Google's Advanced Protection will bring a max security button to Android 16

4 hours ago 2

Google announced that a new Advanced Protection page would simplify Android device security features, expanding on the long-standing program for added security. The new page includes updated features like theft, spam, and scam text protection, all of which can be activated with a single toggle.

Google’s Advanced Protection suite has been around for some time, initially offering protection against Google Account attacks and, more recently, risky downloads. The security settings offer these features in Android 15, making it easier to understand how your device is protected.

During Android Show, Google announced that Android 16 would offer a more streamlined “Advanced Protection” page. The settings group would be a new route to access extensive security functions quickly. It’ll incorporate many of the features listed on the Device & Security page in Android 15.

The new page will have a toggle that can turn features on instantly. When that toggle is active, some features will immediately be activated and can not be deactivated while Advanced Protection is toggled on. That includes the following existing protection features:

Theft Detection Lock
Offline Device Lock
Unknown App Protection
Memory Tagging Extension
Chrome Browsing Protection
Javascript Protections
Spam & Scam Protection
Unsafe Links
Automatic Call Screen
Scam Detection for Phone by Google – coming soon
2G Network Protection

Google is also introducing a few features that will fall under the Advanced Protection umbrella. One major inclusion is Inactivity Reboot, which was initially thought to be a default function. With the security toggle, this feature can be activated to ensure data is unreadable after a certain amount of time idling.

It seems like most features can be turned on individually without enabling the entire Advanced Protection suite. The toggle looks more to be of a maximum security option, offering the most protection for users while sacrificing some usability.

The new Advanced Protection setting toggle will be available in Android 16.