Google's recent March 2025 update for Pixel smartphones has sparked frustration among users due to changes in the Do Not Disturb functionality. While the tech giant continues to reshape its teams and focus on AI integration, some of its software updates have been met with resistance from the user community.
The Controversial Change
The March 2025 update for Google Pixel smartphones altered how the Do Not Disturb feature works, removing the convenient one-tap toggle that users had grown accustomed to. Previously, Pixel owners could simply swipe down from the top of their screen and tap the Do Not Disturb button in quick settings to enable or disable the feature. The update replaced this with a multi-tap process that many users found cumbersome and unnecessary, leading to numerous complaints across Reddit and other platforms.
Simple Solutions Available
Fortunately, Pixel users don't have to live with this change. A third-party app called Simple DND has been developed specifically to address this issue. After installation and granting the necessary permissions, users can add a quick Do Not Disturb toggle back to their Pixel's quick settings pane, effectively restoring the original functionality. The app was created by a fellow Pixel user who encountered the same frustration after the update, focusing solely on bringing back the one-tap Do Not Disturb button.
Ways to restore one-tap Do Not Disturb on Pixel:
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Simple DND app method:
- Install the Simple DND app
- Grant required permissions
- Tap "Add Tile" button
- Rearrange quick settings tiles as desired
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Lock screen shortcut method:
- Go to Settings > Display > Lock screen > Shortcuts
- Select one shortcut position
- Replace with Do Not Disturb
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Send feedback to Google:
- Navigate to Settings > Tips & support > Send feedback
- Describe the issue in detail
Alternative Approach
For those hesitant to install additional apps, Google Pixel offers another workaround. Users can add a Do Not Disturb shortcut to their lock screen by navigating to Settings > Display > Lock screen > Shortcuts and selecting Do Not Disturb as one of the two available options. While this requires sacrificing one of the existing lock screen shortcuts, it provides quicker access than the new multi-tap process.
Providing Feedback to Google
Users who want Google to officially restore the original one-tap functionality can submit feedback directly through their Pixel device. By going to Settings > Tips & support > Send feedback, they can describe the issue in detail to help ensure it reaches the appropriate team at Google. Detailed descriptions increase the chances that user concerns will be addressed in future updates.
Broader Context of Google's Changes
These user experience changes come during a period of significant internal restructuring at Google. The company recently laid off hundreds of employees from its unified Platforms and Devices division, which was formed just last year by combining the Android and Pixel teams under Rick Osterloh's leadership. This division oversees many of Google's popular products including Pixel, Chrome, ChromeOS, and Google Photos.
Shifting Priorities at Google
The layoffs follow a voluntary exit program offered to US employees in January and appear to be part of Google's broader strategy to streamline operations while accelerating AI integration across its product ecosystem. A Google spokesperson confirmed the staff reductions, stating they were focused on becoming more nimble and operating more effectively. This suggests that while Google continues to develop its Pixel line, the company's priorities may be shifting toward AI innovation, potentially affecting how it approaches user experience updates in the future.
What This Means for Pixel Users
As Google navigates these organizational changes and strategic shifts, Pixel users may continue to experience updates that alter familiar features. The Do Not Disturb modification demonstrates how even small interface changes can significantly impact user satisfaction. Fortunately, the Pixel ecosystem's flexibility allows for workarounds, whether through third-party solutions or built-in alternatives, giving users options to customize their experience according to their preferences despite official changes.
