This article answers common questions about Android 16. We cover how to get the latest software, the benefits of updating, troubleshooting steps if you haven't yet received it, and important compatibility details.

How do I get Android 16 on my Fairphone?

Android 16 is available for The Fairphone (Gen. 6). To install the update, please see our support article: How to check and update your software version.

Why should I update to the latest software version?

We always recommend updating to the latest software version. Beyond new features that enhance your experience, Android 16 contains important security and privacy-focused improvements that help keep your Fairphone safe.

Should I back up my data before installing Android 16?

Yes, we strongly recommend backing up your data before making any significant changes to your Fairphone, like installing a new Android version. To back up your data, please see our support article: How to back up or restore my data.

What are the main new features of Android 16?

Android 16 on The Fairphone (Gen. 6) brings these main new features:

Everyday use and notifications

• Force Group Notifications
  Notifications from the same app are automatically bundled and can be expanded or collapsed with a single tap, helping users stay organised.
• Notification Cooldown
  When multiple notifications arrive in quick succession, Android 16 gradually reduces the alert volume to avoid repeated loud alerts.
• Power Button Shortcut for Wallet
  You can now choose to open Google Wallet with a double-press of the power button instead of the camera.
• Measurement System Customisation
  Android 16 allows users to select alternative measurement systems directly in system settings.
• Unicode 16.0 Emojis
  The update includes seven new emojis from Unicode 16.0.

Accessibility

• Outline Text for Maximum Contrast
  Outline text replaces high-contrast text by adding a contrasting outline around characters, significantly improving legibility for users who need stronger visual contrast.

Security and protection

• Anti-scam Safeguards During Phone Calls
  While a phone call is active, Android 16 prevents users from enabling sideloading and blocks granting certain sensitive permissions, such as Accessibility access. This helps protect users from scammers attempting to guide them into installing malicious software during calls.

I haven't received the Android 16 update. What now?

It can take some time for Android 16 to roll out to everyone with The Fairphone (Gen. 6). If you haven't received the notification yet, check again in a few days. You can also try manually checking for the update by going to Settings → System → System update and tapping Check for update.

I'm having trouble updating to Android 16. What now?

If your Fairphone won't update to the latest software version, you can often fix it in just a few simple steps. Find out how: My Fairphone won't update to the latest software version.

Will Android 16 come to the Fairphone 5?

Rest assured, Android 16 is coming to Fairphone 5. By staggered releases, we ensure that our engineering team can provide the dedicated focus each model deserves to stay reliable for the long haul.

The Fairphone (Gen. 6) and Fairphone 5 use different hardware chipsets that require independent development cycles. We are working hard to get it right rather than get it out fast, because this upgrade requires rigorous testing to ensure that the stability, battery life, and performance you expect are not compromised on the Fairphone 5.

Why are some Android 16 features not available on The Fairphone (Gen. 6), even though they’re listed by Google?

Android is a broad platform with many optional features, some of which depend on hardware capabilities or specific OEM integrations. For Android 16 on The Fairphone (Gen. 6), we’ve prioritised features that meaningfully improve daily use and align with our quality and reliability standards. 

Features that are not included (e.g., Live Updates, Secure Lock) are ones that either haven’t shipped broadly across devices or depend on ecosystem support we can’t enable yet. This approach ensures the update you get is reliable and consistent. 

What does ‘bloatware-free’ mean with The Fairphone (Gen. 6) Android 16 update?

This means that the phone will come free of unwanted or hidden software installed - no unused or unnecessary apps, giving a clean user experience.

Why is the navigation bar overlapping with my keyboard after the Android 16 update?

We are aware of a layout inconsistency in Android 16 where the gesture navigation bar may occasionally overlap with the keyboard. Fortunately, this can be quickly resolved with a system restart.

How to resolve this: A simple reboot will refresh the interface and return the gesture bar to its correct position beneath the keyboard. To restart your Fairphone:

1. Press the Power button to turn on the screen.
2. Press the Power and Volume up buttons at the same time.
   (Or, if your device settings allow, press and hold the Power button.)
3. On your screen, tap Restart.

Once the device reboots, the keyboard and navigation bar should function normally.

Why does my Fairphone feel slow or have lower battery life after updating to Android 16?

It's normal for your Fairphone to feel a little different for the first 24 to 48 hours after a major update.

This is because when you install a new version of Android, your phone works hard in the background to optimize system data for the new software. This background activity can temporarily impact your phone's speed and lead to higher battery consumption.

If your Fairphone's performance or battery life doesn't return to normal after 48 hours, try our Repair Request Portal or contact our Customer Support team.