Are you excited to try Android 16 before your phone’s manufacturer officially rolls it out? With the help of GSI (Generic System Image), you can install the latest version of Android on most devices that support Project Treble—even if the official update hasn’t arrived yet.
In this detailed tutorial, we’ll walk you through how to safely install Android 16 on your Android device using a custom ROM. Whether you’re using a Moto, Realme, Redmi, Poco, OnePlus, or Oppo device, this guide will help you flash Android 16 the right way.
⚠️ Disclaimer: Installing a custom ROM may void your warranty and can result in data loss if not done properly. Proceed with caution and make sure to back up your important data before proceeding.
📲 What You’ll Learn
- ✅ How to check device compatibility using the Treble Info app.
- ✅ How to unlock the bootloader and enable USB Debugging.
- ✅ How to download and flash Android 16 GSI using ADB and Fastboot tools.
- ✅ How to wipe data for a clean installation.
- ✅ Optional: How to flash VBMeta if your device requires it.
🔧 Requirements
- A Project Treble-supported Android phone (Android 8+).
- Unlocked bootloader.
- USB Debugging enabled.
- A Windows PC.
- Platform Tools (ADB and Fastboot): Download
- Treble Info App: Download from official page.
- Android 16 GSI ROM (available through Treble Info or GSI community links).
- Optional: VBMeta image (for some devices).
✅ Step 1: Check Device Compatibility Using Treble Info
- Install the Treble Info app from the Google Play Store.
- Open the app and tap on “View Details.”
- Look at the Project Treble status:
- If it says “Supported”, you can continue.
- If it says “Not Supported”, this method will not work on your device.
- Tap on “Browse Images” inside the app.
- Find and download the Android 16 GSI image to your PC or device.
✅ Step 2: Enable USB Debugging and Unlock Bootloader
1. Enable Developer Options:
- Go to Settings > About Phone.
- Tap Build Number 7 times to unlock developer mode.
2. Enable USB Debugging:
- Go to Settings > Developer Options.
- Enable OEM Unlocking (if not already).
- Enable USB Debugging.
💡 If your bootloader is locked, you must unlock it first. Search for your device-specific unlock guide.
✅ Step 3: Prepare ADB & Platform Tools
- Download Platform Tools from the official Android website.
- Extract the
.zipfile to a folder on your PC. - Place the GSI system image (usually named
system.img) and optionalvbmeta.imgin the same folder. - Open the folder, click the address bar, type
cmd, and hit Enter to open Command Prompt there.
✅ Step 4: Connect Phone and Reboot to Fastboot Mode
- Connect your phone via USB.
- On your device, allow USB debugging permission when prompted.
- In Command Prompt, type:
adb devices- You should see your device’s serial number.
- Reboot into fastboot mode:
adb reboot bootloader
✅ Step 5: Confirm Fastboot Connection
In Fastboot mode, type:
fastboot devices
If the serial number appears, you’re good to go. If not, install your device’s USB drivers.
✅ Step 6: Boot into FastbootD Mode
FastbootD is necessary for dynamic partition devices.
fastboot reboot fastboot
✅ Step 7: Erase System (for Dynamic Partitions)
If your phone supports dynamic partitions, skip erasing the system directly. Instead:
fastboot delete-logical-partition product
If you face an error with
fastboot erase system, use the command above instead.
✅ Step 8: Flash the Android 16 GSI ROM
Use the command below and drag the system.img file into the terminal after the word system.
fastboot flash system <drag system.img here>
This process takes a few minutes.
✅ Step 9: Wipe Data
If fastboot -w gives an error, use the manual method:
fastboot erase userdata
fastboot erase metadata
✅ Step 10: (Optional) Flash VBMeta (If Required)
If your device needs it:
- Reboot to regular Fastboot mode:
fastboot reboot bootloader - Flash VBMeta:
fastboot --disable-verity --disable-verification flash vbmeta <drag vbmeta.img here>
You may skip this step if your device is already rooted or doesn’t require it.
✅ Step 11: Reboot to Android 16
Final step:
fastboot reboot
Your phone will now boot into Android 16. The first boot might take a few minutes.
📱 Verify Android 16 Installation
Once your phone boots up:
- Complete the setup process.
- Go to Settings > About Phone.
- Confirm the Android version is Android 16 (Baklava).
❓ FAQ – Common Questions
Q1: What is a GSI?
A GSI (Generic System Image) is a pure Android OS image meant to work on any Treble-compatible device.
Q2: Will this void my warranty?
Yes, unlocking the bootloader typically voids your manufacturer warranty.
Q3: Can I go back to the original OS?
Yes, by restoring a full backup or flashing the stock firmware manually.
Q4: Will this wipe my data?
Yes. This process involves erasing the system and user data partitions.
📝 Conclusion
Installing Android 16 using GSI is a great way to enjoy the latest Android features well before the official OTA update. If your device supports Project Treble and your bootloader is unlocked, this method gives you full control to experience Android 16 Baklava with all its UI enhancements and performance improvements.
Just follow the steps carefully, and you’ll have a clean, smooth Android 16 running on your phone in no time!
🏷️ Tags:
Android 16 installation, custom ROM Android, GSI Android 16, install Android 16 Moto, Realme Android 16, unlock bootloader, flash GSI image, Android 16 guide, Android Baklava
📢 Hashtags:
#Android16 #CustomROM #GSIRom #InstallAndroid16 #AndroidTutorial #FlashROM #AndroidMods #AndroidBaklava #BootloaderUnlock #AndroidUpdate
If you want specific flashing commands for your device or run into any issue, feel free to leave a comment or message for help.
after flashing android 16 on moto g stylus XT2043-4 ( three attempts ) its still on android 11
Dear Jimmy, however the steps involved in the post should work. But some Motorola phones, especially older models like XT2043-4, have vendor boot restrictions or dynamic partitions that prevent some GSIs from booting correctly. It’s possible that the Android 16 GSI you’re using is not fully compatible with this device, or you need a custom recovery (like TWRP) + custom boot.img to fully make it work.
However you can check these ommon Reasons Why Android 16 GSI Didn’t Flash Properly
Incorrect or Incompatible GSI Image
Not all GSI images work on all devices.
Moto G Stylus (XT2043-4) has a Snapdragon 665 SoC, but it’s important to:
Ensure the GSI is ARM64 and ‘a-only’ or ‘ab’ (partition type must match).
Check if your device requires VBMeta disablement, or custom boot.img.
However you can also consider this post below which i have compiled for XT2043-4 taking reference fromt he net (as i do not have moto XT2043-4)
https://dtptips.com/%f0%9f%9a%80-how-to-install-android-16-gsi-on-moto-g-stylus-xt2043-4-step-by-step-guide/