The new Android 16 QPR1 update has brought a change that has left some Pixel users a bit frustrated. Some users discovered that enabling Battery Saver mode now overrides the screen timeout settings and forces a 30-second timeout.
Multiple users across Google Support forums and Reddit have voiced their displeasure with this behavior change. Brad Waddell, who posted on Google’s official support forums, described setting his screen timeout to five minutes only to watch it revert to 30 seconds the moment Battery Saver kicks in. His post has attracted responses from several other frustrated users experiencing the same thing.
“This is a terrible change,” responded another user in the same thread. “I want battery saver on all the time for overall longer battery life but on the settings that I have set myself I do not want battery saver to override them.” The complaint highlights a key concern: many users prefer keeping Battery Saver enabled continuously rather than just during low battery situations.
I tested this behavior on my own Pixel device and can confirm this is the current behavior. When Battery Saver is active, the screen timeout setting in System Settings gets disabled. Your preferred settings get enabled once you exit the low-power state.
Several people mentioned they use longer screen timeouts for specific activities like reading at the gym, following workout routines, or simply avoiding constant screen taps during regular use. The 30-second forced timeout disrupts these activities significantly.
One particularly frustrated Pixel 10 Pro owner on Google Support forums asked about permanently disabling the timeout override, only to receive a dismissive response from a Diamond Product Expert suggesting they simply avoid using Battery Saver entirely.
The change appears tied specifically to the Android 16 QPR1 update, as multiple users confirmed this behavior wasn’t present in previous versions. I, however, haven’t been able to independently verify this myself.
For now, Pixel users who want longer screen timeouts must choose between keeping Battery Saver enabled or maintaining their preferred display settings — a compromise that many find unacceptable given Android’s historically customizable nature.
Dwayne Cubbins
1770 Posts
My fascination with Android phones began the moment I got my hands on one. Since then, I've been on a journey to decode the ever-evolving tech landscape, fueled by a passion for both the "how" and the "why." Since 2018, I've been crafting content that empowers users and demystifies the tech world. From in-depth how-to guides that unlock your phone's potential to breaking news based on original research, I strive to make tech accessible and engaging.
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