The latest Android 17 beta fixes a major Quick Settings security issue

Google has been working on introducing a useful new security feature in Android 17: the ability to prevent Quick Settings tiles from being toggled without unlocking the phone. We first spotted this feature back in June and then again a few months ago, but it wasn’t actually available to users either time. Now, Google is finally flipping the switch and letting users try it out on their devices.

In a Threads post, Google’s community engagement lead, Mishaal Rahman, highlighted the feature in Android 17 QPR 3 Beta 2. Users can now prevent the most important connectivity-related Quick Settings tiles from being toggled from the lock screen, including tiles for Airplane mode, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Mobile Data.

You can navigate to Settings > Security & privacy > Device unlock or Settings > Display & touch > Lock screen and enable the “Lock Quick Settings connectivity” toggle. Naturally, you’ll need to have Android 17 QPR 3 Beta 2 installed on your Pixel.

Because disabling connectivity settings from the lock screen is often how thieves prevent owners from tracking lost devices, this new feature could help users locate a missing phone and hopefully recover it. Other Quick Settings options, such as flashlight, auto-rotate, and battery saver, will remain accessible without unlocking the device.

If you want to try out the new features in Android 17 QPR 3 Beta 2, you can sign up by heading to the Android Beta for Pixel website, logging in, and selecting your Pixel device. The latest QPR update should then arrive on your phone as an OTA update.