Google is set to introduce a double-tap gesture for turning off the screen on Pixel smartphones, a feature commonly found on competitor devices. This capability was found in the recent Android 16 beta, indicating that Google is finally addressing a long-standing omission in its Pixel lineup.
While the feature functions as intended, it is currently not available to users. Although the precise timing of this feature’s official rollout remains uncertain, it is unlikely to be included in the initial stable version of Android 16.
Instead, it may be released in one of the subsequent quarterly updates. Pixel phones are popular for their unique software features, yet they have lacked certain basic functionalities that users coming from other brands typically expect.
The absence of a double-tap gesture to turn off the screen has been a notable disappointment for many. Currently, many leading Android brands, including Samsung, Xiaomi, and OnePlus, allow users to turn off the screen with a double-tap on the lock screen.
In contrast, Pixel phones do not support this action. The latest beta of Android 16 shows promise, as it hints at the new gesture functionality.
Although it is not yet activated in Android 16 Beta 4, some users have reported being able to enable it, allowing them to turn off their screens by double-tapping an empty space on the lock screen. It’s somewhat surprising that Google has delayed the addition of this simple yet highly requested feature.
While the update is anticipated, the lack of availability in Beta 4 suggests that it may not debut with the stable Android 16 release. Interested users may wish to explore third-party applications, such as Pixel Toolbox, to enable this capability in the interim.
If you’ve recently switched to a Pixel from another brand, how do you feel about the absence of this gesture? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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