Android 13 Completely Disables Haptics In Silent Ringer Mode

Last Updated on February 15, 2022 by Anu Joy

Google released its first Developer Preview of Android 13, showcasing various features such as a Material You theme for all app icons, a new Photo picker API, Quick settings placement API, and more. The preview is now available for Pixel-users. One tweak that was unearthed after the release was that haptics are fully disabled when the ringer is set to silent mode, and some are not happy about it.

The Android 13 DP1 disables haptics when you set the phone ringer to silent mode, rendering it fully silent without any tactile feedback. In Android 12 and Android 12L, switching to silent mode disables haptics, but it is still retained for system interactions. Haptics still works for Gboard typing, entering your pin from the lock screen, and gesture navigations, but this functionality will cease to exist with the Android 13 DP1.

Android 13 Developer Preview 1 Fully Disables Haptics in Silent Mode

In the Android 13 Developer Preview 1, switching to the Silent mode completely disables haptics and vibrations. Using Quick Settings toggles, swiping up to the Recents app menu, and scrolling through the app drawer are stripped off the soft vibration feedback of the haptic motor. Strangely enough, 9to5Google notes that the in-display fingerprint scanner on Pixel 6 series devices still retain haptic feedback. Plugging in a charger also results in haptic feedback. Such inconsistent behaviour could be attributed to the fact that it is a developer preview and more tweaks can be expected in the future.

Also read: Android 13 Features, UI Design Changes, Release Date, & More

This could be a small yet welcome change, depending on who you ask. If you sleep with your phone next to you and the slightest vibration wakes you up, this feature could come in handy. However, it may not be loved by those who like haptic feedback but still want silent and vibration-free notifications.

Do you prefer some haptic feedback in silent mode or none at all? Let us know down in the comments!