Software

Google may split Internet tile back into Wi‑Fi + Mobile

Android may restore separate Wi‑Fi and Mobile tiles
Wi‑Fi + Mobile Data

• Key Takeaways:

  • Google appears to be preparing to split the combined “Internet” Quick Settings tile back into separate Wi‑Fi and Mobile Data tiles.
  • AOSP commits in the Android 16 QPR2 source add a “Mobile Data” tile and a Wi‑Fi tile with a toggle, guarded by a feature flag.
  • The change is not yet enabled in Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 or Canary; timing and rollout (Pixel vs OEM) remain uncertain.

Why the Internet tile replaced separate toggles

The change introduced in Android 12

Before Android 12, Quick Settings displayed distinct Wi‑Fi and Mobile Data tiles for fast toggling. Google replaced them with a single expandable “Internet” tile in Android 12 to reduce accidental mobile data usage and simplify network troubleshooting.

Google’s rationale

Google argued the Internet Panel makes it easier to switch the active network without turning off Wi‑Fi entirely, which previously led some users to forget to reenable Wi‑Fi and incur extra data charges. The company described the Internet Panel as “a more intuitive and straightforward way” to handle connectivity problems.

What the AOSP evidence shows

New tiles added in Android 16 QPR2 source

Developers digging through the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) for Android 16 QPR2 found commits that add a separate “Mobile Data” tile and a new Wi‑Fi tile with a toggle. LineageOS contributor Michael Bestas highlighted the changes, and Android reporter Mishaal Rahman shared annotated screenshots from the AOSP diffs.

Feature flag and behavior

The split is controlled by a feature flag named com.android.systemui.qssplitinternet_tile, described as "Splits the Internet tile into Wifi (with internet info) + Mobile Data." The Mobile Data tile will prompt a confirmation dialog when toggled, while the Wi‑Fi tile will still surface internet-provider info for now as Google migrates away from the older Provider Model.

When will users see this?

The flag isn’t enabled in public Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 or Canary builds, so there’s no firm timeline for arrival. Google could enable it for OEM partners first or roll it out to Pixel devices; historically some OEMs never used the Internet Panel, which complicates predictions.

What it means for users

For power users who disliked the extra step the Internet tile added, a split would restore one‑tap toggles for Wi‑Fi and mobile data without requiring third‑party apps or ADB hacks. For average users, Google’s original intent—reducing accidental mobile data usage—appears balanced with the convenience of separate controls.

Stay tuned: the AOSP commits signal an intention, but a visible rollout will depend on Google’s testing and the feature flag being flipped in future builds.

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