Google has quietly removed a useful feature from its Pixel phones with the March 2026 Android 16 update, despite the update including improvements and new features. The change removes a shortcut that allowed users to quickly save or search for images directly from the recent apps screen, a move that may frustrate users accustomed to the functionality.
The New Change in the Update
Prior to the update, Pixel phone users could long-press any image appearing in the recent apps screen to reveal a quick options menu including:
- Search for the image using Google Lens
- Copy the image.
- Share the image.
- Save the image directly to the phone.
However, with the March 2026 update, some of these options have disappeared. Users can no longer save images directly or use Google Lens from the same menu. This change reflects a broader trend of software updates refining user interfaces, sometimes at the cost of previously available convenience features.
What Has Changed Now?
After the update, the options available when pressing on an image are reduced to just:
Copy.
Share.
Edit.
The option to save the image or search for it via Lens has been removed from this menu.
Is There Still a Way to Save Images?
Despite the shortcut’s removal, users can still save images, albeit through a slightly longer process. They can select the “Share” option and then search for the option to upload the image to the Photos app, achieving the same result but with additional steps.
How Can Google Lens Be Used Now?
Google Lens remains accessible through alternative methods such as:
Using the Circle to Search feature
Opening the share menu and then choosing to search for the image via Google.
Google has not officially announced the reason for removing the feature, but it’s likely due to limited user adoption or as part of a reorganization of the recent apps screen options. While system updates typically add new features, the March 2026 update for Pixel phones removed one of the quick tools some users relied on to save or search for images quickly. This change may go unnoticed by many, but it will impact those who used the feature daily.
