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Google is rethinking how Quick Settings tiles behave on locked phones (again)
Aug 7, 2026 — 3:47 AM ET
- Android 17 QPR 1 Beta 5 code revealed Google’s plan to require unlocking to toggle all Quick Settings tiles except Flashlight.
- The latest Android Canary 2608 build includes code indicating a shift toward a middle ground, requiring unlocks only for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Mobile Data, and Airplane Mode toggles.
- The new restriction seemingly targets tiles that thieves use to disable tracking while keeping lower-risk utilities like flashlight and auto-rotate available on the lock screen.
Android devices let you toggle a surprisingly large number of settings on locked devices through the Quick Settings tiles. We spotted code in Android 17 QPR 1 Beta 5 indicating Google’s intent to lock down all Quick Settings tiles except the flashlight tile, which made a lot of sense for privacy and security. However, some might find the approach too heavy-handed. Code in Android Canary 2608 indicates Google is gunning for a middle ground, with some locked Quick Settings tiles instead of almost all of them.
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Here are the code strings from Android 17 QPR 1 Beta 5:
<string name="lockscreen_privacy_tiles_switch_summary">To prevent unauthorized changes, you must unlock your device to use any Quick Settings tile except the Flashlight</string>In comparison, here are the newer code strings from Android Canary 2608:
<string name="lockscreen_privacy_tiles_switch_summary">To prevent unauthorized changes, you must unlock your device to use Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Mobile Data, and Airplane Mode.</string>As you can see, when your phone is locked, users will not be able to toggle Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Mobile Data, and Airplane Mode through the Quick Settings tiles. This secures the settings that thieves typically use to disable network tracking on a stolen phone. Lower-risk utilities and functions like flashlight, screen auto-rotate, or battery saver will seemingly remain accessible even when the phone is locked.
Note that this change is not live yet in Android Canary 2608. We’ll keep you updated when it goes live and we learn more.
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