Google to Add New Security Features to Advanced Protection With Android 16

The new security features in Advanced Protection were announced as part of The Android Show: I/O Edition on Tuesday.

Written by Akash Dutta, Edited by Siddharth Suvarna | Updated: 13 May 2025 22:33 IST

Google to Add New Security Features to Advanced Protection With Android 16

Photo Credit: Google

With Android 16, Advanced Protection will also disable auto-reconnect to insecure networks

Highlights

A new Intrusion Logging feature that backs up device logs will be added
Advanced Protection will also turn any USB connection into charging only
It will also be integrated into Scam Detection for Phone by Google

Google's strongest layer of security for Google accounts and mobile devices, Advanced Protection, will get new features with Android 16. Announced on Tuesday, the new features were showcased during The Android Show: I/O Edition. The Mountain View-based tech giant said that the next iteration of the Android operating system will now bring a device-level security setting for Advanced Protection. Additionally, new features for device logs, preventing USB-based attacks, and avoiding threats from insecure networks have also been added to the system.

Google's Advanced Protection Gets Upgraded

In a press release, the tech giant detailed the new features coming to Advanced Protection. Notably, the strongest security system for Android is aimed towards at-risk individuals such as journalists, elected officials, and public figures. It can also be used by those who prioritise security.

To enrol in Android's Advanced Protection Program (APP), users need at least two physical FIDO-compatible security keys. After acquiring them, they need to go to the enrollment page to register their main and backup security keys. After successful registration, users will only be able to sign in using their security key and password.

Google Could Bring a Desktop Experience for Smartphones with Android 16

Advanced Protection also bring several security features such as limited installations outside the Play Store, theft detection and offline device locks, and spam and scam protection features in Google Messages.

With Android 16, users will also get a new Intrusion Logging feature. The feature securely backs up device logs in a cloud environment. Google claims the data is saved in a “privacy-preserving and tamper-resistant way,” and is accessible only to the user.

A new USB protection will also be added that will turn any USB connection into a charging-only connection to prevent physical attacks on the device. Additionally, devices secured by Advanced Protection will disable auto-reconnection to insecure Wi-Fi networks to prevent any potential hacking attack.

Notably, users who choose to activate Advanced Protection (or continue to keep it active) after the release of Android 16 will gain immediate access to the core suite of security features. The abovementioned new features will be added to the suite later this year. Google has not confirmed a specific rollout timeline.

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Further reading: Google, Android 16, Android, Advanced Protection, Data Security, Privacy

Akash Dutta Email Akash Dutta

Akash Dutta is a Senior Sub Editor at Gadgets 360. He is particularly interested in the social impact of technological developments and loves reading about emerging fields such as AI, metaverse, and fediverse. In his free time, he can be seen supporting his favourite football club - Chelsea, watching movies and anime, and sharing passionate opinions on food. More