Pixel 10’s May 2026 update prevents you from installing older Android versions

Google is rolling out a May 2026 update for the Pixel 10 lineup that raises the bootloader anti-rollback version.

The change blocks installing or booting older Android 16 builds on Pixel 10 devices, including the Pixel 10 Pro, Pro XL, and Pro Fold.

Google says the update improves security by preventing vulnerable firmware from being restored.

The tradeoff is less flexibility for recovery, debugging, and testing on affected devices.