- Android 16 introduces an “Advanced Protection” mode, offering a one-click solution to activate enhanced security settings for high-risk users.
- This mode enables a suite of device-level safeguards, including theft protection, app restrictions, network security, and web Browse safety features.
- While optional, it bundles many existing protections and adds an API for third-party apps to integrate their own security measures when the mode is active.
Google encourages users at high risk of being targeted by sophisticated attackers—such as public figures, journalists, and activists—to enroll in its Advanced Protection Program. This program offers additional safeguards against unauthorized account access, helping to ensure that common threats or simple oversights don’t compromise a user’s Google account. To offer these high-risk users even greater security, Google is now integrating Advanced Protection directly into Android 16, providing Android users with a simple, one-click solution to bolster their security profile.
Back in October, we discovered the first clues that Google will be integrating an Advanced Protection Mode into Android 16. We’ve since documented how the new mode will enable several device-level security features, like disabling sideloading, blocking USB data access, turning off 2G and WEP connections, and more. Today, during The Android Show: I/O Edition, Google formally announced the new mode, detailing the security features it will enable. Here’s what you need to know about Advanced Protection in Android 16.