After widespread backlash from Android users, tech giant Google is reconsidering a controversial change it made to the Android interface: merging Wi-Fi and cellular data controls into a single Internet tile in the Quick Settings panel.
This change was introduced with Android 12, replacing the separate toggles for managing Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity, which allowed quick access to internet connection options with a single tap.
Although Google’s intent was to simplify network management, the combined tile faced criticism for adding friction to routine operations.
Users and developers are frustrated as the unified internet tile requires a secondary menu to open and manage individual connections, making the process slower and less convenient compared to the previous setup.
Initially, there was an impression that Google would not reverse this decision. However, following the recent release of Android 16 QPR2, clues are surfacing suggesting a potential return.
Michael Bestas, a lead developer at LineageOS, saw hints in the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) that indicate Google may be planning to separate the Internet tile back into different Wi-Fi and cellular data switches.
Although this feature is not yet active in Android’s current beta builds, its presence in the system code means that Google is seriously considering the tweak.
The development could offer a more user-friendly Android experience and revive the quick access that many Android users preferred before the Wi-Fi and mobile data buttons were merged.
