Android 16 Beta 2 adds ‘Switch users’ widget on Pixel

Abner Li | Feb 13 2025 - 12:35 pm PT

With Android 16 Beta 2, Google has added a “Switch users” homescreen widget for Pixel devices.

In the Widgets list, scrolling down reveals a new “Users” item (note the use of the blue Pixel background for that icon). It houses a “Switch users” widget that lets you “Quickly switch users.”

This Android 16 widget, which is also titled “Switch user” in the top-left corner, can be expanded to take up your entire homescreen. It shows a grid or list of users, as well as the Guest account, on your phone or tablet.

A tap on the large profile avatar immediately makes the switch. The gear in the corner takes you to Settings > System > Users.

Advertisement - scroll for more content

This is a pretty straightforward widget that makes the most sense on Android tablets, especially those shared within a household. It’s a very user-friendly approach, which is reminiscent of Simple View, compared to the Quick Settings method.