Android 16 is bringing Advanced Protection mode, here is what it is and how it will work

India Today

05-05-2025

With more people relying on their smartphones for everything from banking to social media, keeping your personal data safe has become more important than ever. Android 16 is set to introduce Advanced Protection mode, a new security feature that aims to shield users from threats by locking down their devices with stronger protection settings. Once enabled, this mode will automatically apply a range of safeguards to make the device more secure — especially useful for those who might not always dig deep into security settings themselves.advertisementAccording to a report by the Android Authority, the Advanced Protection mode can already be tested on devices like the Google Pixel 9 running Android 16 Beta 4. Once the feature goes live, users will be able to find and activate it through a simple toggle in the Settings app. The moment it's turned on, several built-in protections kick in, many of which cannot be changed individually — making this a more robust form of security that prioritises safety over customisation.
Source: Android Authority
Source: Android Authority
The Advanced Protection mode is designed to provide a comprehensive shield against common threats. For example, it will block unsafe network connections by disabling 2G support and preventing the use of outdated WEP Wi-Fi networks. These types of connections are easier for hackers to exploit, so turning them off helps reduce the risk of snooping or attacks. However, 2G may still be accessible in emergencies, like when you need to make a distress call.advertisement
Advanced Protection mode will also prevent the installation of apps from outside the Google Play Store — commonly known as sideloading — a move that should stop users from accidentally installing harmful apps. In addition, it activates something called Memory Tagging Extension (MTE), which helps catch bugs and memory-related issues in apps, further improving overall device security.The mode even adds extra protection to common apps. Google Messages and Phone by Google are already set up to work with Advanced Protection, offering features to detect spam and scams. The Theft Detection Lock and Offline Device Lock will help keep your phone secure even if it's lost or stolen by locking it down and blocking unauthorised access.Thanks to a new AdvancedProtectionManager API introduced in earlier beta versions of Android 16, app developers will also be able to detect when this mode is enabled. That means apps — especially banking or secure communication tools — can adapt and offer extra safety features for users who've turned it on.Another useful feature is related to web browsing. If you land on a non-HTTPS page, which could be insecure, the system will issue a warning. Android Safe Browsing, which alerts you about suspicious or harmful websites, is also part of the package.Google first began working on this feature in October 2024, and it has gradually appeared in a couple of Android 16 beta updates. A wider release is expected once Android 16 rolls out in its stable form, likely in the coming weeks. Google is also expected to showcase more details during its next episode of The Android Show on May 13, followed by further announcements at the company's annual I/O developer conference.