chromebook will start downloading the latest Chrome OS beta build. After the update is installed, restart your Chromebook. Bear in mind, moving to the Beta channel will not delete your Chromebook data. However, if you move back to the stable channel, your Chromebook will be completely erased.

5. Once you are updated to the latest Chrome OS build, open the Settings page and go to the ‘Apps’ section. Here, click onManage Android preferences.

6. Now, move toSystem -> About Device. Here, you will find the Android version. I am yet to receive the Android 11 update despite being on the Beta channel as my Chromebook is based on the ‘Nami’ baseboard. If your Chromebook is built on the ‘Hatch’ board, you will receive the Android 11 update after moving to the Beta build.

7. If your Chromebook is based on Hatch and you have not received the Android 11 update in the latest Beta build, you shouldremove the existing Android setupand re-install it. Open Settings -> Apps -> Remove Play Store -> Remove. After that, turn on the Play Store under the Apps page. Note that re-installation will remove all your Android apps.

Install Android 11 on Chrome OS Right Now

So that is how you can install Android 11 on Chrome OS right now and enjoy an optimized Android experience. Based on some reports, the Android 11 update has fixed the app scaling issue and brought dark mode to Android apps. That said, it’s also using too much RAM, which was not the case on earlier ARC++ implementation. Anyway, that is all from us. If you want to try out the newPhone Hub feature on Chrome OS, follow our linked guide. You could also try out theseChrome OS tips and tricksto elevate your experience. And if you have any questions, comment down below and let us know.

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