Google is streamlining Pixel's accessibility feature access.

Google will return an important toggle to a more accessible location cutting steps and saving time.

Having the Live Caption control near the volume adjustment makes sense, but Google made a change last year that affected Pixel users. In Android 15 Beta 2, Google moved the Pixel's Live Caption control. Now, a Pixel user must press the volume button and tap the three-dot icon below the volume slider to enable Live Caption. That takes users to a new page where they tap the Settings button. Then, they scroll to the Audio section and find the Live Caption option. Tapping on it leads to a page where the feature can be enabled.

This is a more complicated process, and a Pixel user expressed this on Reddit a year ago, writing that the previous one-tap activation was better. Another Redditor shared the frustration, noting the inconvenience of hiding an accessibility tool within more menus.

Google, known for UI changes to improve Android and its apps, hopes to satisfy Pixel users by restoring the Live Caption control to the volume slider. In the latest Android Canary build 2509, the Live Caption control is again located below the volume slider. Tapping the Live Caption icon (a box with text) directly accesses the control.

Android Canary is a pre-release version of Android that is not stable. It previews upcoming operating system developments. Android Canary subscribers can receive updates OTA, but the initial installation requires a computer and Android Flash Tools.

Eventually, Pixel users will regain the Live Caption control under the volume slider, allowing them to easily turn on the feature. Once it reappears, Live Caption can be disabled in Settings > Accessibility > Live Caption by turning off "Live Caption in volume control."

The author enjoys seeing Google experiment with the Android UI on Pixel phones, which they feel is a benefit of owning one, along with photography. They appreciate having early access to upcoming Android builds and features.

Those with Android Canary 2509 have the Live Caption control back in its original location. However, those using the stable version of Android 16 should not expect its return soon, as it is currently only in Android Canary. It could potentially appear in a future Android 16 QPR beta release. The author's Pixel 6 Pro is currently running Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3.1 without the Live Caption control.

The author is excited to announce their passion project, "Iconic Phones: Revolution at Your Fingertips," a coffee table book for tech enthusiasts which will be released in a few months. Follow the link for details.