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Android 16 QPR3 Removes Direct Image Save From Pixel Recents ‘Select’

The change routes image selections to a share-first panel, altering a long‑standing quick‑save workflow on updated Pixels.

Overview

  • Tapping a highlighted image in Recents now opens the system share sheet, with copy remaining as an option within that panel.
  • A one‑tap local save is no longer offered, so saving requires sharing to Files by Google for a download or to Google Photos for an upload.
  • 9to5Google, Android Authority, and Android Headlines corroborate the behavior on devices updated to Android 16 QPR3 this month.
  • The previous quick path to Google Lens from this menu is bypassed by the new share‑centric flow.
  • Devices not yet on QPR3 retain the prior behavior, and some users report inconsistent text selection after the update.