https://pepelac.news/en/posts/id16674-android-16-qpr3-adds-live-location-indicator-for-privacy
Android 16 QPR3 adds live location indicator for privacy
Android 16 QPR3 adds a live location indicator on Pixel phones
Android 16 QPR3 adds live location indicator for privacy
Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 brings a status bar location indicator to Pixel phones, boosting privacy with real-time app tracking and quick permission controls.
2025-12-19T11:30:13+03:00
2025-12-19T11:30:13+03:00
2025-12-19T11:30:13+03:00
Google is rolling out a practical privacy addition in Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1. Pixel owners can now see which apps are tapping into their location. The feature shows up as a new status bar indicator: when an app is actively tracking, a blue icon appears. Tap it, and a dialog lists every app that’s currently following your location.The capability was tested experimentally back in Android 13 but never made it to the final release. In Android 16, it returns with cleaner visuals and a more accurate read on app activity — a quiet course correction that feels overdue.With the new indicator, users gain quick, hands-on control over location permissions and can restrict or block apps that overstep. For anyone mindful of privacy, this is the kind of transparent signal that cuts through guesswork.The update is already available to participants of Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 on Pixel devices with Tensor chips. Google has not yet announced a full release for all users.
Android 16, QPR3 Beta 1, Pixel phones, location indicator, privacy, live location, app tracking, status bar icon, permissions, Google, Tensor, Android 13, beta update
2025
news
Android 16 QPR3 adds a live location indicator on Pixel phones
Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 brings a status bar location indicator to Pixel phones, boosting privacy with real-time app tracking and quick permission controls.
Google is rolling out a practical privacy addition in Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1. Pixel owners can now see which apps are tapping into their location. The feature shows up as a new status bar indicator: when an app is actively tracking, a blue icon appears. Tap it, and a dialog lists every app that’s currently following your location.
The capability was tested experimentally back in Android 13 but never made it to the final release. In Android 16, it returns with cleaner visuals and a more accurate read on app activity — a quiet course correction that feels overdue.
With the new indicator, users gain quick, hands-on control over location permissions and can restrict or block apps that overstep. For anyone mindful of privacy, this is the kind of transparent signal that cuts through guesswork.
The update is already available to participants of Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 on Pixel devices with Tensor chips. Google has not yet announced a full release for all users.
