Pixel users waiting for a faster way to secure their devices may soon have that option. A new software update for Android 17 includes code that supports locking the phone by double-tapping the home screen. This feature has been in development for over a year but has not yet reached final public releases.
Code strings in the latest beta suggest Google is targeting Pixel devices for this long-awaited functionality
The updated code appears in the Android 17 QPR2 Beta 3 build. Strings in the code now explicitly reference the home screen, indicating Google is targeting Pixel devices for this functionality. Previous hints in Android 16 did not result in a shipped feature, making this beta a critical test.
The feature allows users to lock their device by double-tapping an empty area on the home screen. Developers have also added dedicated settings page strings for the feature in the current beta. This suggests a user-configurable toggle will be available once the feature is enabled.
It remains unclear whether this feature will arrive in the next beta or wait for the final Android 17 public build. Android Authority reports that the implementation is still in flux. Users should monitor future beta updates for confirmation.
Source: NotebookCheck
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