Google Blocks Android Downgrades on Pixel 10 with New Anti-Rollback Update

Thu, 07 May 2026 07:12:00 +0200

Google’s May 2026 update for the Pixel 10 lineup introduces a stricter anti-rollback mechanism that prevents users from installing older versions of Android once the update is applied. This change affects all models in the Pixel 10 series, including the Pixel 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL, and 10 Pro Fold. The update modifies the device bootloader by incrementing its anti-rollback version, effectively blocking any attempt to revert to earlier Android 16 builds or previous bootloader versions that may contain security vulnerabilities.

This type of restriction is not entirely new, as similar measures were previously implemented on Pixel 6 and Pixel 8 devices. The goal is primarily to improve device security by ensuring users cannot return to outdated software that may be more susceptible to exploits. However, the update introduces a technical complication related to Android’s seamless update system, which uses dual partitions (active and inactive slots). After updating, the inactive slot may st