Google Pixel phones might soon get this simple screen-off gesture you probably wanted

Pixel phones are popular for their clean software and smart features. Things like call screening and impressive photo editing tools are big draws. Yet, sometimes, they miss simple conveniences found on other phones. One small thing many users wish for is an easy way to just turn off the screen without hitting the power button.

According to a report from Android Authority, this often-requested feature might finally be on its way. They’ve found evidence in the latest Android 16 beta pointing to Google working on a double-tap gesture specifically for turning the screen off. This isn’t active for users in the beta yet, and there’s no setting for it visible, but the groundwork seems to be there.

The idea is straightforward: you’d be able to double-tap on an empty area of your lock screen and the display would simply shut off. It’s a gesture that feels very natural, especially since Pixels already let you double-tap to wake the screen up.

Honestly, this is a feature I absolutely love and have wanted on my Pixel 8 since I got it. Before this phone, I used a OnePlus 11 for a few months, and the double-tap to turn off the screen on that device was incredibly convenient. It’s one of those little things that just makes interacting with your phone smoother.

Right now, we don’t know exactly when Google plans to roll this out. Since it’s not enabled in the current beta, it’s probably unlikely to arrive with the stable Android 16 release later this year. It might show up in a future quarterly feature drop for Pixel phones. It’s a basic function many phones have offered for years, so it’s a bit surprising it’s taken this long to potentially arrive on Pixels. But better late than never for a gesture that makes everyday use just a little bit easier.