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Android Q Beta 5 brings stability improvements and new gesture controls
July 25, 2025
Update:If your Pixel phone is enrolled in the Android Beta Program, click that “system update” button — the Android Q Beta 5 OTA is rolling out now.
Following last week’s release of theJuly security patch, Google has announced thefifth Android Q beta. As with previous builds, the updated firmware is rolling out now toPixel handsets.
Unlikelast month’s beta 4, this latest release candidate packs in a good number of user interface changes. Here’s what you should expect from Android Q Beta 5.
Also read:Everything new in the fourth Android Q developer preview
What’s new in Android Q Beta 5
One of the most significant problems with Android Q’snew gesture systemis the back functionality. Swiping in from either edge of the phone is simple enough of an action to trigger the back button, but it messes with apps that includenavigation drawers.
To remedy this problem, Google includes a new peek feature. Now, if a user wants to open the drawer instead of moving back, all they need to do is swipe in and hold for a second. After they see the menu peek in, they can continue dragging the window over.
A Googler gave us an early look at Android’s new peeking behavior earlier this month:
One area where Android Q’s new swipe gestures haven’t been working correctly is with third-party launchers. Because of this, Google is going to start automatically switching users using custom launchers back to thethree button navigation controls. This change will be made later this year when Beta 6 is released.
As there’s no longer a Home button to long press, theGoogle Assistantcan be launched by swiping inward from the bottom two corners of the display. This functionality was actuallyavailable in the fourth Android Q betafor some, but now the swipe gesture is available to all running the new beta build. The search giant has implemented UI elements that it calls “handles” to help users identify the new functionality.
Developers that haven’t updated their apps to be Android Q compatible can download the API 29 SDK andAndroid Studio 3.5 Beta. Instructions for setting up the development environment can befound here.
Installing Android Q Beta 5
We’re still waiting for confirmation, but this latest build should come with theJuly security patch. Let us know when the update hits your phone and what you think of the new features.
If you’re interested in learning more the Android Q beta, the Android engineering team will be hosting a Reddit AMA onr/androiddev. The team will announce the exact time and date of the Q&A on the subreddit later this month.
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