Pixel 9a Now Supported by LineageOS
The Google Pixel 9a is now officially supported by the LineageOS custom Android distribution, bringing expanded customization options to owners of the device.
Following the recent Android 16 QPR1 update, users can now access LineageOS 23 builds for the Pixel 9a, offering greater control over their device’s software. However, due to delays in Google releasing the Pixel kernel source code, the initial LineageOS release is based on the June Android 16 release and will not include the latest Material 3 Expressive update. This means early adopters will be running a slightly older version of the operating system.
The addition of the Pixel 9a to the LineageOS roster completes support for the Pixel 9 series, though it represents one of the longest waits for a new Pixel device to be supported, a consequence of Google’s slower release of kernel sources. For those interested in exploring alternative Android experiences, LineageOS provides a privacy-focused and customizable alternative to stock Android. The availability of custom ROMs like LineageOS can extend the lifespan of a device by providing software updates beyond the manufacturer’s support window.
While LineageOS 23.0 builds are not yet available for flashing, they are expected to be released in the coming days, with detailed instructions available on the LineageOS website. Developers are hopeful that the upcoming Pixel 10 lineup will receive similar support in the coming months, ideally before the potential launch of the Pixel 10a in mid-2026.
Almost half a year after launch, the Pixel 9a is now part of the official LineageOS build roster and comes full circle on Pixel 9 series support.
While we are just off the back of the sizable Android 16 QRP1 update, there are bound to be Pixel 9a owners who want to at least trial the latest LineageOS 23 builds on their phones for even more control, customization, or just peace of mind with regard to privacy – albeit a smaller component here versus GrapheneOS.
Given Google’s delays in releasing Pixel kernel source code, if you opt to slap LineageOS 23.0 on your phone, you will be running a marginally out-of-date release, given that QPR1 supersedes this build based on the June release of Android 16. As we saw with the OnePlus 13 drop just a few days ago, this does mean you’ll be running an older version and will miss out on the Material 3 Expressive update here.
This might be a roadblock for some of you who might otherwise want to give LineageOS a trial run on a Pixel 9a. Moreover, we’re just a few weeks away from the QPR2 release, which will exacerbate the issue further in the near future. The addition of new hardware to the LineageOS build roster has slowed over the past 12 months, but almost all recent Pixel hardware is supported within a few weeks of launch. This is one of the longest periods given Google’s heel-dragging over source code.
We’re hopeful that the Pixel 10 lineup will be supported in the coming months – ideally before the potential mid-2026 launch of the Pixel 10a.
If you are an intrepid owner, LineageOS 23.0 builds are not yet available to flash on the Pixel 9a, but we expect that to change over the coming days, and you can check here with detailed instructions available on the Lineage website.
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