Pixel phones may finally get this long-awaited feature

Android users will be familiar with the easy and useful double-tap-to-lock feature, as it has been present on many devices, including Samsung phones, but never on Pixel phones. That could finally change, as hints of the feature have been spotted in the latest beta for Android 17.

While digging into the latest Android 17 QPR2 Beta 3 build, Android Authority found some updates to the ‘double-tap-to-sleep’ code. The original string did not mention the homescreen, but the updated version does. This suggests that Google is planning on bringing the ‘double-tap-to-lock-screen’ feature to Pixel phones.

This would allow users to simply double-tap on an empty area on their home screen to lock the phone, avoiding reaching for the power button. Hints at this feature were first spotted with Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 last year, but it never made it to the final build. The updated strings suggest Google still has plans to implement it, and fans have been asking for it.

Furthermore, strings suggesting a dedicated settings page for this feature have also been spotted. It is unclear if the feature will show up in the next beta build or whether it will be part of the final Android 17 public build.