Google Rolls Out Android 16 QPR1 Beta 3.1 for Pixel Devices

Google has now made Android 16 QPR1 Beta 3.1 official, a minor but significant update for Pixels. Although it isn't going to deliver glitzy new features, the release is significant in its efforts to polish the Android experience by ironing out bugs and giving the system a finer finish. Perhaps the most visible change in this update is related to the Location Quick Settings Tile, which has been modified to use once again the traditional pin icon that most users are better accustomed to.

Location Quick Settings Tile Regains Its Icon

Google in earlier builds of Android 16 QPR1 did try to substitute the old location pin icon with a cursor arrow in the Quick Settings shelf. This brought inconsistency, as the classic pin icon persisted in the status bar. Google has restored the pin icon to Quick Settings with Beta 3.1, making the design consistent and recognizable within the system. This minor visual adjustment enhances clarity so that users can more easily and immediately recognize and control their location settings.

24 Bug Fixes for More Stability

Aside from the icon adjustment, Android 16 QPR1 Beta 3.1 places a great emphasis on bug fixing and system stability in general. Google has solved 24 critical bugs that were plaguing Pixel users, particularly beta program-enrolled users. One of the most significant patches is a Wi-Fi-related crash fix, wherein devices would randomly reboot or become unstable. With this patch, Google has improved the way the system processes network data in a bid to lower these interruptions and provide more seamless connectivity.

Home Screen and UI Fixes

Another key area of enhanced functionality is the home screen. A few users complained about losing access to the bottom row of applications and the search bar, with them becoming unavailable after some screen changes. Beta 3.1 makes sure these now correctly reappear, with a smoother user experience. Notifications also got some attention, with improvements for overlapping text within the notification shade. This has improved readability and use, making Android 16 even smoother.

Foldable Devices and Quick Settings Enhancements

As foldable phones gain popularity, Google is continuing to optimize Android's design for them. Beta 3.1 fixes problems where the Quick Settings panel had been visually off-center because of misplaced padding on the camera notch. Elsewhere, it addresses intermittent device reboots, a stuttering lock screen media player, and a gaping space in the notification shade that would obscure necessary notifications. These improvements result in a more stable and visually appealing experience on various Pixel models.

Fixes for Notifications, Audio, and Apps

Google also resolved issues with video call audio issues, promising improved communication while making calls. Another bug, whereby home screen bars recurred unexpectedly upon closing full-screen apps, has also been fixed. These patches may appear insignificant alone, but they all add up to making Android 16 smoother, cleaner, and more dependable for use on a daily basis.

It is important to mention that this beta release is still on the July 2025 security patch. Nevertheless, because Google normally releases stable updates early in September, this release will be the last beta release prior to the stable Android 16 QPR1 update being released to Pixel consumers globally.

How to Get the Update on Pixel Devices

If you have a Google Pixel smartphone and are enrolled in the Android Beta Program, you can download this update by going to:

Settings > System > Software updates and seeing if downloads are available. Installing this beta provides you with early access to repairs and improvements ahead of the broader rollout.

The Android 16 QPR1 Beta 3.1 release indicates Google's deep dedication to providing a stable and user-friendly Android experience. It's not a feature-rich update, yet its 24 bug fixes, foldable improvements, and reinstatement of the Location Tile icon are an example of how detail-focused the company remains. As we lead up to September's stable release, Pixel users can expect a much smoother version of Android 16.