How to install a full OTA with ADB sideload

Before you start

• Use an OTA for your exact codename and a build that is the same or newer than the one on the phone. Older builds are refused.
• Charge the phone to at least 50% and back up anyway.
• Install the latest Android SDK Platform-Tools (adb and fastboot) on your computer.
• On the phone, turn on USB debugging (Settings → About phone → tap Build number 7 times → System → Developer options).

Steps

1. Connect the phone and run adb reboot recovery. Or: turn it off, hold Volume Down + Power, then choose Recovery mode with the volume keys and press Power.
2. If you see “No command” with an Android robot, hold Power and tap Volume Up once.
3. Choose Apply update from ADB.
4. On the computer run adb devices. You should see the phone listed with “sideload”.
5. Run adb sideload followed by the OTA file name, for example adb sideload husky-ota-ap2a.240805.005.zip.
6. Wait until the phone says the update is done (the computer may stop at about 47% — that’s normal). Choose Reboot system now.

If something goes wrong

• “adb: no devices/emulators found”: make sure the phone is in “Apply update from ADB” mode, then try another USB cable or port.
• “Signature verification failed”: the file is for another device, or it was not downloaded completely. Check the codename and the SHA-256 checksum.
• “Update package is older than the current build”: choose a newer OTA.