Android Authority may earn a commission from affiliate links. Android 16 introduces a new feature called Advanced Protection Mode, designed to provide enhanced security for your phone and data. With this one-click toggle, users can activate a range of protective measures across the operating system and applications. The settings cannot be adjusted, ensuring a uniform level of security.
Initially, first-party apps like Google Messages and Phone by Google will implement Advanced Protection Mode, with potential for broader app integration once the necessary API is made available. In today’s digital age, safeguarding sensitive information stored on smartphones is more crucial than ever. Recognizing this, Google is stepping up with its Advanced Protection Mode in Android 16. The feature was successfully tested on a Google Pixel 9 running Android 16 Beta 4.
Users can enable this mode through the Settings app. The advanced settings aim to block app sideloading, eliminate 2G network connections, and enhance app memory tagging, among other security protocols. Once activated, Advanced Protection Mode establishes numerous security measures that remain fixed to prevent users from inadvertently lowering their protection levels. Users can view the features in various sections of the Settings and app settings.
The mode offers several categories of protection: **Network and Wi-Fi** prevents insecure connections, **Web** offers protection from malicious sites, and **Apps** addresses vulnerabilities from memory errors and unsafe applications. Additionally, the **Device Theft** feature secures the phone if it’s lost or stolen. Although Google Messages and Phone by Google are the initial apps utilizing the API, developers are encouraged to integrate their own security enhancements under the Advanced Protection Mode. This initiative marks a significant advancement in Android’s security measures, addressing longstanding criticisms regarding its vulnerability compared to iOS.
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