Google is rolling out enhanced protections in Android 16 to defend users against deceptive phone call scams. With these updates, risky actions, like sideloading apps or granting accessibility permissions, are blocked when the user is on a call with someone not in their contacts. The phone also automatically prevents disabling Google Play Protect during such calls. If the user attempts any of these actions, Android displays a warning message. During screen sharing, a prompt reminds users to terminate the session once the call ends. There's even a pilot with UK banks that triggers a warning if a banking app is opened while screen sharing, offering a timely way to stop potential fraud.

Smarter Scam Detection in Messages

Google is expanding the on-device AI-based scam detection for the Messages app. Previously focused on delivery and job-related scams, the system now flags a wider array of threats including crypto fraud, impersonation, gift card scams, tech support scams, and surprise fees. Importantly, all processing happens locally on the device, so user privacy remains intact.

Contact “Key Verifier” Adds Trust

To enhance messaging security, Google Contacts introduces a Key Verifier tool. Users can verify each other by scanning a QR code or matching a code displayed on their screens. If a number is hijacked, such as via a SIM-swap, the contact status switches to "unverified," alerting users not to trust the connection.

Expanded Anti-Theft and Reset Protections

Earlier this year, Identity Check protection (biometric authentication before changing device settings) became available to Pixel and Samsung devices. Google is now extending this to all Android 16 devices. The update also strengthens protection against unauthorized factory resets, ensuring stolen devices remain locked and unusable without the owner's Google credentials or PIN. Remote lock via Find My Device now includes a “security challenge” question. Additionally, one-time passwords (OTPs) will be automatically hidden on the lock screen in high‑risk scenarios, like when the device hasn’t connected to Wi‑Fi or been recently unlocked.

Better App Scanning With Live Threat Detection

Android’s Play Protect is being enhanced with improved live threat detection. Thanks to on-device AI within Android’s Private Compute Core, apps exhibiting suspicious behavior, especially those that sideload and request excessive permissions, can now be flagged, reviewed by Google, and disabled if malicious. The system is expanding to more devices, including Pixel 6+ and upcoming models from Oppo, OnePlus, and Lenovo.

Unified “Find Hub” Helps Track Devices and Loved Ones

Android’s Find My Device feature is evolving into Find Hub, a more comprehensive tracking hub. In addition to tracking your phone, it will track linked Bluetooth devices (like earbuds or luggage tags) and even share location with trusted contacts. Later this year, Android hopes to integrate satellite connectivity for areas with limited cell coverage .

Advanced Protection Mode for At-Risk Users

Android 16 includes an Advanced Protection Mode tailored for high-risk individuals, such as journalists, public figures, or activists. Similar to Apple’s Lockdown Mode, this option significantly hardens the device: it disables vulnerable network features like 2G, restricts web access, activates memory-tagging defenses, and enables intrusion logging. These logs are encrypted and stored off-device for post-compromise forensic use. Google will also offer APIs for third-party apps to integrate support.

These coordinated updates in Android 16 move Google’s mobile OS towards a much safer and smarter future. They aim to neutralize a broad range of threats, phone and message scams, malicious apps, theft, unauthorized resets, and sophisticated attacks. With protections that operate locally and across the entire system, Android is setting a new standard in the fight against digital crime and ensuring that user privacy is never compromised.