Google Releases Factory Images for the Pixel 11 Series as Bear-Themed Codenames Revealed
Google’s latest flagship lineup, the Pixel 11 series, has officially arrived on store shelves, and with its retail debut comes the immediate availability of essential developer tools. For those who prioritize full control over their device software, Google has published the official factory images for the entire Pixel 11 family.
Restoring Your Device
These factory images serve as a vital safety net for enthusiasts and power users, allowing them to restore a software-damaged device to its original factory firmware. While these images are the standard for a "clean slate" recovery, Google notes that for most users, it is generally easier and safer to sideload the full Over-the-Air (OTA) image, which has also been made available for download today.
The launch software consists of three distinct build variations for each device:
- CD1A.260618.001.A7
- CD1A.260618.001.C2
- CD1A.260714.001.A9
These builds run on Android 17 and include the August 2026 security patch. While Google has not yet provided a breakdown of which specific build corresponds to which carrier or geographic region, reports suggest the "A9" build is currently active for US devices on the Google Fi network.
The "Bear" Codenames
Alongside the release, the documentation has confirmed that Google has adopted a "bear-themed" naming convention for this generation of hardware. Each model in the Pixel 11 family is assigned a specific ursine moniker:
- Pixel 11: cubs
- Pixel 11 Pro: grizzly
- Pixel 11 Pro XL: kodiak
- Pixel 11 Pro Fold: yogi
Beta Availability
For those looking to test the cutting edge of mobile software, there is a small caveat: as of launch day, the Pixel 11 series is not yet eligible for Android 17 QPR1 or QPR2 builds. Enthusiasts will have to wait for Google to open up the Android Beta Program to these specific devices in the coming months.
To access the official software files for your device, you can find the complete list of Pixel 11 factory images directly via the Android developer portal. As always, users are encouraged to proceed with caution when flashing factory images, as the process will wipe all data from the device.
