Android 16’s Quick Settings Revamp: Resizable tiles and enhanced layout options

Google is gearing up for a major redesign of Android’s Quick Settings in the upcoming Android 16. Alongside this overhaul, Google plans to offer flexible ways to view more tiles and notifications on your screen. The primary method involves splitting the Quick Settings and notifications into separate pages, but another key feature could be resizable tiles, which are under active development.

Recent insights from the latest Android beta reveal significant advancements in the Quick Settings panel’s organization. Google has created categories within Quick Settings, making it easier for users to locate and add specific tiles. However, the biggest discovery is that Quick Settings tiles are now resizable, adding a layer of customization and functionality.

In Android 15 QPR1 Beta 3, Quick Settings tiles are not resizable by default on devices like the Pixel. But, by enabling an experimental Quick Settings layout, you can test this feature. To resize a tile, enter the editor view, select the tile, and then use the dot to adjust its size. Tiles can either be 1×1 (smaller) or 2×1 (larger), allowing users to fit up to 16 tiles on one screen for maximum accessibility. This resizing option even applies to tiles from third-party apps, although expanded tiles may lack detailed labels.

For context, Android 15’s default Quick Settings panel uses only full-size tiles, while Android 16’s update introduces flexibility with various layout options, catering to different needs and preferences. Although some users might prefer smaller, unlabeled tiles to maximize screen space, others may find it challenging to recognize tile functions without labels.

Currently, it’s unclear why the revamped Quick Settings panel in Android 16 doesn’t use the full screen, given that notifications are moving to a separate page. With Android 16’s release still a while away, Google may adjust these features, potentially removing or refining them before the official launch. However, if these changes continue in development, Android 16’s Quick Settings could offer a far more customizable and user-friendly experience.