The Android 16 Beta 4 update has been officially launched, and while there likely aren’t any major features included, it does seem to suggest that there’s one feature returning with Google bringing back the Do Not Disturb shortcut.
If you’re using a Pixel device, then you’re familiar with the Do Not Disturb shortcut and its non-existence on the current version of Android. If you’re not using a Pixel device that’s on the latest feature drop, then you should still have the shortcut available. For Pixel devices, however, this shortcut was removed with the most recent update to Android 15.
The feature itself isn’t gone. Users can still access it via the new Modes quick settings tile. That being said, enabling Do Not Disturb now takes an extra step. Making it a little less convenient to get to. This isn’t the end of the world, mind you, but having the shortcut removed is probably not what most users wanted. Thankfully, it seems to be coming back with the next stable release. At some point.
The Do Not Disturb shortcut could be coming back with Android 16
As mentioned earlier, the fourth beta for Android 16 is now live, and it appears to hide a little secret. The return of the Do Not Disturb shortcut. The shortcut is visibly present as an optional quick settings tile, too, as discovered by Android Authority. According to the report, the tile functions like it should, and you can use it to toggle the mode on or off at your leisure.
Since this is now part of the beta, it would make sense for it to be launched alongside Android 16 in June. However, Android Authority doesn’t believe that will be Google’s course of action. Which begs the question, when does Google plan to roll it back out? For users who liked having the tile available, hopefully, the wait won’t be too long.
The new Modes panel isn’t going away
With the Do Not Disturb shortcut coming back, you might assume that the new Modes panel, which initially replaced it, would be disappearing. However, that’s not the case. Both the Modes panel and the shortcut for Do Not Disturb will apparently coexist. So, you can choose to use whichever one you prefer, or have them both in your quick settings panel if you want access to both of them.
Having both up does provide some benefits. If you only want a quick way to activate Do Not Disturb, you’ve got a tile for that. However, the Modes panel also includes activation toggles for Bedtime and Driving Modes. It’s worth keeping that tile just for quick access to those two features.
If you want access to this returning feature yourself, you can enroll or install the Android 16 Beta 4 update on Pixel devices like the Pixel 9a. Additionally, the Android 16 Beta 4 update supports several Android partners.
Source: Android Headlines / Digpu NewsTex