TL;DR
- Android 17 QPR 3 Beta 2 finally lets you lock Quick Settings connectivity tiles.
- The feature prevents connectivity tiles from being toggled without unlocking the phone.
- It can prevent thieves from disabling connectivity features on a stolen phone, making it harder to track.
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.