I finally removed that annoying blur effect on my Pixel 10 Pro

The only constant about owning a smartphone is change.

On an impressively consistent basis, tech companies like Google are adding new features, functionalities, and settings to their devices in hopes of improving them for the everyday user.

Some of these changes are welcomed, like the ability for Quick Share to finally operate with AirDrop, while others are met with some serious backlash, like Google's recent changes to the adaptive brightness settings.

There are other features, though, that fly so far under the radar that you wouldn't notice them unless someone pointed them out.

Well, I'm pointing out the weird blur effect that is always popping up in the background of my Pixel 10 Pro interface, and more importantly, I'm turning it off once and for all.

Related

These unexpected Pixel 10 Pro features completely changed my opinion

The Pixel 10 Pro is packed with meaningful upgrades

Posts 4
By  Jon Gilbert

Blur be gone

The relatively new features can now be disabled

Earlier this year, Google released Android 16, an update that aimed to improve the operating system, as it does quite often throughout the year.

One of the bigger improvements was the Material 3 Expressive design, which promised a wide range of interface changes and improvements.

It added more customization, more advanced themes, and more modern aesthetics with fluid motions.

Amongst those improvements, however, was this rogue blur effect, which could be found throughout your device.

When you pull down the Quick Settings panel, access the Overview panel to view your open apps, and solicit some kind of Android-based pop-up, the background will blur instead of showing a clear version of your wallpaper.

Personal preference reigns supreme on this one, but I can't be the only one who dislikes it. Luckily, getting rid of it is pretty easy.

How to ditch the blur effect on the Pixel 10 Pro

Your vision will thank you

If you had the blur effect snuck onto your device during the Android 16 update, and you want to get rid of it, you are in luck.

The process for turning off this sneaky little feature only takes a few steps, and you'll be on your way to a clearer smartphone experience in no time.

As is tradition, you'll want to head on over to the Settings menu. You'll have to go on a ride for this one, because this feature lives in the Accessibility menu, which is at the bottom.

When you find it and click it, you'll want to navigate your way to the Color & motion menu, which is readily available for you.

Then, toggle on the Reduce blur effects feature, and presto chango, your device is no longer burdened with these blurry backgrounds.

If you have an Android phone that isn't a Pixel, this kind of feature could still be available.

Samsung and Motorola offer the Reduce blur effect feature on their devices, and you should be able to find it in the accessibility menu.

The importance of actually checking your settings

You can't know what you don't look for

In the grand scheme of things, the Reduce blur effect setting isn't going to change your life. There's a chance that, after you change it, you won't think about it again.

Still, the Reduce blur effect feature underlines the importance of actually looking at your settings every once in a while to see if your phone is actually doing what you want it to do.

The reality is that companies like Google are going to release updates for your devices, whether you want them to or not, and your phone could be changing without you even realizing it.

That's why, every few months or so, I find myself simply perusing the settings menu on my Pixel 10 Pro in hopes of realizing some groundbreaking feature wasn't enabled for some reason.

My most recent great discovery was the Now Playing feature, which identifies music playing in the background like the Shazam app.

This feature was tragically disabled on my device until I discovered it on one of these perusals, and now I can't imagine my life without it.

Related

I took 100 cat photos with the Google Pixel 10; here’s what I learned about its cameras

Our feline friends make the best test subjects for cameras

Posts 1
By  Stephen Radochia

Take care of your smartphone experience

Because no one else will

Even if you're a healthy smartphone user, it's still likely the device you use the most on a daily basis.

Given that, it's shocking how little people know about the technology glued to their hands.

From refresh rates and blue effects to font sizes and color themes, smartphones are infinitely customizable, but many still stick with the default until the next one comes along.

Treat yourself to a bit of technological comfort, start being diligent about how you actually use your phone, and you could realize a whole new world of enjoyment that's been at your fingertips all along.

Google Pixel 10 Pro

$749 $999 Save $250
SoC
Google Tensor G5
RAM
16GB
Storage
128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB with Zoned UFS / 1 TB with Zoned UFS
Battery
4870mAh
Operating System
Android 16

Google's latest Pro Pixel packs a faster yet efficient Tensor G5 chip, an upgraded ISP, and a brighter display. Plus, an array of new AI features that make it one of the best Android phones to launch in 2025.

$749 at Amazon $749 at Google Store $749 at Best Buy
Expand Collapse