Google Pixel users have long been able to wake their phone’s screen with a double-tap gesture. However, the default Android experience on Pixels has not allowed users to turn off the screen using the same gesture. Meanwhile, competitors like Samsung and OnePlus already offer this feature on their devices. Now, it appears that Google is catching up, as new evidence uncovered in Android 16 Beta 4 suggests the feature could soon arrive on Pixel devices.
In a report for Android Authority, Mishaal Rahman details hidden elements within the latest beta that indicate the double-tap gesture may soon allow Pixel users to turn off their screens. While this feature is not yet active in Android 16 Beta 4, Rahman managed to get it working by tinkering with the software.
It remains unclear whether Google’s implementation will limit the double-tap gesture to empty spaces on the lock screen, or if users will be able to turn off their screens by double-tapping any vacant area on their home screen. The latter approach makes sense and is already available on Samsung Galaxy devices via One UI.
While the feature likely won’t be available when Android 16 debuts in June, Rahman notes that Pixel users can always rely on third-party apps to enable the double-tap gesture to turn off their screens. However, it’s reassuring to see that Google is working on its own native solution for this popular feature. Users are advised to stick with third-party apps for now, as it’s unlikely that the feature will be included in the stable release of Android 16 in June.
Rahman speculates that Google could introduce the double-tap feature in the first quarterly platform update for Android 16 later in the year. While there is always a possibility that the release of this feature could be further delayed, it’s hoped that won’t be the case.
This isn’t the only feature in Android 16 that will miss the June launch. There have also been reports of lock screen-related changes in the latest beta, which may be introduced with the first quarterly release of Android 16. Additionally, a new “Supervision” page has been spotted in the Settings, likely integrated with Google’s Family Link, which could debut with the same update. While there’s much to look forward to in Android 16 this June, it seems that there’s even more to come in subsequent updates.