OnePlus has built a reputation for delivering value-for-money, industry-leading smartphones, and the 6-series flagships are no exception. Apart from packing razor-sharp internals, the 2018 flagships are also guaranteed to receive superfast updates, at least for two years.

In this piece, we are more concerned about the incremental software updates than the devices’ internals. From security patches to major Android releases and everything in between — check out this space to learn all about the latest updates for your OnePlus 6/6T.

Android 11 DP1 on Pixel

Android 11

  • Both the OnePlus 6 and OnePlus 6T look to be eligible for Android 11
  • T-Mobile OnePlus 6T is expected to receive Android 11 update too
  • No official announcement by OnePlus yet
  • It could arrive as OxygenOS 11

Given OnePlus will update OnePlus 5 and OnePlus 5T to Android 10, which will be their third flagship update, we can safely expect them to hand Android 11 as the third flagship update to the OnePlus 6 and 6T users.

However, note that OnePlus hasn’t announced anything regarding Android 11 till now, and that’s okay because we are still 4-5 months away from the release of the stable Android 11 update by Google.

RELATED: OnePlus Android 11 update device list and release date

Android 10

  • Apr 26: OxygenOS 10.3.3 is now available
  • Feb 27: OxygenOS 10.3.2 is rolling out
  • Feb 25: OxygenOS Open Beta 5 released
  • Feb 14: T-Mobile’s 6T receives Android 10 update carrying version A6013_34_191228
  • Jan 23: OxygenOS 10.3.1 is out
  • Dec 19: OxygenOS 10.3.0 now available
  • Dec 17: Open Beta 3 is now available
  • Dec 04: Stable Android 10 update also available (Version 10.0.1)

OnePlus released the Android 10 update for the OnePlus 6 and OnePlus 6T on November 1st. It came as OxygenOS 10 and weighed around 2GB.

OxygenOS 10

The Chinese smartphone manufacturer ships off Google’s Android in a pretty minimalistic way, only making very subtle changes on top. OnePlus calls resulting product OxygenOS, and, this year, we’re getting Android 10-based OxygenOS 10. As mentioned earlier, the update has already gone live for OnePlus 6 and 6T, rolling out to the devices on November 1st, 2019.

OnePlus 6/6T update timeline

Release date Device — Software version — Changelog
25 Apr 2020 OnePlus 6/6T — OxygenOS 10.3.3
Changelog:
System
Fixed the issue with a black screen randomly appearing while playing games
Updated GMS package to 2020.02
Updated Android Security Patch to 2020.04
Improved system stability and fixed general bugs
Network updates
Integrated VoLTE & VoWifi support for Telenor – Denmark
Integrated VoWifi support for RJIO – India
Cloud Sync updates [India only]
Updated the CloudService to Version 2.0
07 Apr 2020 OnePlus 6/6T — OxygenOS Open Beta 5
Changelog:
System
Now unlock the LockBox without any problems in File Manager
No more crashes in the Launcher with apps in full-screen display
Got rid of blank screens while clearing up the background apps
Updated Android Security Patch to 2020.03
27 Feb 2020 OnePlus 6/6T — OxygenOS 10.3.2
Changelog:
System
Fixed the screen flickering issue while swiping up to unlock
Improved system stability and fixed general bugs
Updated Android security patch to 2020.02
[Full ROM download link: OnePlus 6 | OnePlus 6T]
25 Feb 2020 OnePlus 6/6T — OxygenOS Open Beta 5
Changelog:
System
Fixed and removed white bar below the keyboard
Fixed the issue with app crashes during installing and updating
Improved system stability and fixed general bugs
Updated Android security patch to 2020.02
Network (India Only)
Integrated the VoWifi registration for the Jio Sim
Phone
Optimized the one-handed mode experience in the Phone app
Fixed the issue with the duplication of contacts
Zen Mode V1.5.0
Improved OnePlus Account login for synchronization of badges and user’s data
Work-Life Balance (India Only)
Optimized message notification
Optimized the mode and app selection
Added location, calendar, auto-track feature
Message (India Only)
Fixed issue with message categorization
Fixed issue with transaction messages showing wrong entity values
Improved brand name and logo identification of sender
23 Jan 2020 OnePlus 6/6T — OxygenOS 10.3.1 — Android 10 | Changelog:
System
Black screen appearing after unlocking the device using fingerprint issue fixed
Fixed the animation logo issue while rebooting the device
Fixed device heating issues while charging
Fixed 5Ghz-Hotspot random disconnection issue
Stability improvement and bug fixes
December 2019 security patch
Camera
Optimized image preview time in Pro mode
Fixed random camera crash issue
Gallery
Fixed the issue where videos and images wouldn’t show up in Gallery
[Download Link: OnePlus 6T | OnePlus 6]
14 Jan 2020 OnePlus 6/6T — Open Beta 4 — Fourth Android 10 beta | Changelog:
System
Details optimized for Emergency Rescue
Reminders for privacy alerts
December 2019 security patch
Stability improvement and bug fixes
Phone
Ringtone increase/decrease features added
Reading Mode
Added Chromatic effect for improved reading experience (Settings > Display > Reading Mode >Turn on Reading Mode > Chromatic effect)
19 Dec 2019 OnePlus 6/6T — OxygenOS 10.3.0 — Android 10 upgrade | Changelog:
System
Upgraded to Android 10
Brand new UI for Android 10
Fixed the automatic reboot issue
Added the notch area display option in the settings (Settings>Display>Notch display>Hide the notch area)
Fixed the issue with lock screen appearing even after unlocking the device with the password
Fixed the issue with Navigation bar after upgrade
Fixed the Digital wellbeing option missing in settings
November 2019 security patch
Fingerprint
Fingerprint unlock functionality improvement
WiFi connectivity
Fixed the issue of Wi-Fi connection to 5GHz networks
[Download Link: OnePlus 6T | OnePlus 6]
17 Dec 2019 OnePlus 6/6T — Open Beta 3 — Third Android 10 beta update | Changelog:
System
Added the notch area display options under Settings>Display>Notch display>Hide the notch area;
Updated the GMS Package;
Updated Android security patch to 2019.11
Improved system stability and general bug fixes
OnePlus Care (India only)
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Here are more observations from an attentive user.
[Download Link: OnePlus 6T | OnePlus 6]
04 Dec 2019 OnePlus 6/6T — OxygenOS 10.0.1 — Android 10, Bug fixes, Camera improvements, October 2019 security patch
[Download Link: OnePlus 6T | OnePlus 6]
30 Nov 2019 OnePlus 6/6T — Open Beta 2 — Second Android 10-based Open Beta update; Fixes issues fingerprint identification and animation lag, auto reboot and freeze, 5GHz Wi-Fi connection, and improves system stability, and camera performance [Download Link: OnePlus 6T | OnePlus 6]
01 Nov 2019 OnePlus 6/6T — OxygenOS 10.0 — Android 10 update, October 2019 security patch [Download Link: OnePlus 6T | OnePlus 6]
19 Oct 2019 OnePlus 6/6T — Open Beta 1 — First Open Beta update based on Android 10; brings Android 10 features and, Game Space, Smart Display, customized new Full Screen Gesture, and more [Download Link: OnePlus 6T | OnePlus 6]
24 Sep 2019 OnePlus 6/6T — OxygenOS 9.0.9/OxygenOS 9.0.17 — Fixes the call recorder crashing issue, reactivates the calling function after network reset, and prepares the device for Android 10 [Download Link: OnePlus 6 | OnePlus 6T]
03 Sep 2019 OnePlus 6/6T — Open Beta 25/Open Beta 17 — Prepares the device for Android 10 update (could arrive as Open Beta 26 update soon) [Download Firmware: OnePlus 6 | OnePlus 6T]
09 Aug 2019 OnePlus 6/6T — OxygenOS 9.0.8/OxygenOS 9.0.16  — Installs August 2019 security patch, optimizes pocket mode, fixes a screen recorder bug (with fingerprint unlock), adds Quick reply in landscape mode, brings password settings for Hidden Space, introduces a new Fnatic (gaming) mode, adds features to Zen mode, adds DC Dimming feature, and more [Download Link: OnePlus 6 | OnePlus 6T]
08 Aug 2019 OnePlus 6/6T — Open Beta 24/Open Beta 16 — Installs August 2019 security patch, optimizes screenshot feature, and improves Zen mode by optimizing visual effects and adding Duration feature [Download Link: OnePlus 6 | OnePlus 6T]
23 Jul 2019 OnePlus 6/6T — Open Beta 23/Open Beta 15 — Improvements to OnePlus Laboratory app (new UI, and a new feature called DC Dimming) Screen Recorder feature (new options for FPS, bitrate, and resolution, and ability to hide the floating widget), Weather app, and general bug fixes. [Download Link: OnePlus 6 | OnePlus 6T]
13 Jul 2019 OnePlus 6/6T — Android 10 DP3 — This is the third developer preview of Android 10
09 Jul 2019 OnePlus 6/6T — Open Beta 22/Open Beta 14 — Adds OnePlus clock widget, improvements to System, File Manager, OnePlus Switch and installs July security patch [Download Firmware: OnePlus 6T]
03 Jul 2019 OnePlus 6/6T — OxygenOS 9.0.7/OxygenOS 9.0.15 — Adds screen recorder feature, improves screen rotation, and installs June 2019 security patch [Download Link: OnePlus 6 | OnePlus 6T]
25 Jun 2019 OnePlus 6 — Open Beta 21 — Improvements to the Phone app, Weather app, Screen recorder (FPS options), and System
13 Jun 2019 OnePlus 6/6T — Android 10 DP2 — This is the second Android 10 developer preview. It brings bug fixes and improvements, but also several bugs. More details here
13 Jun 2019 OnePlus 6/6T — Open Beta 20/Open Beta 12 — Digital Wellbeing, Fnatic mode, and June 2019 security patches
03 Jun 2019 OnePlus 6 — OxygenOS 9.0.6 — Updated Android Security Patch to May 2019, Added Support for Quick Pairing of Bullets Wireless 2, Improved stability and compatibility of Bluetooth, Improved confirm password UI for hidden space, Fixed issue with ringtone for SMS, Fixed issue with speed dial getting cleared, Fixed issue loading credentials required WiFi requiring Login, and General bug fixes and improvements
03 Jun 2019 OnePlus 6T — OxygenOS 9.0.14 — Updated Android Security Patch to May 2019, Added Support for Quick Pairing of Bullets Wireless 2, Improved stability and compatibility of Bluetooth, Improved confirm password UI for hidden space, Optimized photo quality from the front camera, Fixed issue with ringtone for SMS, Fixed issue with speed dial getting cleared, Fixed issue loading credentials required WiFi requiring Login, and General bug fixes and improvements
28 May 2019 OnePlus 6/6T — Open Beta 19/Open Beta 11 — Brings OnePlus 7 Pro features called Zen Mode and Screen Recorder
15 May 2019 OnePlus 6/6T — Open Beta 18/Open Beta 10 — May 2019 security patch, more accurate remaining time for completion (OnePlus Switch), bug fixes and improvements
07 May 2019 OnePlus 6/6T — Android 10 Developer Preview 1 — Installs the first Android 10 developer preview. This is unstable software, so don’t install it on your daily driver
01 May 2019 OnePlus 6/6T — Open Beta 17/Open Beta 9 — More instant messaging apps now support quick replies in landscape mode, the update fixes the issue where apps get paused when using quick reply in landscape mode, a warning for when the display is overheating, and more
20 Apr 2019 OnePlus 6/6T — OxygenOS 9.0.5/OxygenOS 9.0.13 — March 2019 security patch, new feedback tool for reporting bugs and requesting new features, bug fixes, and system improvements
16 Apr 2019 OnePlus 6/6T — Open Beta 16/Open Beta 8 — April 2019 security patch, added support for the quick reply in landscape mode, and more
26 Mar 2019 OnePlus 6/6T — Open Beta 15/Open Beta 7 — The update brings an improved photo editor, UI optimizations to the Phone app and Screenshot, and so on. You can check out the full changelog here.
12 Mar 2019 OnePlus 6/6T — Open Beta 14/Open Beta 6 — March 2019 security update, improvements to the lock screen interface and sensitivity for screen rotation, ability to select contact groups for sending SMS, and more
27 Feb 2019 OnePlus 6/6T — Open Beta 13/Open Beta 5 — Improved stability for video calls, fix lag when setting alarm, and general bug fixes and improvements
11 Feb 2019 OnePlus 6/6T — OxygenOS 9.0.4/OxygenOS 9.0.12 — Deeper integration to Google Duo, improvements to the system, and January 2019 security patch
29 Jan 2019 OnePlus 6/6T — Open Beta 12/Open Beta 4 — Adds support for Quick Reply in landscape mode, OnePlus Laboratory, and more
14 Jan 2019 OnePlus 6/6T — Open Beta 11/Open Beta 3 — Adds Google duo integration to the Phone app, landscape support for Messaging app, Weather app gets new search options, improved weather descriptions, more unit options for weather data, and better description for the icons used in the app; also installs the January security patch
08 Jan 2019 OnePlus 6T — OxygenOS 9.0.11 — Hotfix update, fixes a critical bug in the 9.0.10 update, changelog remains same as that of 9.0.10
29 Dec 2018 OnePlus 6 — OxygenOS 9.0.3 — Fixes Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity problems, better Nightscape photo capture and slow-motion video recording, better image processor for the camera, Audio tuner for Bluetooth earphones, VoLTE support for Bouygues FR mobile network, December 2018 security patch, and general bug fixes and improvements
28 Dec 2018 OnePlus 6 — Open Beta 10 — Quicker unlock via PIN, UI fix for better navigation bar visibility, new features in Gallery and Launcher apps, Caller ID (India only), screen brightness fix, etc.
28 Dec 2018 OnePlus 6T — Open Beta 2 — Caller ID for India, low brightness fix, quicker unlock via PIN without tapping OK, better navigation bar visibility, improved UI for Call History, Create a collection, copy and move photos features in gallery, New illustrations and design on blank pages in gallery, Added recommended tools in Toolbox in Launcher, Improved UI for category tags in app drawer in Launcher
20 Dec 2018 OnePlus 6T — OxygenOS 9.0.10 — December Android security patch, Improved Wi-Fi stability for better connectivity, Face Unlock improvements, and Improved Nightscape performance
19 Dec 2018 OnePlus 6T — Open Beta 1 — December 2018 security patch, Added toast message when parallel apps are unavailable due to data corruption, Added call history for incoming calls from unknown numbers, Optimized UI for Spam messages and calls, and OnePlus Switch now supports migrating data from iPhone
17 Dec 2018 OnePlus 6 — Open Beta 8 — December 2018 security fix, data migration support for iPhone via OnePlus Switch, call history for unknown numbers, better UI for spam calls and messages, toast message for parallel apps unavailability because of data corruption
09 Dec 2018 OnePlus 6T — OxygenOS 9.0.7 — Improved Bluetooth stability for better connectivity, Optimized stability for Wi-Fi connection, Optimized standby power consumption, Fixed display issues for lock screen wallpaper, General bug fixes, and improvements, and improved slow-motion performance
19 Nov 2018 OnePlus 6 — Open Beta 7 — Adds Video Enhancer, OnePlus Roaming, and more
06 Nov 2018 OnePlus 6T — OxygenOS 9.0.5 — Improves screen unlock performance (fixes issues with the in-display fingerprint sensor), general bug fixes and more
01 Nov 2018 OnePlus 6 — OxygenOS 9.0.2 — Installs November 2018 security patch, Nightscape, Studio Lighting, and more
01 Nov 2018 OnePlus 6T — OxygenOS 9.0.4 — Installs November 2018 security patch, improves Nightscape, Adds Studio Lighting, and more
30 Oct 2018 OnePlus 6 — Open Beta 6 — Nightscape and Studio lighting features in the camera app, November security fix, new navigation gestures, improved UI of About Phone screen, a new design of Google quick search box, improvements to Gallery app and screenshot taking experience
19 Oct 2018 OnePlus 6 — Open Beta 5 — October 2018 security update, improved screenshot UI, and more
16 Oct 2018 OnePlus 6 — OxygenOS 9.0.1 — September 2018 security patch, a new UI, new adaptive battery support, and more
29 Sep 2018 OnePlus 6 — Open Beta 4 — Fixes issues with touch, speed dial, call answering, and more
21 Sep 2018 OnePlus 6 — OxygenOS 9.0 — Installs stable Android 9 Pie update, also includes features like Game Mode 3.0, accent color optimization, etc.
15 Sep 2018 OnePlus 6 — Open Beta 3 — Installs Open Beta 3, the third update under Android Pie beta program that brings bug fixes and performance improvements
09 Sep 2018 OnePlus 6 — Open Beta 2 — Second Pie update under the beta program from OnePlus that fixes issues from the previous update
03 Sep 2018 OnePlus 6 — Open Beta 1 — Installs Android 9 Pie update from the OnePlus under the beta testing program dubbed Open Beta. Here’s how to install it. Brings Android Pie features as well as a few other features such as: support for accent color customization, new gaming mode (version 3.0), new DND mode with adjustable settings, the addition of text notification mode and, the addition of notification for 3rd party calls
21 Aug 2018 OnePlus 6 — OxygenOS 5.1.11 — Fix for screen flickering issue, improved HDR camera mode, and more
28 Jul 2018 OnePlus 6 — Developer Preview 3 | Android P — Installs Android P DP3, July 2018 security patch, and more
17 Jul 2018 OnePlus 6 — OxygenOS 5.1.9 — Adds Google Lens supports and improves dynamic range, clarity, edge detection in portrait mode, focusing speed and accuracy of the camera, and more
17 Jun 2018 OnePlus 6 — OxygenOS 5.1.8 — This is India specific build. Improves call quality, improves network and system stability, and other issues. Also includes OxygenOS 5.1.7 improvements
16 Jun 2018 OnePlus 6 — Developer Preview 2 | Android P — Installs Android P developer preview 2 (Installation guide here)
15 Jun 2018 OnePlus 6 — OxygenOS 5.1.7 — Fixes bootloader security bug, and more
09 Jun 2018 OnePlus 6 — OxygenOS 5.1.6 — Added Portrait Mode for the front camera and preview for Light Bokeh effect in Portrait Mode of the rear cam, Enable Idea VoLTE services in India, Fixed stability issues for Dual Sim Cards, and more
22 May 2018 OnePlus 6 — OxygenOS 5.1.5 — May 2018 security patch, preloaded OnePlus Switch app, Added configuration to show/hide the notch, Camera now supports super slow-mo (720p@480fps and 1080p@240fps), quick capture in portrait mode, and Gallery now supports more actions for recently deleted files.

T-Mobile OnePlus 6T update timeline

  • Android 10 is out for T-Mobile 6T (Feb 14)
Release date Software version — Changelog
14 Feb 2020 A6013_34_191228 — Installs Android 10, December 2019 security patch, Improved system stability and general bug fixes
29 Oct 2019 A6013_34_191016 — October 2019 security patch, screen recorder
08 Oct 2019 A6013_34_190814 — August security patch; updates the Google Maps app, and brings improvements to device’s performance
04 Aug 2019 A6013_34_190725 — July security patch, probable battery life improvement
02 Jul 2019 A6013_34_190612 — June security patch, RCS bug fixes
16 May 2019 A6013_34_190510 — April 2019 security patch and enhanced messaging experience
09 Mar 2019 A6013_34_190217 — March 2019 security patch and support for IR94 Video Calling and RCS Messaging
20 Jan 2019 A6013_34_190116 — Fixes dialer crash issue and performs various bug fixes and system improvements
03 Jan 2019 A6013_34_181228 — Enables support for additional domestic roaming partners
11 Dec 2018 A6013_34_181121 — Improves speed of the unlock process by optimizing the working of the in-display fingerprint sensor and audio quality, updates the camera app, fixes Play Store download notification problem, and optimizes Face unlock feature, WiFi AP login UI, and unlock speed of live wallpapers; still on November 2018 patch
20 Nov 2018 A6013_34_181029 — Installs November 2018 security patch, improves screen unlock performance, Nightscape mode, general bug fixes and more

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How to install an update on OnePlus 6/6T

Method 1 – Install automatically

Step 1: Download the update file from above from the software version column above.

Step 2: Transfer the update file to your OnePlus 6/6T.

Step 3: Open the Settings app on your phone.

Step 4: Go to System updates.

Step 5: The system will check for the update and let you if it’s available. Tap Download and Install if an update is available.

Method 2 – Install manually

You could also download a file, transfer it over to your OnePlus 6/6T, and get the latest software.

Step 1: Download the update file from above from the software version column above.

Step 2: Transfer the update file to your OnePlus 6/6T.

Step 3: Open the Settings app on your phone.

Step 4: Go to System updates, and then tap the icon in the top right, then select local upgrade.

Step 5: Tap on the update file you transferred above.

Step 6: Tap on Immediately upgrade > System upgrade to 100%.

Step 7: Tap on the Reboot system now.

Installing Open Beta update over stable OxygenOS update? Know this!

  • You can use the ‘How To’ guide given above to install an Open Beta ROM over the stable OxygenOS ROM you currently have installed on your OnePlus 6/6T.
  • This won’t wipe your data (No factory reset).
  • You will receive further Open Beta updates as OTA.
  • You won’t receive stable updates now until you manually install a stable update yourself (see below for more).

Installing stable OxygenOS update over Open Beta update? Know this!

  • You can use the ‘How To’ guide given above to install a stable ROM over the Open Beta ROM you currently have installed on your OnePlus 6/6T.
  • THIS WILL WIPE YOUR PHONE’S DATA (Yes, factory reset will happen once you install it.)
  • You will receive further stable updates as OTA.
  • You won’t receive Open Beta update unless you manually install an Open Beta ROM yourself (won’t wipe your device, though, when you do that).

Does installing update wipe data automatically or require a factory reset? 

It depends on the version of OS you’re jumping to. If you’re installing Open Beta over stable ROM, you are going to a newer version of the OS, which won’t force you to delete all your data. However, if you’re going from Open Beta to stable, you’re basically downgrading to an older version. And that, we’re afraid, would require a complete cleanup.

Why am I not getting OTA updates on my OnePlus 6/6T?

OnePlus is usually very reliable when it comes to pushing out software updates, but some users have had a hard time getting their OTA updates on time. If you, too, are one of the sufferers, we’d suggest you change your location using VPN services. Maybe connect to a server in the US or Germany and try checking for an update. If it doesn’t do the trick, contact customer care for support.

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