According to The How-To Geek, Google is finally testing an option to remove the persistent at-a-glance widget from Pixel home screens. The feature was spotted in the latest Android Canary build version B.17.playstore.pixel10.825046611, where a new toggle appears in the at-a-glance settings menu. While the toggle doesn’t actually function yet in this early build, its presence suggests Google is seriously considering making the widget optional after years of user complaints. This would mark a significant change for Pixel owners who’ve been stuck with the non-removable clock, date, and weather display since the feature’s introduction. If Google moves forward, the change would likely arrive with the next major Android update or a Pixel feature drop.
Why this matters so much
Here’s the thing about the at-a-glance widget – it’s been one of those classic Google “we know better than you” design choices. For years, Pixel owners have been complaining on Reddit threads and Google support forums about being forced to keep this widget on their home screens. It’s not that the widget is terrible – it shows useful information like weather and calendar events. But the complete lack of removal options has always felt unnecessarily restrictive.
Think about it – we’re talking about Android here, the platform that’s supposed to be all about customization and user choice. Yet one of the most basic customization options – “don’t show this thing on my home screen” – has been missing for Pixel launcher users. It’s the kind of limitation you’d expect from Apple, not Google.
What took them so long?
Now, this isn’t the first time we’ve seen hints of this feature. A similar toggle was spotted back in 2023 but never materialized. So why has it taken Google this long to even consider giving users control over their own home screens?
My guess? The at-a-glance widget is deeply integrated with Google’s ecosystem strategy. It surfaces calendar events, weather, flight information – all things that keep you engaged with Google services. Removing it means one less touchpoint with their ecosystem throughout your day. But honestly, that feels like a weak excuse when users have been begging for this option for years.
The bigger picture
This potential change reflects a broader shift in how Google approaches Pixel software. They’re slowly learning that while their vision for Android is important, users want flexibility too. We saw this with the Now Playing feature – you can now remove that from your lock screen if you want. And honestly, that’s how it should be.
But let’s not get too excited just yet. The toggle doesn’t work in the current Canary build, and Google has a history of testing features that never see the light of day. Still, the fact that they’re actively developing this option suggests they’re finally listening to one of the most consistent complaints about Pixel phones.
Maybe next they’ll let us move that persistent Google Search bar. One can dream, right?
