Google appears to be dusting off a promising feature that had seemingly vanished into the depths of its development cycle. For over a year, Pixel enthusiasts have been waiting for a native double tap to lock gesture, a convenience common on many other Android devices but curiously absent from Google’s own hardware. First spotted in early beta builds back in 2025, the feature seemed to have stalled until new evidence emerged within the latest Android 17 QPR2 Beta 3 build.
Deep dives into the software’s code reveal that Google is not only reviving the gesture but actively expanding how it works. While previous versions of the code suggested the shortcut would only function on the lock screen, newly updated strings indicate that users will soon be able to double tap empty spaces on both the home screen and the lock screen to put their device to sleep. This change makes the tool far more practical, removing the need for users to reach for the physical power button during everyday use.
Beyond just adding functionality, current findings show that Google is building out a proper infrastructure for the setting. New strings point toward a dedicated settings menu where users can toggle the feature on or off according to their preference. This level of integration suggests that the gesture is moving closer to a polished state rather than remaining a hidden experimental fluke.
Of course, because these discoveries come from an APK teardown of beta software, there is always a chance that Google could pivot again before a wide release. However, given that they are refining descriptions and creating specific menus for it, it seems likely that Pixel owners are finally getting closer to this long awaited quality of life improvement.
