Android 16's big security feature surprises with early arrival on latest beta
This comprehensive security mode, initially expected with the stable Android 16 release, is now surprisingly appearing for some users running the Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1.
Once enabled via the 'Personal & device safety' settings, Advanced Protection automatically activates various safeguards like spam/scam protection, theft detection, and more, with additional features planned for later release.
Google is streamlining your device's security with Android 16, and headlining the effort is the tech giant's new Advanced Protection Mode.
First revealed all the way back in October 2024, Google thoroughly detailed the mode and the security features it would offer back in early May. Roughly a fortnight later, the mode is finally starting to take shape.
For those unaware, Advanced Protection Mode isn't necessarily a tool itself. It is essentially a feature that groups several existing, new, and upcoming security tools under one roof. Enabling the mode enables all the safeguards with a single toggle, simplifying the process of securing your Android device.
Up until now, the mode could only be forced to surface by manually enabling it, with it expected to go live for users with Android 16 stable next month. That, however, changed today as some users running the latest Android 16 beta have reportedly gained access to the mode.
Highlighted by the folks over at Android Authority, those running Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 are reportedly gaining access to the comprehensive security mode today.
Those who've gained access report that the mode shows up within a new 'Personal & device safety' section in Settings. I am running the latest beta on my Pixel 8, but I personally don't have access to the new section in Settings just yet. Android Police News Editor Dallas Thomas reports the same.
For what it's worth, even if you're running QPR1 Beta 1, and the feature has rolled out to you, it's not enabled by default. To enable it, head to Settings → Personal & device safety → Advanced Protection → and toggle on Advanced Protection. Once enabled, your device will automatically toggle on familiar features like Spam and Scam Protection, Theft Detection, Offline Device Lock, Automatic Call Screening, app screening, and more.
Other features expected to make their way to the Advanced Protection Mode some time later this year include:
Intrusion Logging: An after-the-fact feature that will let you revisit encrypted logs of device activity for post-intrusion analysis.
USB Protection: To prevent USB device connections while your phone is locked.
Disable Auto-Reconnect: To prevent your device from automatically reconnecting to a Wi-Fi network that has been deemed insecure.
Scam Detection for phone calls: A feature that offers real-time warning if your phone's on-device AI detects patterns of scam.
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