Rephrase the title:Google Defies Policies: Pixel 4a, Pixel 5 Receive Unexpected Update; Here’s How To Download And Install

Despite reaching the end of their promised update cycle in 2023, Google’s Pixel 4a 5G and Pixel 5 have unexpectedly received a new software update. While the update size may not be substantial, its significance piques curiosity. Let’s delve into the details to uncover the purpose behind this surprise release.

Interesting. Google drops an unexpected update for the Pixel 4a 5G and Pixel 5 ⚡️
📱These phones reached end-of-life in Nov 2023
🛡️It’s probably security-focused with bug fixes. Details not yet confirmed #Google #Pixel4a #Pixel5 pic.twitter.com/Ayq5YQHMdG

— Mukul Sharma (@stufflistings) February 9, 2024

Google has unexpectedly included the Pixel 4a 5G (code-named “Bramble”) and Pixel 5 (code-named “Redfin”) on its official downloads page with a package version of 14.0.0 (UP1A.231105.001.B2, Feb 2024) for both devices. Despite the zipped packages being over 1GB in size, the OTA (over-the-air) update is a mere 10.31MB. Interestingly, this update doesn’t appear to contain major security patches or new features; instead, it’s speculated to address critical bugs. Notably, users who have flashed the update have reported that their devices still maintain the November 2023 Android Security Patch Level.

Google provides an unexpected update to their Google Pixel 4a and 5 👀

The update is as minor as it gets, and it doesn’t even bump up the security patch that the two phones are on. Not even the build number changes much, with the new version just appending a .B2 to the end of… pic.twitter.com/WsWaavX0Nv

— Shivam Srivastava (@Urban_el_soul_2) February 9, 2024

Manual Update

For manual updating, download the package and transfer it to your device. Backup your data and access Recovery Mode by holding Volume Down and Power buttons. Select the update package and confirm installation. Wait for completion and verify the update. Check for OTA updates in Settings for a simpler method.

Here’s a concise guide to manually update your device:

1. Download Package: Get the package file (.zip) and rename it to “ota_file.zip”.

2. Download ADB Platform Tools: Download ADB Platform Tools and extract it to a folder on your computer.

3. Enable USB Debugging: Enable USB Debugging on your phone from Developer Options in Settings.

4. Boot into Recovery Mode: Connect your phone to the computer, then navigate to the ADB folder and open Command Prompt (CMD) window. You need to Enter “adb reboot recovery” so that you can boot into Recovery Mode.

5. Select Update Option: In Recovery Mode, choose “Apply update from ADB” from the options on the screen.

6. Run ADB Sideload Command: In the CMD window, run “adb sideload ota_file.zip”.

7. Start Update: The update will begin on your phone. Once done, select “Reboot system now” to finish.

#pixel5 just got a update. What was the point? It’s the final build for the Pixel 5 & 4a and leaves the devices on Nov sec-patch 🤷 pic.twitter.com/FAsQILX8Je

— Tito Escobar (@TitoTalksTek) February 8, 2024