Android 16 Is Here and Brings New Security Features

Android 16 arrives with two security features to prevent spam calls and insecure networks

The new version will also use artificial intelligence to identify and stop fraud or scams in real time. The arrival of Android 16 is a great opportunity for Google’s mobile ecosystem to introduce security features that enhance user protection against the various threats that continuously arise.

These new tools will focus on privacy protection, with more customization options, to prevent connections to insecure networks, loss or theft of the phone, spam calls, among other functions.

What are the security improvements that come with Android 16?

Identity Check

The Identity Check feature is consolidated in this version, although it made its debut in 2024. It is a system that uses biometric authentication to restrict access to confidential information, security settings, or saved passwords, especially if the device is outside a location considered trusted.

The system allows the user to designate physical points as “safe places,” where biometric measures can be relaxed, making everyday use easier, while reinforcing security when the phone is in unfamiliar places.

Thus, if someone tries to manipulate critical settings or access sensitive data while outside the owner’s safe location, biometric authentication such as facial recognition or fingerprint will be required.

Activating this feature is straightforward: within the settings menu, you can search for the Identity Check option and enable the system from there, as well as add or modify trusted places. Although the feature is enabled by default, the platform offers flexibility for those who prefer to maximize security or facilitate access in specific environments.

Advanced Protection

The biggest novelty comes under the name of Advanced Protection, a comprehensive security suite developed both for the average user and for particularly exposed individuals, such as journalists, public officials, or activists. When this feature is activated, the device integrates an extra layer of coordinated protection in various critical areas.

Among the capabilities of Advanced Protection are:

• Prevention of loss, theft, or confiscation of the phone.
• Monitoring and blocking of applications that present memory errors or potentially malicious behavior.
• Network connection monitoring, disabling auto-reconnection to insecure networks.
• Protection during web browsing, with filters that block access to dangerous pages.
• Active defense against unwanted calls and spam messages, both in the Google Phone app and in Google Messages.

The activation process does not require advanced knowledge: just find the function in the corresponding menu and move the slider to the on position.

From that moment, all measures are activated together and cannot be accidentally or maliciously deactivated, following a layered defense strategy.

This is complemented by an innovation in intrusion attempt auditing: Android 16 includes Intrusion Logging, which stores all device logs in an encrypted manner and only accessible to the user, allowing forensic analysis in case of suspected tampering or attack.

The system is also prepared for future expansions: Google announced that it will release additional updates adding features such as enhanced USB protection, deep integration with call fraud detection, and shared logging options for cybersecurity experts.

How artificial intelligence will help improve phone security

Another notable aspect is the use of local artificial intelligence to identify and stop fraud or scams in real time. Android 16 examines messages arriving in the Google Messages app and alerts if it detects patterns associated with common scams, such as promises of fake technical service or risky investment scams.

By operating locally, this defense layer manages to preserve user privacy and allows the system to suggest blocking or reporting suspicious senders.

Which devices are compatible with Android 16?

Currently, the launch of Android 16 prioritizes Google Pixel devices equipped with Tensor chips, designed to optimize the operating system’s performance and its security arsenal. The models included in the first wave of compatibility are:

• Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a
• Pixel 7, 7 Pro, 7a
• Pixel Fold, Pixel Tablet
• Pixel 8, 8 Pro, 8a
• Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold, 9a

Google intends to progressively expand the list of compatible devices as various Android device manufacturers, such as Samsung, Xiaomi, and OPPO, adapt the new version to their catalogs.

How to install Android 16 step by step

The standard mechanism to install Android 16 is the OTA (Over-The-Air) update, which is delivered via a direct notification to the user on eligible devices. The steps are simple:

1. Access the Settings app on the phone.
2. Go to the System section and select Software updates.
3. Tap Check for updates and follow the instructions to download and install.
4. After downloading, restart the device to complete the process.

Links

• Android 16 is here – Google Blog
• Sell pre-owned Google Pixel online – iGotOffer

Android 16 official update: EVERY new function and feature! [Video]

Video uploaded by 9to5Google on June 10, 2025.