Android 16 May Let You Customize the Power Button Camera Shortcut for Google Wallet

Google is reportedly working on a new setting that will allow users to customize the double-tap power button shortcut on Android. Currently used to open the camera, this shortcut could soon be configured to open Google Wallet or other wallet apps, potentially debuting with Android 16.

A New Option for the Power Button Shortcut

For years, the double-tap power button gesture has been a quick and convenient way to launch the camera on Android devices. However, Apple uses a similar shortcut on iPhones to open the Apple Wallet app. While many users find the camera shortcut more practical, Google appears to be working on giving users the flexibility to choose between these functions.

In the first beta of Android 16, a new "Double-Tap Power Button" menu has been added under the "Gestures" section in the settings menu. This menu, disabled by default, allows users to toggle the double-tap gesture functionality between opening the camera app or the default wallet app (likely Google Wallet for most users). Additionally, users can completely disable the gesture if they prefer.

A Feature in Testing

Currently, Android users can only disable the double-tap gesture, with the default function being the camera app. However, early testing of this feature has been spotted in both Android 16 Beta and the latest Android 15 QPR2 Beta 3 release, as noted by Android Authority. Since the feature isn’t live by default in QPR2, it’s more likely to officially debut with Android 16.

Would You Switch to Wallet or Stick with the Camera?

Android 16 is now in beta and is expected to roll out in its stable version later this year.

Would you keep the shortcut for the camera, or switch it to launch your wallet instead?