Nexus and Pixel owners will get the advance April 2017 Android security update after it initially goes live for Google devices. The device firmware for other Android devices is also available at the developers' site. Within the next 48 hours, the source code patches will also be available on the Android Open Source Project repository or AOSP. This is indicative that other Android users will also get and over-the-air (OTA) update soon.
Those who own Google Pixel and Pixel XL, together with older Nexus 5X, Nexus 6, Nexus 6P and Nexus 9 can already get the OTA update. This April 2017 Android security update is not yet available through OTA for non-Nexus devices as of Wednesday. At any rate, both the factory image and the OTA can be downloaded for those who will opt to personally tinker with their devices.
While all the files contained in April 2017 Android security update are fused for two different flashing methods, it is prudent to know the difference. The factory image for Nexus and Pixel devices will wipe clean the device so remember to back up those important files. On the other hand, the OTA files are useful for flashing the latest security update without losing the current device setup.
Otherwise, the safest way is for non-Nexus and Pixel users is to wait for the April 2017 Android security update when the generic OTA goes live for their respective devices. By doing so, everything is done worry-free since devices will update automatically anyway.
Meanwhile, Google repeatedly stressed the importance of the April 2017 Android security update and encourages all users to accept this update in their devices. Google found a Critical vulnerability which can execute codes remotely. This method of breaching the devices can exploit several vulnerabilities that include emails, MMS and even simple web browsing. Luckily, Google said that no one has reported yet of successful hack nor customer exploitation.
