Google has just rolled out the Android 17 QPR2 Beta 3 update to eligible Pixel devices, and while it fixes a handful of bugs, it also brings a wave of exciting new features. The standout addition is a comprehensive Quick Settings layout editor, giving users unprecedented control over their notification shade and control center. But that’s not all—there are more theming options and subtle tweaks that make this beta feel like a major step forward. Let’s dive into what’s new and how you can make the most of these customization tools.
Quick Settings Layout Editor: Your Control Center, Your Rules
For years, Android users have had limited control over the Quick Settings panel. You could add or remove certain tiles, but the arrangement was largely fixed. With Android 17, that changes dramatically. The new Quick Settings layout editor allows you to rearrange virtually every toggle and setting, from Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to airplane mode and battery saver. You can even decide which toggles get the larger, more prominent tiles—perfect for the settings you use most often.
How to Access the New Editor
Getting to the editor is simple. Swipe down twice from the top of your screen to fully expand the Quick Settings panel. Then, tap the pencil icon (or the three-dot menu, depending on your device) to enter edit mode. Once inside, you’ll see a grid of available tiles. You can drag them around, resize them, and even move the brightness slider and media player to new positions. The interface is intuitive, so you can experiment without fear of breaking anything—changes are saved instantly but can be reverted anytime.
What Can You Customize?
The editor isn’t just about moving tiles. You can now:
- Resize tiles: Choose between small, medium, and large sizes for any toggle. For example, make the Wi-Fi tile larger for easier tapping, or shrink the flashlight to a compact button.
- Move the brightness slider: Place it at the top, bottom, or even hide it entirely if you prefer using adaptive brightness.
- Relocate the media player: The media player card can be moved above or below the quick toggles, or even removed from the panel altogether (though it will still appear on the lock screen).
- Reorder everything: Drag and drop any tile to any position, including the ones that were previously fixed, like the settings gear icon.
This level of flexibility is a game-changer for power users who rely on specific toggles throughout the day. No more digging through menus—everything you need is right where you want it.
Expanded Theming Options: Make It Truly Yours
Beyond Quick Settings, Android 17 QPR2 Beta 3 introduces a host of new theming options. Google has been steadily improving Material You since Android 12, but this update takes it further. Now you can customize not just the accent colors but also the shape of icons, the style of the clock on the lock screen, and even the appearance of the notification shade.
New Color Palettes and Accent Choices
The theming engine now offers more than a dozen preset color palettes, each with multiple accent variations. You can pick from vibrant, pastel, or monochrome schemes, and the system will automatically apply them to supported apps, widgets, and system UI. There’s also a new “Custom” option that lets you pick any color from a spectrum, giving you infinite possibilities. The best part? These colors are applied consistently across all your apps that support Material You, so your phone looks cohesive from top to bottom.
Icon Shape and Style Customization
For the first time, Android allows you to change the shape of app icons system-wide. You can choose from circle, squircle, rounded square, or even a teardrop shape. This might sound minor, but it can dramatically change the look of your home screen. Additionally, you can now toggle between filled and outlined icon styles, which is great for those who prefer a minimalist aesthetic.
Lock Screen Clock and Notification Tweaks
The lock screen is another area that gets a refresh. You can now select from several clock styles—analog, digital, or a new “dynamic” style that changes based on time of day. You can also adjust the position of the clock (top, center, or bottom) and choose whether to show the date in large or small text. Notifications on the lock screen are also more customizable: you can change their transparency, corner radius, and even the font size.
Other Notable Improvements in QPR2 Beta 3
While the customization options steal the spotlight, this beta includes several other quality-of-life improvements worth mentioning.
Performance and Stability Enhancements
Google has squashed a number of bugs, including issues with Bluetooth connectivity, Wi-Fi dropping, and random reboots. The update also brings improved memory management, which should make multitasking smoother and reduce app reloads. Animations feel snappier, and the overall system responsiveness is noticeably better.
Updated Quick Settings for Foldables and Tablets
On larger screens like the Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet, the Quick Settings panel now uses a two-pane layout. This means you can see more toggles at once without scrolling, making it easier to manage settings on a big display. The editor also works seamlessly on these devices, letting you arrange tiles across both panes.
New Battery and Connectivity Widgets
There are new widgets for battery and connectivity. The battery widget can show the charge level of your phone, watch, and earbuds simultaneously. The connectivity widget gives you quick access to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and mobile data toggles, plus a shortcut to the full settings menu. These are handy additions for at-a-glance info.
How to Get Android 17 QPR2 Beta 3
If you’re eager to try these features, you’ll need a compatible Pixel device. The beta is available for Pixel 6 and newer, including the Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 series. If you’re already enrolled in the Android Beta for Pixel program, you’ll receive the update over-the-air. If not, you can sign up at the official Android Beta website, but be aware that beta builds may have bugs and aren’t recommended for daily drivers unless you’re comfortable with troubleshooting.
Once you’re on the beta, you can start exploring the new customization options right away. Remember to back up your data before installing, and if you encounter any issues, you can opt out and revert to the stable version (though that will wipe your device).
What This Means for the Future of Android
The introduction of a full Quick Settings editor and expanded theming options signals Google’s commitment to user personalization. Android has always been about choice, and this update reinforces that philosophy. By giving users granular control over the interface, Google is empowering them to tailor their devices to their exact preferences—something that sets Android apart from iOS.
We can expect these features to be refined in future beta releases and eventually make their way to the stable Android 17 update, likely later this year. For now, QPR2 Beta 3 is a taste of what’s to come, and it’s an exciting one.
Final Thoughts
Android 17 QPR2 Beta 3 is a significant update that puts customization front and center. The new Quick Settings editor is a dream come true for those who love tweaking every aspect of their phone. Combined with the expanded theming options, it makes your Pixel feel truly yours. While it’s still a beta, the improvements in performance and stability make it a compelling preview of the final release.
If you’re a Pixel owner who enjoys being on the cutting edge, this beta is worth trying. Just remember to back up your data and be prepared for the occasional hiccup. For everyone else, the stable release will be well worth the wait.
