Google officially launched its next test cycle with the release of Android 17 QPR3 Beta 1. Rolling out under build number DP11.260918.005 for the Pixel 11 lineup and DP11.260918.006 for other models, this release focusing on polishing system performance rather than introducing flashy visual changes.
If you’re enrolled in the beta program and your Pixel has been feeling a little buggy lately, this build will bring some welcome relief. Google packed this beta with fixes for annoying glitches that detracted from everyday use, making the OS feel much more stable.
Fixing biometrics, cellular crashes and battery drain
Biometric security got some much needed attention in this patch. Google fixed a bug that caused devices to freeze completely when unlocking with the fingerprint sensor, in addition to causing a crash when the Require eyes open setting in Face Unlock was turned off.
Connectivity and power management also receive important improvements. The patch resolves a modem crash loop that caused total cellular service loss, fixes eSIM profiles to silently disable, and stops Wi-Fi from connecting in the background. Call apps no longer crash immediately after a reboot, and an idle battery drain bug associated with Flip to Shh has been eliminated.
Camera tweaks, media fixes, and app launch crashes
Camera functionality also gets key fixes. Video call apps in desktop mode no longer rotate camera feeds 90 degrees on external displays, and using screen recording no longer disables the front camera.
Media playback and general app performance are now much smoother. The update fixes audio output switching when apps lack active media control, stops Bluetooth crashing on connected LHDC v5 devices, and resolves MediaPlayer crashes with non-ASCII tags. Apps launching from Quick Settings tiles or crashing on startup with application not responding errors have also been patched.
Finally, the user interface cleanup completes the update. Google fixed misplaced dots on the Mobile Data icon, spacing errors in the app menu, blank recent app previews, and home screen navigation bugs.
Supports pixels and how to select without wiping data
Enrollment in the Android Beta Program delivers QPR3 Beta 1 over the air. The update supports a wide hardware list, including the Pixel 6a, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 series, as well as the Pixel tablet lineup.
If you want to leave the beta program and return to the stable public QPR2 release without wiping your phone, timing is everything. You must now opt in and ignore the QPR3 Beta 1 installation prompt. Waiting for the stable QPR2 update allows for a clean exit, while aborting after installing beta 1 triggers a complete device wipe.