Google’s Android 17 QPR2 update is rolling out now to Pixel phones from the Pixel 6a up. It carries the November 2026 Pixel Drop and the November security patch. The Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro are not on Google’s list for this update.
Earlier this month, Pixel owners were still waiting on the November update. It has now arrived as Android 17 QPR2. 9to5Google describes the stable release as landing a month ahead of schedule.
Which Pixel phones get Android 17 QPR2
Google’s OTA listings, as reported by 9to5Google, cover 23 devices. Most get build CP4A.261105.040.A1 worldwide.
- Pixel 6 series: Pixel 6a
- Pixel 7 series: Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a
- Pixel 8 series: Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a
- Pixel 9 series: Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Pixel 9a
- Pixel 10 series: Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, Pixel 10 Pro Fold, Pixel 10a
- Pixel 11 series: Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, Pixel 11 Pro Fold
- Foldable and tablet: Pixel Fold, Pixel Tablet
The Pixel 11 series gets its own build, CP4A.261105.040.D1. In Canada, those phones get CP4A.261105.040.B2.
Not on the list
- Pixel 6
- Pixel 6 Pro
This lines up with Google’s own update policy. The Pixel 6 and 6 Pro get updates for five years from when they first went on sale in the US Google Store. Google’s availability table dates that to October 2021. So the five-year window ran out in October 2026.
If you own a Pixel 6 or 6 Pro, don’t expect this release. Google’s policy page still lists both phones in its five-year group. We haven’t seen a final-update notice for them, so treat this as the end of the promised term rather than a formal cutoff. The Pixel 6a went on sale in July 2022. By the same policy, it should keep getting updates until around July 2027.
What the update fixes
Google’s changelog, as published by 9to5Google, includes a fix for all supported Pixels aimed at occasional system stutter. It also targets choppy animations while scrolling across apps. If your Pixel has lagged since Android 17 QPR1, install this update and see if things improve. Google’s notes don’t say whether it is the same fix we covered in the QPR2 beta.
Other fixes on the list:
- Keyboard sometimes not appearing in search fields
- Media volume jumping when you use voice commands
- Charging indicator showing with no charger connected
- Notification shade not expanding on a swipe
- Wi-Fi Calling status missing after a restart on some carriers
- Quick Switch gesture failing while Circle to Search is active
- Pixel 11 only: photos occasionally not saving, sensor-related battery drain in the background, and slow restart and startup times
The update also brings the November security patch. 9to5Google counts 135 issues in the Android 17 bulletin at the 2026-11-01 patch level. It counts 97 at the 2026-11-05 level and 166 more in the Pixel bulletin. 9to5Google puts their severity at high to critical. We covered the critical flaw in the November bulletin separately.
New features in the November Pixel Drop
Google lists these additions for supported Pixels:
- Pixel search: on the Pixel 6a and newer, per Google’s support post (Google’s blog says Pixel 6 and newer)
- Custom icon styles: new styles for your app icons
- HiLight: now glows for Google Messages from favorite contacts
- Automatic Transit Mode: can switch on when the phone detects a train, off by default, Pixel 6a and newer
- Extreme Charging Mode: expands to the Pixel 10 series, except the Pixel 10a
- Pixel VIPs: request or share real-time location and see a VIP’s battery level
- Family Hub: a new Settings section, with Google One sharing on eligible plans
- Calculator: Unit Conversion and Ask math, in select markets and on select devices
- Notification summaries: now in German, French, Spanish, Italian, Hindi and Traditional Chinese on Pixel 9 and newer, except the 9a and 10a
Some of Google’s footnotes still mention the Pixel 6 for VIPs and Family Hub, and its blog does the same for Pixel search. The 6 and 6 Pro aren’t on the build list, though, so don’t count on these features there. The Pixel 10a also misses Extreme Charging and notification summaries, per Google’s own footnotes.
Google Fi users can read our earlier piece on Fi’s switching between two 5G networks. Google also brought Gemini Intelligence features to the Pixel 10 series.
How to check for Android 17 QPR2
Go to Settings > System > Software update to check for the download. Google’s Pixel Community post on the November Pixel Drop explains the rollout:
Supported Pixel devices will receive these software updates starting today. The rollout of these features will continue over the coming weeks in phases, depending on carrier and device.
If the update hasn’t shown up yet, check again over the next few days. Timing can vary by carrier and model.
Source: Google Pixel Community, Google Keyword blog, Google Pixel update policy, Google Pixel availability dates, 9to5Google
