Google is equipping Android 16 with two new security functions: Identity Check and Advanced Protection. These features are designed to protect smartphone users from AI-supported attacks, data theft and other new threats.
The final Android 16 version is expected to be released in December 2025. Beta users can already test these functions.
What is Identity Check and how does it work?
Identity Check automatically checks whether the user is in a location that’s defined as trustworthy. If the device is used at an unknown location, Android 16 requires additional biometric confirmation for security-relevant actions, such as changing passwords or accessing stored data – even if the smartphone is already unlocked.
The feature is specifically designed to prevent attacks in which third parties may see the PIN being entered, or briefly gain access to the device, allowing them to hijack accounts or deactivate security functions.
Users can choose to define trusted locations at which additional authentication isn’t required (such as their own home). For security reasons, however, Google recommends that this is never done in public places.
What features does Advanced Protection have?
Advanced Protection bundles a number of security measures:
- A real-time check of all apps that are installed, even outside the Play Store
- Protection against spyware, malicious apps and insecure networks
- Warnings about suspicious links in browsers and messenger apps
- Additional protection for Google Messages and phone apps
By using the Account Protection option on the same page, users can also activate protection for their Google account to prevent targeted online attacks.
Why these features are important now
The new features coincide with Cybersecurity Awareness Month, which recognises that AI-powered phishing emails and deepfake attacks are increasingly likely threats. Current vulnerabilities such as pixnapping, which allows hackers to steal 2FA codes, show that malicious apps can even take screenshots of other apps – such as Google Authenticator – without the user realising it.
Android 16 thus shifts the security strategy from reactive updates to proactive, intelligent forms of defence that take the “human factor” into account and react automatically to unusual situations.
The new security functions will be available to all users with the upcoming Android 16 QPR2 updates. Rollout is expected to be from December 2025. Those who already have access via beta versions or Play Services updates can activate the functions now.
Google recommends activating the features immediately after the update in the settings under “Security and privacy” to ensure maximum protection.
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This article originally appeared on our sister publication PC-WELT and was translated and adapted from German.
