Should I update my Pixel 8 before installing GrapheneOS?

MeruMeru

Hello

I received last week, while on vacation, the notification of the new Android release.
I didn't update yet with the last update was I was already planning to install Graphene OS when back from vacation. (and also to not have that Gemini AI crap on my phone).

Also I was reading on reddit that the latest updated could cause problems with Graphene OS.
Today, I was about to install Graphene OS with the WebBased Install, but the installation guide says "It's best practice to update the device before installing GrapheneOS to have the latest firmware for connecting the device to the computer and performing the early flashing process. Either way, GrapheneOS flashes the latest firmware early in the installation process."

So what should I do? Update my pixel 8 before installing Graphene OS?

ps: second non related question, is it easier to install Graphene from Windows 11 or Linux Mint ? I have both on different computers.

Thank you a lot for your answers.

other8026

MeruMeru Today, I was about to install Graphene OS with the WebBased Install, but the installation guide says "It's best practice to update the device before installing GrapheneOS to have the latest firmware for connecting the device to the computer and performing the early flashing process. Either way, GrapheneOS flashes the latest firmware early in the installation process."

This is the correct answer. It's not absolutely necessary, but it's better. If it's on one of the last Android 15 updates or later, then I think it should be fine since the bootloader should be on the same version (if I remember correctly).

Here's the project account asking the same question https://discuss.grapheneos.org/d/21057-flashing-gos-without-updating-android-on-device-first/7

MeruMeru the latest updated could cause problems with Graphene OS.

How? Maybe the thing you read was wrong, or is about something else?

edit: added "or later" above because what I wrote earlier was unclear.

de0u

MeruMeru Also I was reading on reddit that the latest updated could cause problems with Graphene OS.

It's hard to give a definitive response to a detail-free rumor. It would be better (in this case and all cases) to cite the concerning thing -- providing a link is a good way.

MeruMeru

other8026 Thank you for your answer and the link to the previous conversation.
Looking into it right now.

I don't know if it's one of the last Android 15 updates or installing Android 16, though. It doesn't say explicitly on the update information.
Updating to Android 16 is what I am afraid it will mess with Graphene OS.

Psyonico

MeruMeru Updating to Android 16 is what I am afraid it will mess with Graphene OS.

Graphene OS is currently based on Android 16, so it shouldn't be a problem.

other8026

MeruMeru Sorry, I see that what I said is confusing. I mean as long as you have updated to one of the last Android 15 releases or later you should be fine. I missed the "or later" part.

But still, it's better to update the stock OS before flashing GrapheneOS if you can, but you don't absolutely have to.

MeruMeru

Thank you everyone for your answers!!
You are the best!