Google has rolled out Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1, the first beta of the final quarterly update for Android 16. While the company didn’t publish a detailed changelog, early testing reveals several useful quality-of-life improvements. From smarter flashlight controls to better navigation customization and developer-friendly fixes, here’s everything new in Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 — and whether it’s worth installing.
Flashlight Brightness Control Finally Arrives
One of the most noticeable upgrades in Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 is the enhanced flashlight control in Quick Settings. The flashlight tile is no longer limited to a simple on/off toggle.
By long-pressing the flashlight tile, users can now access a “Flashlight Strength” slider. The vertical slider is visually designed like a flashlight beam — as you drag it upward, an animated arc expands to represent increasing brightness. Google has also added a clear indicator at the top of the slider to show maximum brightness.
This feature was previously spotted in Android Canary builds, but QPR3 Beta 1 refines it for wider testing.
Custom Navigation Button Order
Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 introduces a long-requested customization option: the ability to swap navigation buttons in the three-button navigation layout.
Users can now change the order of the Back and Recents buttons, making it easier for those who prefer layouts used by brands like Samsung.
You’ll find this option under:
Settings → System → Navigation mode → 3-button navigation (gear icon)
This small tweak greatly improves comfort for users switching from other Android skins.
Expandable Location Indicator for Better Privacy
Privacy gets a subtle upgrade with an expandable location indicator in the status bar. When an app accesses your location, tapping the indicator opens the familiar Microphone, Camera & Location panel — now clearly showing which app or apps are actively using location services.
This makes it easier to spot background location access and improves transparency without cluttering the interface.
Wireless ADB Now Reconnects Automatically
Developers and power users will appreciate a fix to one of Android’s long-standing annoyances. In Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1, wireless ADB automatically re-enables itself when the device connects to a trusted Wi-Fi network.
Previously, wireless debugging would turn off after inactivity, requiring manual reactivation through Developer Options or Quick Settings. This change makes wireless ADB far more reliable for testing and development workflows.
Screen Casting for External Displays
Google continues improving multi-display support in Android 16. After adding external display screen recording in the stable Android 16 release, QPR3 Beta 1 now enables screen casting of external displays as well.
This means users can not only record but also cast the contents of a connected external display, opening the door for better presentations, demos, and extended desktop use cases.
Is Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 Worth Installing?
Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 doesn’t introduce dramatic visual changes, but it focuses on polish, usability, and power-user improvements. Features like flashlight brightness control, navigation customization, improved privacy indicators, and better wireless ADB behavior make it a solid update — especially for Pixel users who enjoy early access.
That said, since this is still a beta, installing it on a secondary device is recommended. More refinements are expected before the final stable QPR3 release later this year.
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