Android has been around for over a decade, and the pure, unadulterated version offered by Google (stock Android) has come a long way since its launch in 2008. Updates have brought features like copy/paste, multi-touch, foldable phone compatibility, and a much smoother user interface, all of which have been widely appreciated.
However, it wouldn't be entirely truthful to say Google has always made stellar changes to stock Android. In fact, some updates have been downright frustrating for users. Let's take a closer look at some of the worst decisions Google has made when it comes to pure Android, in no particular order.
Large quick settings
Android's Quick Settings panel has been a beloved feature since its introduction, offering a convenient way to toggle essential settings like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. However, Google's recent redesign in Android 12 drastically changed things. The new design features much larger tiles, which significantly reduces the number readily available at a glance. While you can access more by swiping down further, it's not as convenient as having them easily accessible from the start. Thankfully, most Android phone makers haven't followed Google's lead here, keeping the classic layout with more readily accessible settings tiles.
All but killing microSD support (temporarily)
Remember those days when microSD card slots were practically a given on Android phones? Yeah, those were the good times. It's a shame that Google kinda messed things up in 2013 with the KitKat update, limiting microSD access in the name of privacy. It was especially frustrating for folks who updated their phones only to realize their trusty storage cards were suddenly hobbled. Thankfully, Google came to its senses in 2015 with the Marshmallow update, bringing back the awesome (and much-needed) adoptable storage feature that lets you seamlessly merge your internal and microSD storage. While it's not perfect, using a microSD card on a modern Android phone is a pretty decent experience again.
Say hello to the Internet tile
Android 12 definitely ruffled some feathers with its changes, and one particularly irksome one was the merging of the Wi-Fi and mobile data toggles into a single "Internet" tile. While you could still access individual controls within the tile, many (myself included) felt it was a classic case of "fixing what wasn't broken." Now, switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data requires an extra tap, which seems unnecessary after the previous one-step convenience.
Google defended the change by arguing that users often forget to switch back to Wi-Fi after using cellular due to poor connections, leading to unexpected data usage and potentially hefty bills. While they acknowledged the initial awkwardness of the Internet tile, they claimed it eventually became a more "intuitive and straightforward" solution. However, solutions like Windows and Windows Phone's automatic Wi-Fi reconnection after a set time seem far more intuitive and user-friendly in my opinion.
Messing with the power button
Remember that time Google tried to turn the power button on your phone into a fancy smart home and wallet hub in Android 11? Well, they were back at it the next year with an even more confusing change. In Android 12, they decided to make the power button summon Google Assistant by default. This left many users, myself included, completely baffled and searching online just to figure out how to turn their phones off! It felt like someone was messing with the fundamental rules of phone usage. What's next, are they going to make the volume buttons control something other than volume? My colleague Dhruv Bhutani also slammed this change, and thankfully, Pixel owners can change it back to the normal power button behavior. But seriously, why was it buried so deep in the settings in the first place? It's a head-scratcher for sure.
Google pulls the App Ops feature
While not the first misstep in Android's history, App Ops stands out as a particularly memorable early miss. Introduced in Android 4.3, this innovative feature allowed users to fine-tune app permissions, a far cry from the "all or nothing" approach that dominated back then.
Sadly, Google yanked App Ops in Android 4.4.2, facing widespread criticism for the decision. Their explanation? App Ops was merely an experiment and could potentially harm apps. Regardless, it wasn't until Android 6.0 Marshmallow in 2015 that the modern, granular permissions system we know today finally arrived.
Android 5.0 ditches lock screen widgets
Apple might be making a big deal about lock screen widgets with iOS 16, but Android actually had them way back in 2012! Unfortunately, Google decided to ditch the feature with Android 5.0 in 2014, which was a real bummer. It felt like developers and users barely had time to enjoy the convenience. Now, seeing Apple embrace lock screen widgets with cool features makes it sting a little more. Thankfully, brands like Samsung and Nothing have brought them back, and it looks like Android 15 might finally be getting them too.
Changing how you silence your phone
Android Lollipop made a major change to silencing phones that ruffled many feathers. Gone was the simple method of tapping the volume buttons to silence your phone. Instead, users had to navigate through a new "Priority Mode" menu to allow only specific notifications. This "none" option, while useful for complete silence, even blocked alarms! The lack of a straightforward silent mode was a huge misstep, leading users to seek out third-party apps to restore the old functionality. Thankfully, Google realized their mistake and brought back a proper "Do Not Disturb" mode and the familiar volume controls in Android Marshmallow. This whole episode serves as a reminder: sometimes change isn't necessary, especially when it disrupts a well-established and convenient feature.
Gestures or nothing on Pixel 3 (at first)
Google introduced gesture navigation with Android Pie in 2018, which was great for those who wanted a more streamlined way to navigate their phone. However, Pixel 3 users initially had no choice but to use these gestures, even if they weren't fans. This was a major annoyance for people who preferred the familiar three-button layout. Thankfully, Google eventually came to their senses and brought back the classic navigation option with the release of Android 10 for the Pixel 3 series.
The disruptive Scoped storage
Remember those days when any app you downloaded could potentially peek at all your files on your phone? Yikes! Google addressed this major privacy concern in Android 10 with Scoped Storage. This new feature basically locked apps into their own little storage boxes, preventing them from snooping around in your personal stuff.
While this was a big win for user privacy, it threw a wrench into the works for certain apps, especially backup tools and file managers. Sharing game saves or other app-specific data between devices also became a hassle. Thankfully, Google eventually loosened the reins a bit for essential apps, but the issue still lingers for some programs today.
SafetyNet vs custom ROMs
While Google's SafetyNet API launched in 2017 with the intention of boosting Android device security, it ended up causing unintended problems. This system verifies a device's integrity, which is great for safeguarding sensitive data and apps. However, it also throws a wrench into the works for phones running custom ROMs. These tweaked versions of Android simply can't pass SafetyNet's test, meaning crucial apps like banking services, Google Pay, and even some streaming platforms become unusable without jumping through technical hoops. Even Google's own beta versions of Android have stumbled upon SafetyNet roadblocks! This has dealt a major blow to the passionate Android community who enjoy customizing their devices, and it's likely a key factor in the declining popularity of custom ROMs.
That’s it for our list of the worst changes to stock Android. Are there any other changes we may have missed? Let us know in the comments!
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