GoKawiilJoe Maring / Android Authority
TL;DR Android 17 QPR 1 Beta 5 code revealed Google’s plan to require unlocking to toggle all Quick Settings tiles except Flashlight.
The latest Android Canary 2608 build includes code indicating a shift toward a middle ground, requiring unlocks only for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Mobile Data, and Airplane Mode toggles.
The new restriction seemingly targets tiles that thieves use to disable tracking while keeping lower-risk utilities like flashlight and auto-rotate available on the lock screen.
Android devices let you toggle a surprisingly large number of settings on locked devices through the Quick Settings tiles. We spotted code in Android 17 QPR 1 Beta 5 indicating Google’s intent to lock down all Quick Settings tiles except the flashlight tile, which made a lot of sense for privacy and security. However, some might find the approach too heavy-handed. Code in Android Canary 2608 indicates Google is gunning for a middle ground, with some locked Quick Settings tiles instead of almost all of them.
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Here are the code strings from Android 17 QPR 1 Beta 5:
Code Copy Text <string name="lockscreen_privacy_tiles_switch_summary">To prevent unauthorized changes, you must unlock your device to use any Quick Settings tile except the Flashlight</string>
In comparison, here are the newer code strings from Android Canary 2608:
Code Copy Text <string name="lockscreen_privacy_tiles_switch_summary">To prevent unauthorized changes, you must unlock your device to use Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Mobile Data, and Airplane Mode.</string>
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