Google has resolved an issue with edge-to-edge functionalities in Routines on Android within its Google Home application.
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The Google Home app, a popular smart home management tool, recently experienced an issue affecting its Routines editor on Android 16 devices. This bug, known as the edge-to-edge bug, caused buttons and menu elements to be hidden behind system bars, making them inaccessible.
The root cause of this issue was a change in Android 16's enforcement of edge-to-edge content display. Apps targeting the latest Android version, like Google Home, could no longer opt-out of full screen content extending under system bars. As the Routines section in Google Home is web view-based, this UI adjustment particularly impacted that part of the app.
This issue surfaced in June 2025 and was addressed with a server-side update starting from Google Home app version 3.37. After the fix, UI elements were properly positioned, no longer hidden behind navigation or system bars, restoring access to all routine controls and menus without the need for workarounds such as screen rotation.
Impacted users found it frustrating as they could not use Routines as intended due to inaccessible buttons. Key functions like saving routine edits or accessing menus in the Routines editor were blocked. However, it is important to note that only the Routines component of Google Home was affected, not the entire app.
The fix arrived as a server-side update shortly after Google Home 3.37 release. No visible app update was required by users. Realigned UI controls now ensure they are fully accessible, respecting the Android 16 edge-to-edge mandate while avoiding overlap with system bars.
In summary, the Google Home Routines edge-to-edge bug on Android 16 was caused by the OS's strict enforcement of content extending under system bars without an opt-out. It specifically affected the web view powered Routines editor in Google Home, obscuring UI controls. The issue was resolved through a server-side fix that properly offset UI elements from system bars, restoring full functionality in routine creation and editing.
[1] Source: Google Support Community [3] Source: Android Police
- Users of smartphones running Android 16 may have experienced difficulties with the Google Home app's Routines editor due to an issue known as the edge-to-edge bug, which affect gadgets like smartphones that utilize Android 16's full screen content display.
- The latest Android technology update, Android 16, made it mandatory for apps, such as the Google Home app, to adhere to edge-to-edge content display, causing problems for web view-based components like the Routines editor, particularly affecting user access to gadgets like smartphones.
