At this week’s Android Show ahead of Google I/O, Google introduced a suite of new Android security features aimed at tackling scams, theft, and device misuse. These updates are designed to make Android devices smarter and more secure, especially during real-time threats like phone scams, unauthorized access, and screen-sharing attacks.
With these updates, Google wants to do more than just block suspicious apps—it’s shifting to real-time defenses that warn users mid-action and offer smarter protection at every layer of the Android experience.
Real-Time Scam Protection and Smarter Screen-Sharing Alerts
Phone scammers often manipulate users by asking them to download shady apps or tap on harmful links. To stop this, Google is now rolling out call-based protections. If you’re speaking with someone not in your contacts, Android will block risky actions like side-loading apps from unknown sources or granting dangerous permissions like accessibility access.
This protection kicks in on Android 16 and even prevents users from disabling Google Play Protect while on a call—a vital layer that constantly scans for harmful apps.
Screen-sharing gets an upgrade too. After ending a call, Android will prompt users to stop sharing their screen, preventing attackers from seeing what they shouldn’t. In the U.K., Google is testing a pilot with select banks: when users open a banking app during screen-sharing with an unknown number, a warning screen appears with a quick “stop sharing” button to halt any potential fraud.
Smarter Messaging Safeguards and Verified Identity Checks
Back in March, Google launched scam alerts in Google Messages powered by on-device AI. That tool is now getting a boost. The AI will flag more fraud types, such as crypto schemes, fake toll fees, gift card requests, impersonation attempts, and bogus tech support messages.
Also coming soon: contact verification keys in the Google Contacts app. This lets users confirm they’re chatting with the right person using a QR code scan or number match. Verified conversations in Google Messages will then show a “verified” status—so if a scammer hijacks someone’s phone number via SIM swap, Android will flag the chat as unverified. This feature arrives later this summer for Android 10 and above.
Lockdown for Lost or Stolen Devices
Google is also expanding Identity Check—first launched for Pixel and Samsung OneUI 7 users—to all Android 16 devices. This feature forces biometric verification before making major changes to your device settings, like altering the PIN, disabling theft protection, or accessing Passkeys—especially when you’re away from trusted locations.
The company will also tighten Factory Reset protections. If someone tries to reset a stolen phone, Android will now require the original PIN, pattern, or Google account credentials before allowing any use. That essentially turns a stolen phone into a useless brick.
Additional measures include hiding one-time passwords if the device hasn’t been recently unlocked or isn’t on Wi-Fi, and new security challenge questions to prevent unauthorized lockouts.
Advanced Protection and Smarter Malware Detection
Google Play Protect is also evolving. Soon, it will detect apps with sneaky behaviors—like hidden or changing icons—especially on Pixel 6 and newer models. These improvements build on existing on-device analysis and expand protections to catch more types of malicious software.
Public figures and high-risk users get new Advanced Protection Mode enhancements too. Google is layering in on-device defenses to support users who face targeted digital threats.
Finally, the new Find My Hub will let users keep track of items, friends, and family from one central place—a subtle but useful addition that ties into Android’s broader security goals.
