Locking down device security matters more than ever as spyware, phishing, and targeted attacks grow more sophisticated. Android 16 introduces a game-changing solution: Advanced Protection mode, a comprehensive security setting that consolidates Google’s strongest defenses into a single, easy-to-activate switch. This feature is especially valuable for journalists, public figures, activists, and anyone who wants to minimize their risk of compromise, but it’s accessible to all users running Android 16 on supported devices.

What Advanced Protection Mode Does Differently

Enabling Advanced Protection mode in Android 16 doesn’t just flip on a few extra settings—it activates a tightly integrated suite of security measures across your device and core Google apps. Once switched on, these protections cannot be individually disabled, making it much harder for attackers (or even accidental misconfigurations) to weaken your device’s defenses. This approach mirrors Apple’s Lockdown Mode, but is tailored for Android’s ecosystem and user needs.

Key improvements users will notice include:

  • Immediate blocking of insecure network connections, such as 2G and unencrypted Wi-Fi, to prevent eavesdropping and surveillance.
  • Automatic device lockdown features that trigger if theft is suspected or if the phone goes offline for extended periods.
  • Restrictions on app installations, allowing only trusted sources and disabling sideloading to shut down a major malware vector.
  • Cloud-based, tamper-resistant intrusion logging that lets users and experts analyze potential compromises—even if attackers attempt to erase traces locally.
  • Stronger scam and spam protections in core apps like Messages and Phone, powered by AI and real-time monitoring.
  • Hardware-level safeguards, including automatic activation of Memory Tagging Extension (MTE) on supported devices to block memory corruption attacks.

How to Enable Advanced Protection in Android 16

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your Android 16 device. Navigate to the Google section, then select Personal & device safety.

Step 2: Find the Advanced Protection page. Here, you’ll see toggles for device and account protection. Switch on Device Protection to activate Advanced Protection mode. You may also choose to enroll in Google’s Advanced Protection Program for additional account-level security.

Step 3: Once enabled, your device will immediately apply all available security features. Some protections, like intrusion logging and USB lockdown, may roll out later in the year depending on your device model.

Core Security Features Activated by Advanced Protection

Advanced Protection mode enforces a robust set of security controls, many of which are new or previously optional. Here’s a breakdown of the most effective defenses activated:

  • Intrusion Logging: Automatically records system events in a secure, end-to-end encrypted cloud log. Only you can access these logs, which aid in post-incident analysis and cannot be tampered with—even if your device or Google account is compromised.
  • Theft Detection Lock: Instantly locks your device if suspicious movement or activity suggests theft, protecting your data before a thief can access it.
  • Offline Device Lock: If your phone goes offline for a long period, it will automatically lock itself, stopping unauthorized access when disconnected from the network.
  • Inactivity Reboot: If your device remains locked for 72 hours, it will automatically reboot, making user data unreadable until you unlock it again.
  • USB Protection: New USB connections while the device is locked default to charging only, blocking physical data extraction attempts via the port.
  • App Restrictions: Disables sideloading and installation from unknown sources. Only pre-approved app stores can install apps, reducing the risk from malicious APKs.
  • Memory Tagging Extension: On supported hardware, this feature blocks entire classes of memory corruption exploits, a common attack method for spyware and malware.
  • Network Security: Prevents connections to insecure networks. 2G cellular and unencrypted Wi-Fi are blocked, and your device won’t auto-reconnect to known risky networks.
  • Safe Browsing and Scam Protection: Chrome and Android’s Safe Browsing block access to malicious websites and enforce HTTPS connections. AI-powered scam and spam detection in Messages and Phone provide real-time alerts and call screening.
  • API for Third-Party Apps: Apps can detect when Advanced Protection is active and apply their own stricter security policies, further reducing your attack surface.

Additional Protections Rolling Out Soon

Some features, such as full intrusion logging, expanded USB protections, and deeper scam detection in calls and messages, will become available later in the Android 16 release cycle. Google is also working with banking partners to prevent fraud during screen sharing and is expanding AI-based malware detection to spot suspicious app behavior, even if an app tries to disguise itself.

Find My Device is evolving into Find Hub, which will use Bluetooth tags and satellite connectivity to help recover lost items and devices—even in areas without cellular coverage.

Manual Security Configuration (Less Effective)

Before Advanced Protection mode, users could manually enable some of these defenses by tweaking individual settings—such as disabling 2G, installing only from Play Store, or using Safe Browsing in Chrome. However, this approach left gaps since protections could be accidentally or maliciously turned off, and many advanced features (like hardware memory protections or cloud intrusion logs) weren’t easily accessible or configurable for most users.

Advanced Protection mode removes this complexity by enforcing the strongest possible security posture with a single, user-friendly toggle, reducing the risk of oversight or misconfiguration.

Android 16’s Advanced Protection mode delivers real, measurable upgrades in mobile security—especially for those most at risk. With all critical defenses unified and locked in, users gain peace of mind knowing their devices are far more resilient against modern threats.