Android 12 keeps up stability w/ Beta 4.1’s fixes for VPN and other issues [Updated]

The first Android 12 Beta worked out relatively well. There were no major bugs to speak of outside of one that prevented users from accessing the power menu easily. With Google Pay functional, it seems as though there were no major reasons to skip. After a second beta released caused many issues, though, you’d be justified in being wary of the third. Luckily, Android 12 Beta 4 bugs appear to be fairly scarce.

Stability seems to have largely returned

With the Beta 2 release, we found that, for some reason, things had pretty much fallen apart behind the scenes. Apps were crashing left and right, installation errors were plaguing many, and there were just far more bugs than we’d seen in any previous Android 12 release.

Luckily, this doesn’t appear to be the case in Android 12 Beta 3, and the pattern has continued in Beta 4, as the update seems to be fairly stable in our testing so far. No one on the 9to5Google team, regardless of device, has reported any major issues. Everything we’ve encountered so far seems to just be minor issues that don’t impede daily usage.

Between Beta 3 and Beta 4, too, some UI errors have been patched up. In the fourth release, for example, an error that left text unreadable in dark mode in some parts of the Settings menu has been fixed.

Beta 4.1 brings some further fixes

In Android 12 Beta 4’s release, we saw a few things break, including the VPN being partially broken, notification pop-ups acting up, and more. Google has fixed several issues in the latest Beta 4.1 release, including fixing the VPN issues. Google’s brief changelog explains:

• Fixed an issue that caused some devices to get stuck in a boot loop after restarting the device.
• Fixed an issue where heads-up notifications were sometimes not shown, requiring the user to swipe into the notification drawer to view them.
• Fixed an issue where the device volume controls sometimes did not work when casting.
• Fixed an issue where Face Unlock did not work on some devices.
• Fixed an issue that prevented users from granting the Nearby Devices permission to the Phone app in settings. Users who are experiencing a crash loop with the Phone app when trying to make a call over Bluetooth can now grant the required permission. To do this, long press the Phone app and tap App info, then go to Permissions > Nearby devices and select Allow.
• Fixed an issue where, after connecting the phone to a VPN, the phone could not connect to the internet.

UI errors

An odd UI error we’re seeing on multiple devices is in the app drawer, where the Google Search box is rendering as a rectangle. This is, again, a minor issue and, based on our findings, seems to be tied to the on-device search features Google is in the process of adding. This issue continues to persist in Beta 4.1.

Some have also spotted a volume slider error on Beta 4 that removes the background for the ringer setting. This does not appear to be widespread.

So far, so good

We can’t guarantee you’ll have a flawless experience on Android 12 Beta 4.1, but in early testing, stability seems as solid as you’d hope, and bugs are few and far in between. You should always be ready for problems when using software that isn’t technically finished, but if you’re just dying to try out the new OS, this seems like as good of a time as any to get in on the fun.

• How to get the Android 12 Beta on Google Pixel

Are you having issues or noticing bugs in the Android 12 Beta on your Pixel? Drop a comment below and let us know. We’ll continue to update this article with other bugs that seem widespread as the betas drop over the coming months.

What’s new in Android 12:

Android 12 Beta 4:

• Android 12 Beta 4: Recents multitasking menu highlights images for quick sharing
• Android 12 Beta 4: Game Dashboard now easier to launch w/ in-game quick toggle
• Android 12 Beta 4: Easter egg goes live, showcasing Material You dynamic colors
• Android 12 Beta 4: Google logo gets a delightful Material You makeover, more themed icons added

Android 12 Beta 3:

• Android 12 Beta 3: ‘Material You’ color options, themed icons arrive on Pixel Launcher
• Android 12 Beta 3: Pixel Scrolling Screenshot doesn’t work like Samsung’s, can’t do websites
• Android 12 Beta 3: Internet pop-up menu adds ‘turn off Wi-Fi’ button, higher Settings menu prominence
• Android 12 Beta 3: Pixel Launcher adopts more colors, ‘At A Glance’ is now ‘Live Space’
• Android 12 Beta 3: Google Camera 8.3 arrives with Material You colors and tweaks
• Android 12 Beta 3: You can now disable Google Assistant corner swipe activation
• Android 12 Beta 3: Chrome gets a slick new link-sharing option from multi-tasking page
• Android 12 Beta 3: Google may add a more obvious location indicator to match camera/mic

Android 12 Beta 2:

• Android 12 Beta 2: Wallpaper-based ‘Material You’ color themes have arrived
• Android 12 Beta 2: Media controls get streamlined redesign w/ Material You colors
• Android 12 Beta 2: Google’s Privacy focus arrives with camera/mic shutoffs, dashboard, more
• Android 12 Beta 2: New toggle lets you quickly reset your Wi-Fi connection
• Android 12 Beta 2: Wallet toggle comes to lock screen for even faster NFC payments
• Android 12 Beta 2: Quick settings adds Google Pay, Home shortcuts, and power button
• Android 12 Beta 2: Volume slider ditches the comically huge bubble design
• Android 12 Beta 2: Power menu has been replaced with an entirely new design
• Android 12 Beta 2: ‘At A Glance’ widget and app text on Pixel homescreen is subtly bolder

Android 12 Beta 1:

• Android 12 Beta 1: Google’s design overhaul is here, but most of the features are missing
• Android 12 Beta 1: Power menu is blocked by Assistant, but an upcoming button will fix that
• Android 12 Beta 1: ‘Alarm’ is now a tile in Quick Settings in light of broader redesign
• Android 12 Beta 1: Charging your phone now sends a wave of color across the display
• Android 12 Beta 1: Clipboard notifications are coming and toasts now show their source
• Android 12 Beta 1: You can now access ‘Game Mode,’ but it’s not done yet

Android 12 DP3:

• Android 12 DP3: Settings menu redesign is live by default w/ revamped bounce animation
• Android 12 DP3: Rounded ‘bubbly’ corners now used with all key UI elements
• Android 12 DP3: All apps now show the same splash screen while loading [Gallery]
• Android 12 DP3: ‘At A Glance’ widget on Pixel homescreen is subtly bolder
• Android 12 DP3: Pixel Launcher adds second 4×4 grid size with smaller app icons
• Android 12 DP3: Widgets get revamped w/ new menu, recommendations, forced rounded corners
• Android 12 DP3: ‘Verified links’ open directly in apps instead of showing ‘open with’ dialog
• Android 12 DP3: Conversations widget appears for some, uses your wallpaper colors
• Android 12 DP3: Playing audio now crossfades when switching player
• Android 12 DP3: Dark mode finally extends to toast messages w/ design tweak

Android 12 DP2:

• Android 12 DP2: Dark theme on Pixel gets even lighter
• Android 12 DP2: One-handed mode is live and appears to be fully working
• Android 12 DP2: Widgets list redesign and tweaks to lockscreen PIN, pattern entry
• Android 12 DP2: Picture-in-picture rework brings new gestures, stashing
• Android 12 DP2: WiFi sharing is now always in light mode
• Android 12 DP2: New device search bar in the works for Pixel Launcher, possibly others
• Android 12 DP2: ‘Game dashboard’ to add quick access to recording, YouTube streaming, more
• Android 12 DP2: People Space widget takes shape, reminds you to talk to your friends and family
• Android 12 DP2: Google Pay surprisingly already works
• Android 12 DP2: Swiping down on the bottom edge opens notification shade
• Android 12 DP2: Media player UI now uses system accent color

Android 12 DP1:

• Android 12 DP1: Magnification feature now offers a useful floating window
• Android 12 DP1: You can now enable or disable specific app quick settings media controls
• Android 12 DP1: Notifications redesigned w/ bigger icons, dedicated snooze button
• Android 12 DP1: Markup tool now lets you add emoji and text to screenshots
• Android 12 DP1: Nearby Share can now send WiFi passwords to your guests
• Android 12 DP1: Settings app gets revamp w/ new search bar
• Android 12 DP1: Lockscreen and notification shade media player gets minor UI redesign
• Android 12 DP1: Scrolling screenshots are here, but disabled for now
• Android 12 DP1: Pixel 5 readies ‘Double tap’ gesture, doesn’t work yet
• Android 12 DP1: Privacy toggles can block camera and microphone with a tap
• Android 12 DP1: Pixel Launcher gains new 4×5 grid option
• Android 12 DP1: Notifications to gain ‘Automatic’ option for whether or not to alert
• Android 12 DP1: ‘Display cutout’ menu now lets you hide Pixel 5, 4a hole punch
• Android 12 DP1: Dark theme on Pixel is no longer AMOLED black
• Android 12 DP1: ‘Reduce Bright Colors’ button quickly tones down screen brightness
• Android 12 DP1: Magnification feature now offers a useful floating window
• Android 12 DP1: You can now edit any image with the Markup tool meant for screenshots
• Android 12 DP1: Navigation gestures now work instantly in fullscreen apps
• Android 12 DP1: Lockscreen readies redesign w/ larger clock
• Android 12 DP1: Here’s a look at One-handed mode in action [Video]

Abner Li, Damien Wilde, Kyle Bradshaw, and Dylan Roussel contributed to this article.