Last month, Google rolled out the Android 17 QPR2 Beta 6.1 update with support for the Pixel 11 series. Now, the company has pushed the Android 17 QPR3 Beta 2 build to eligible Pixel phones, bringing a new useful security feature, a new customisation carousel option and a long list of bug fixes.
Android 17 QPR3 Beta 2 Update: What's New?
The biggest addition in Android 17 QPR3 Beta 2 is the option to lock connectivity toggles in Quick Settings. Once turned on, anyone using your Pixel phone will have to unlock it before they can change the Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Airplane mode, or mobile data tiles.
This is a handy anti-theft feature, as it stops thieves from simply switching on Airplane mode to prevent owners from tracking Pixel phones. Eligible devices will find this option under Settings > Display & touch > Lock screen.
Moving on, Google has also added a new Wallpaper & style carousel. It brings theme packs, custom icons, shape effects, animations and weather effects together in one place, making it easier to customise and personalise Pixel phones.
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Android 17 QPR3 Beta 2 Fixes More Than 20 Bugs
Apart from the new features, the Android 17 QPR3 Beta 2 update has issued several bug fixes, as many as 20 system-level patches. Here are the key ones:
- Stability: Fixes random crashes and reboots, unexpected shutdowns during WhatsApp video calls, and the display turning black after ending a call.
- Battery: Fixes high idle battery drain caused by motion sensors staying active after using Face Unlock or the camera.
- Connectivity: Fixes Bluetooth pairing timeouts and the Internet tile showing the wrong text when mobile data is on.
- Display and UI: Fixes the system UI appearing too small, notifications overlapping on the lock screen and a misaligned Bluetooth subtitle in Quick Settings.
- Apps: Fixes screen recording freezing after rotation, the Terminal app failing to launch its Linux VM and the app drawer closing when switching keyboard language.
- Wearables: Stops a paired watch from ringing after you answer a call on your phone
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How to Install the Android 17 QPR3 Beta 2 Update
If you have an Android 17 eligible Pixel phone, here’s how you can get the Android 17 QPR3 Beta 2 update:
- Visit the Android Beta Program website (google.com/android/beta) and sign in with your Google account.
- Find your Pixel phone from the list and tap Opt in.
- On your Pixel, go to Settings > System > Software updates > System update.
- Download and install the Android 17 QPR3 Beta 2 update.
You can also flash the system image manually from Google’s developer website. Keep in mind that this is a beta update, so it may still have bugs. Back up your data before installing it. Google plans to release the stable Android 17 QPR3 update in March 2027.
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