Back in May, Android 16 QPR1 kicked off the Material 3 Expressive design in beta. That interface graduated to a stable public release earlier this month. Previously, beta testers had to perform a full factory reset to install the final build. Google is now rolling out a new over-the-air update that allows Beta 3.1 users to move to the stable channel without wiping their data.
A Reddit post confirmed the “No Data Wipe” rollout, letting you leave the Android Beta Program while skipping the data reset entirely. Just head to Settings > System > Software updates > System updates and check for “Android Beta Exit No Data Wipe.” It’s a small update under 100 MB, and includes the September 2025 security patch (via 9to5Google).
Once the update is installed, head to Google’s Android Beta Program page and choose to opt out. Google usually pushes a special “no data wipe” update when moving from beta to stable, and if you’re on the latest Beta 3.1, you’ll get it.
Rollout is underway, but not for everyone
The “No Data Wipe” OTA for Android 16 QPR1 isn’t hitting every Pixel yet. 9to5Google spotted it on the Pixel Tablet, but not on their Pixel 8a or 9a. A few users in Germany have seen it on the Pixel 7 Pro while others received it on their Pixel 6, but the wider rollout hasn’t started. Unlike the usual all-at-once release, Google seems to be pacing this one.
The update delivers a big visual refresh with Material 3 Expressive, adding plenty of new touches. Expect broader background blur effects, a revamped Quick Settings panel, updated volume sliders, new icon shapes, and cleaner status bar icons.
