How to Add the Camera Quick Settings Tile on Android 17

Android 17 QPR3 Beta 3 adds a dedicated Camera tile to Quick Settings on Pixel devices. This gives you one-tap access to the camera from the notification shade without relying on the power button double-press or lock screen long-press.

Google’s Mishaal Rahman noted that the tile improves accessibility for users who have trouble with physical button gestures. It appears in the beta builds released on October 29, 2026 (DP11.261016.003 and DP11.261016.004).

This guide shows how to add the Camera tile, what happens when you tap it, and how it fits with other camera shortcuts on Pixel phones.

Check your Android version

The Camera tile is available on Android 17 QPR3 Beta 3 and later. Pixel 6a and newer devices enrolled in the Android Beta for Pixel program receive the update over the air.

Open Settings > System > System update to confirm you are on the latest beta. If you are not enrolled, see our Android 17 QPR3 Beta 3 install guide for enrollment steps.

Features in beta can change before the stable release expected in early 2027.

Add the Camera tile to Quick Settings

Pull down the notification shade twice to open the full Quick Settings panel. Tap the pencil icon in the bottom-right corner to enter edit mode.

Scroll through the available tiles until you find Camera. Drag it into one of the active positions at the top. The tile shows a camera icon.

Tap the checkmark or swipe down to exit edit mode. The Camera tile is now visible in your Quick Settings panel.

You can reorder it by dragging in edit mode. Place it near Wi-Fi or Flashlight for quick access.

Use the Camera tile

Pull down the shade and tap the Camera tile. The Camera app opens directly to the default photo mode.

On supported Pixel devices the tile also offers access to camera privacy controls in some builds. Tap and hold the tile in certain configurations to see related options, though the primary action is launching the camera.

This shortcut works whether the phone is unlocked or on the lock screen, as long as you can reach Quick Settings.

Compare with other camera shortcuts

Pixel phones already offer several ways to open the camera:

• Double-press the power button (if enabled in Settings > System > Gestures).
• Long-press the lock screen camera shortcut.
• Use the Camera tile you just added.
• Voice commands through Google Assistant or Gemini.

The Quick Settings tile is useful when the power button is hard to reach or when you prefer not to use gesture shortcuts. It does not replace the other methods; it adds another option.

For more on Android 17 QPR3 changes, including App Lock and Recents bubbles, read our Android 17 QPR3 Beta 3 features guide.

Tips for daily use

Keep the Camera tile in the first row of Quick Settings so it appears with a single pull-down. This is especially helpful in one-handed use.

If you frequently switch between photo and video, the tile still opens the last-used mode in most cases. You can change the default in Camera settings.

Combine it with the lock screen camera shortcut for different situations. Use Quick Settings when the phone is already unlocked and the lock screen shortcut when it is locked.

Test the tile after any system update. Beta builds sometimes move or hide tiles until the next patch.

Troubleshooting

If the Camera tile does not appear in the edit list, confirm you are on Android 17 QPR3 Beta 3 or newer. Restart the phone and check for additional system updates.

The tile is a system feature and does not require a separate app download. Third-party launchers do not remove it; Quick Settings remains system-controlled.

If tapping the tile does nothing, clear the Camera app cache in Settings > Apps > Camera > Storage and cache. Reboot afterward.

Conclusion

The Camera Quick Settings tile on Android 17 gives Pixel users a reliable, accessible way to open the camera from the notification shade. Add it in a few taps, place it where you need it, and use it alongside existing shortcuts.

The feature is currently in the QPR3 beta and may receive further polish before the stable release. Test it on your device and report any issues through the Android Beta feedback form.

Sources

• Android Developers release notes for Android 17 QPR3 Beta 3 (October 29, 2026)
• Mishaal Rahman on X regarding the Camera Quick Settings tile accessibility benefits
• 9to5Google and Droid-Life coverage of Android 17 QPR3 Beta 3 features