The Dynamic System Updates feature (DSU) was introduced with Android 10 and allows you to load a new Android OS image on your device as a guest operating system. This is a great feature to use when you want to test the latest version of Android, or if you just want to experience a stock Android system without wiping out your current OS.
You can use the DSU Loader, which is available on many Android devices. Here’s how you can do it.
How to Install a GSI Using Android’s DSU Loader
A stock Android ROM is what you install on any Android device which supports Project Treble. DSU Loader allows you to run a GSI on your phone without wiping the existing system software.
DSU Loader, which is available in Android 11 and higher developer settings, allows you to manage GSIs through the system UI. This method is much easier than using ADB or Fastboot.
The availability of DSU depends on the device manufacturer.
Samsung, however, does not support DSU Loader. Xiaomi, Sony, OnePlus and other manufacturers also offer this feature. This guide can also help you determine if you have the DSU Loader on your device.
Step 1: Enable Developer options on your device
The DSU Loader is disabled by default until developer options are enabled. To do this, launch Settings, select About Phone, scroll to the Build number and keep tapping it until you receive a confirmation.
Step 2: Download your preferred GSI using the DSU Loader
First, make sure that your device has internet access. Then, tap the DSU loader entry in Settings >System > Developer options to find all supported GSIs.
Choose the GSI that you wish to install from the Select Package dialog box. Choose the GSI that has the phrase GMS if you want a GSI which includes Google apps.
The GSI download will begin after you click the Accept button. Enter your PIN, password or pattern if you’ve secured your device.
Dynamic System Updates will notify you when the download is complete. Wait for the installation and download processes to finish. Your internet connection speed will determine how quickly the download and installation processes progress.
Step 3: Restart your device to boot the GSI
The DSU notification will offer you two options: Restart or Discard. Tap the Discard button if you decide to not load the downloaded GSI. Tap the Restart button on the notification to boot into the newly installed system image.
After the device restarts, the GSI guest OS will be loaded. You can explore, test interesting features, and much more. You should be aware that some features may not work as they did on the original system, and any data saved will be lost if you reboot.
The DSU system can be used for as long as desired. When you are done, simply follow the next steps to return to the original DSU system.
Step 4: Revert to the original device system
It is now time to go back to your previous system on your device after you have explored the new one. Pull down the notification panel and select the Restart option from the Dynamic System Updates Notification. You can also reboot your device by pressing the Power key.
You have now successfully installed and tested a GSI using the DSU Loader on your Android device. In some cases, you may need to unlock your bootloader to boot a DSU. Follow our guide on how to unlock Android bootloader if that’s the case.
DSU Loader: Install Android GSIs with Ease
DSU Loader makes it easy to flash a GSI with no additional knowledge. This method eliminates the possibility of damaging your device as is the case with the traditional ADB and Fastboot methods of flashing Android GSI build. Google is constantly improving this feature, and we hope that OEMs will follow suit.