It's 2026, and if you're rocking a Google Pixel, there's a fresh software update waiting for you. Google rolled out its first update of the year on January 12th, and it's all about keeping your phone secure and smooth.

This isn't a flashy update with a bunch of new features, but it's still important. We're talking about crucial bug fixes that address some annoying issues. Imagine your battery draining way too fast, or your touchscreen acting up – that's the kind of stuff this update tackles. There's also a fix for a bug with the always-on display.

The update is super light, only 7.60MB. So, it shouldn't take long to download and install, whether you're on Wi-Fi or using mobile data.

Is Your Pixel Supported?

If you're eager to get this update, the first thing to check is whether your Pixel model is supported. Thankfully, Google's being pretty generous, and most recent Pixel phones are on the list. You'll need to be running Android 16, which you probably already are, to get it.

The supported models include: Pixel 7a, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, and Pixel Fold. If you own one of these, you're good to go.

To manually check for the update, go to your phone's Settings app, then tap on System, then Software updates, and finally System update. Tap the Check for updates button, and your phone will start looking for the new software. You should see a message saying "Preparing system update…" followed by the installation screen.

However, some Pixel owners might be disappointed. The Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 7, and Pixel 7 Pro aren't included in this particular update. While it might seem strange that the 7a is getting it while the regular 7 isn't, that's just how Google's decided to roll things out.

Don't panic if you have a Pixel 6 or 7 series phone! Your devices are still supported and will receive updates in the future. The Pixel 6 and 6 Pro will continue to get updates until October 2026, while the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro will be supported until October 2027. Think of it like this: even if your car doesn't get every single upgrade, it'll still get the necessary maintenance to keep it running for a while.

Ultimately, keeping your phone updated is a good idea. It keeps things secure and running smoothly. So, if your Pixel is on the supported list, take a few minutes to grab the update and enjoy a slightly better experience.