In this tutorial, I am going to show you how to install HydrogenOS Pie Beta on OxygenOS for the OnePlus 5T or OnePlus 5 using the system local upgrade feature, no root required and no unlocked bootloader either. OnePlus smartphones have one of the best system firmware update feature and you can use this to easily switch between OxygenOS and HydrogenOS as most of underlying files are the same, the only real difference is in localization such as Chinese apps versus Google Play Store. This tutorial is intended for those of you who want to try out the new Android 9.0 Pie Beta on your OnePlus 5T or 5 running OxygenOS since official Pie is not available.
Note: Before beginning this guide, please BACKUP EVERYTHING just in case things go wrong or you make a mistake. Although I have tested this many times, it’s in your best interest to backup important things when doing firmware updates anyways.
Step 1. Make sure you are on OxygenOS, signed into Google Play Store, and set your fingerprint/face unlock. Otherwise you may lose it.
Step 2. Download latest HydrogenOS Pie Beta firmware:
Download HydrogenOS Pie Beta firmware for OnePlus 5T – Link
Download HydrogenOS Pie Beta firmware for OnePlus 5 – Link
These are official pie beta firmwares from OnePlus site, you can also download these on OnePlus site but it’s in Chinese…
Step 3. Move the firmware to the root directory of your internal storage using File Manager app.
Step 4. Go to Settings->System->System updates then tap on the top-right settings icon. Then choose “Local upgrade” then choose the firmware. Tap on “Upgrade now” and it should take around 5-10 minutes. Once done, your phone will reboot and you should be on latest Android 9.0 Pie Beta!
Now, when OxygenOS Pie Beta comes available, you can switch back to OxygenOS, exact same method just different firmware file. You cannot go back to OxygenOS Oreo once because that will cause havoc since you are downgrading from Pie to Oreo.(You can do it, I have tested it but it will break your system and make your UI unusable.)
You can now also enjoy Pixel 3 Camera, grab the Pixel 3 Camera for OnePlus 6 here.
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