On Wednesday, Google released the Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2.1 update aimed at developers and beta testers. This update, initially rolled out for Pixel devices, enhances the prior QPR1 Beta 1.1 version that was made available earlier this month. The Mountain View-based company has indicated that this new update addresses multiple issues identified by Pixel users with the previous software version, including a bug that caused intermittent failures of the back button on Android and a launcher crash when swiping up from the bottom of the display.
Compatibility of the Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2.1 Update
According to Google, all devices registered in the Android Beta for Pixel program are eligible for the update, which will be delivered as an over-the-air (OTA) roll-out. The devices included in this update are:
- Google Pixel 9 Series
- Google Pixel 9a
- Google Pixel 8 Series
- Google Pixel Tablet
- Google Pixel Fold
- Google Pixel 7 Series
- Google Pixel 6 Series
Users can check for the update by navigating to Settings > System > Software update > System update > Check for updates.
New Features in the Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2.1 Update
According to Google’s release notes, the update resolves an issue with the back button on Android devices that had been causing problems across various applications, including WhatsApp, App Vault, and the system settings. Users reported needing to press the back button multiple times for it to respond, or requiring an app restart.
Additionally, the update addresses a launcher crash issue triggered by swiping up from the bottom of the screen. Google has also fixed two other bugs: one that made the Approve button in the Device Admin settings transparent and indistinguishable, and another that caused the lock screen sound to activate even when disabled.
Alongside these bug fixes, the Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2.1 update includes the June 2025 security patch, which addresses 16 vulnerabilities across various components, ranging from moderate to critical severity.
