Google is finally addressing a long-standing Pixel security quirk that lets anyone access Quick Settings from the lock screen without unlocking the phone.
The change appears in the latest Android Canary 2609 build, which introduces a new “Require unlock for Quick Settings” option. Once enabled, it prevents users from changing key connectivity settings from the lock screen without first confirming their identity with a PIN or biometric authentication.
That matters if your Pixel is lost or stolen. At the moment, someone with access to the lock screen can switch off Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, mobile data and other connectivity options through Quick Settings, potentially making the phone harder to track. Bluetooth is particularly important here because Google’s Find Hub uses it to help locate devices even when they’re offline.
Google’s approach is slightly different from what you’ll find on some other Android phones. Rather than completely blocking Quick Settings when the option is enabled, Pixel users can still pull down the panel from the lock screen. However, changing Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, mobile data or airplane mode will require a PIN or biometric check. That means things such as the flashlight can still be accessed without unlocking the phone.
The setting can be found under Settings > Security & privacy > Device unlock, although it’s switched off by default, so you’ll need to enable it yourself.
The feature is currently limited to the Android Canary channel, and there’s no guarantee of when or if it will arrive in a stable Android release. The latest Android Canary 2609 build (ZP11.260821.010) is available for Pixel 6 and newer devices, with the Pixel 9a update coming later and Pixel 11 support expected with the next Canary release.
It’s worth remembering that Canary builds are aimed at developers and early adopters and are less stable than beta software. In other words, this isn’t one to install on your everyday Pixel just to get the new security toggle.
Still, after leaving Quick Settings accessible from the lock screen for so long, Google is at least testing a straightforward fix that gives Pixel owners more control over what can be changed without unlocking the phone.
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