Google's newest Pixel test build brings back app lock and a blurred lock screen, plus a camera shortcut and clearer alarm times.
Google has released a third test version of its next Android update for Pixel phones, and it restores two features it had pulled from earlier test builds. One is app lock, which hides chosen apps behind your phone's own unlock method. The other is a blur effect on the lock screen. The build is called Android 17 QPR3 Beta 3.
App lock uses the PIN, pattern or password you already use to unlock your Pixel. You cannot set a separate one, unlike app lock tools on some other Android phones. The blur shows up on lock-screen shortcuts, the fingerprint button and notifications.
Only Pixel owners already in the Android Beta program will receive it. Pixel 6a through Pixel 10 get build DP11.261016.003. The Pixel 11 family gets DP11.261016.004. This is a test version, so bugs are possible.
The report does not say when these features will reach everyone, or whether they will stay in the final release. Google removed them from earlier test builds, so their return is not a guarantee. Mishaal Rahman, Google's Android community manager, pointed out the comeback on X.
Pixel owners may soon get built-in app lock, but it is still a test feature that only Android Beta users can try for now.
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