People often resist changes, especially when they affect something familiar and convenient. A good example is Google’s recent decision to remove the “Do Not Disturb” (DND) option from Android’s quick settings in favor of more flexible “Modes.” This change didn’t sit well with many users, particularly those who use the DND function several times a day. For them, what used to be a single tap became a two-step process, which led to predictable frustration. In response, Google chose to revert the change.
This change initially affected only a small portion of Android users—specifically, those with Google Pixel devices. The controversial update was introduced with Android 15 QPR2. Instead of the simple DND toggle, users were now given a new “Modes” setting. This feature allowed for more personalized control over notifications, offering multiple configuration options. However, it came at the cost of immediacy. Activating Do Not Disturb now required navigating through a pop-up window after selecting Modes, making the process noticeably less efficient.
The Return of the Classic Option and What’s Next
In the fourth beta version of Android 16, the classic DND toggle has made a comeback. As reported by Android Authority, the “Do Not Disturb” icon is once again visible in the quick settings menu, right where users expect it. Importantly, the “Modes” feature hasn’t been removed—it now sits beside the traditional option, giving users the freedom to choose whichever method suits them best.
Still, this change is currently only available in the beta version of Android 16, notes NIXSolutions. Google has not issued any official statements confirming that the restored shortcut will appear in the final public release. For now, we’ll keep you updated as more integrations become available. There’s hope that Google’s decision to bring back the DND option reflects a willingness to listen to user feedback and improve usability.
In the meantime, Android Authority recommends that Pixel users who need a faster DND toggle consider using an open-source app that replicates the original functionality. This workaround can help until the feature is officially restored across all devices.