The upcoming Android 16 QPR1 is set to introduce a double-tap gesture for Pixel phones, allowing users to turn off the screen. This feature has already been available on other Android launchers but is a new addition for Pixel devices. The functionality was identified through code strings in the Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 and will appear as a toggle option in the Settings app. However, it will only function on the lock screen and not on the home screen.
The introduction of this double-tap gesture is a notable enhancement for Pixel usability. Currently, Pixel users can wake their devices by double-tapping the lock screen, which provides a user-friendly alternative to the traditional power button. In contrast to other Android devices from manufacturers like Samsung and OnePlus, Pixel phones have not included a corresponding action to turn the screen off with a double-tap, which may soon change with this update. Earlier indications in Android 16 Beta 4 pointed to the potential addition of this feature, and now the presence of related settings in the QPR1 Beta 1 confirms its forthcoming arrival.
Unfortunately, Google’s implementation will be limited to the lock screen, meaning users cannot turn off their screens from the home screen, unlike what Samsung and OnePlus offer. For Pixel users, this new functionality will only be beneficial after checking notifications on the lock screen or after using lock screen widgets, which are also expected with Android 16 QPR1. Despite its limitations, the introduction of the double-tap gesture is a positive step forward for Pixel device usability, with the possibility of broader functionality on the home screen in future updates.
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