Android 16QPR3 Beta 1 is finally addressing a long-standing gripe for Pixel enthusiasts who value home screen symmetry. You will soon be able to reclaim that precious top-row real estate by finally ditching the permanent At a Glance widget.
The widget you couldn't make go away
Every Google Pixel user has been there—staring at that unmovable block of weather and calendar info, wishing we could just slide a custom widget or a row of icons into its place. While it was once a staple of the "Google way," it has become sort of tiring for those who prefer a truly clean aesthetic.
Luckily, it’s been discovered that the latest beta version of Android 16 (QPR3 Beta 1) is finally letting users toggle this feature off. It isn't a universal rollout just yet — yours truly is still seeing the widget firmly planted on my screen without the option to toggle it off — but the option is definitely popping up for a lucky segment of beta testers. This is the kind of customization that users have been screaming for since the early days of the Pixel line.
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At a Glance widget and its options in QPR2 and Stable Android 16 builds. | Image credit — PhoneArena
A shift in Google’s philosophy
At a Glance widget options appearing in QPR3 beta 1 for some users. | Image credit — 9to5Google
For years, the Pixel experience has been a "take it or leave it" situation when it comes to the home screen. If you look at the competition, like Samsung’s One UI, the level of customization is staggering. Samsung users can move, resize, or delete virtually anything. Google, by comparison, has always felt a bit rigid, insisting that its "At a Glance" experience was central to the Pixel identity.
This change suggests Google is finally loosening the reins. It matters because the modern smartphone user wants agency over their $1,000 device. Whether you're a minimalist or a power user who wants to use a third-party calendar widget, being forced into a specific layout is frustrating. On forums like Reddit, the consensus is clear: people love the information the widget provides, but they hate the lack of choice. This move finally brings the Pixel closer to the flexibility found in the rest of the Android landscape.
Will you be disabling the "At a Glance" widget as soon as you have the option to?
Yes, I’ve been asking for ages to have this capability.
88.89%
No, I think the widget is useful and should not be removed.
11.11%
No more permanent widgets, please
I think it’s about time. I’ve always felt that the Pixel’s greatest strength—its simplicity—was slowly becoming a weakness because it felt too restrictive. I personally love the Pixel's software, and I tend to stay away from using third-party launchers, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't consider installing one just to get rid of that permanent top-row. Once this feature makes it to the stable build, I’ll be disabling it on day one to make room for a more personalized layout.
It’s a small change on paper, but for those of us who spend hours tweaking our setups, it’s a massive win. It makes the Pixel feel less like a managed service and more like a personal tool. If you’re a customization nerd, keep your eyes peeled for the stable rollout or the beta rollout if you happen to be enrolled; the Pixel home screen is about to get a lot more interesting.
Johanna 'Jojo the Techie' is a skilled mobile technology expert with over 15 years of hands-on experience, specializing in the Google ecosystem and Pixel devices. Known for her user-friendly approach, she leverages her vast tech support background to provide accessible and insightful coverage on latest technology trends. As a recognized thought leader and former member of #TeamPixel, Johanna ensures she stays at the forefront of Google services and products, making her a reliable source for all things Pixel and ChromeOS.
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