Google is rolling out its most comprehensive mobile security feature yet with the launch of Advanced Protection in Android 16, a new mode designed to shield high-risk users from spyware, zero-day exploits, and scams. The move brings Android in line with Apple’s Lockdown Mode and marks a major step forward in defending mobile devices from advanced threats.
Built for journalists, government officials, and others frequently targeted by surveillance malware, Advanced Protection activates multiple high-security settings with a single toggle. Once switched on, it blocks sideloading, disables 2G-only network access, and prevents users from turning off Google Play Protect. It also enforces Verified Boot and enables Memory Tagging to guard against memory-based exploits.
A key highlight is Intrusion Logging, which creates a tamper-proof, encrypted record of suspicious behavior—a long-requested tool for forensics teams responding to spyware attacks. “This reflects a defense-in-depth strategy,” Google said, emphasizing that users cannot accidentally or maliciously disable any of the security features once the mode is active.
From USB Blocks to Scam Detection: What Advanced Protection Includes
Android 16’s Advanced Protection suite includes a wide range of protections baked directly into the operating system. At launch, users will get:
- Mandatory Verified Boot
- Memory Tagging for exploit mitigation
- Automatic blocking of risky USB peripherals
- Disablement of 2G networks
- Ban on sideloading apps and disabling Play Protect
Later this year, Google will add even more features, including scam detection in the Google Phone app, an offline device lock, theft auto-locking, and the ability to block auto-reconnects to insecure networks.
Google also says third-party apps will be able to integrate with the new system, opening the door to a wider ecosystem of protected tools. Chrome’s safe browsing protections and AI-powered call screening are also part of the suite.
The announcement comes as Google’s threat intelligence team reported 75 exploited zero-days in the wild last year—many of them developed by commercial spyware vendors and later co-opted by nation-state attackers. Until now, Android had no dedicated equivalent to Apple’s Lockdown Mode, which was introduced to cut off attack surfaces on iPhones and iPads. Android 16 finally brings similar high-assurance security options to the rest of the mobile world.
Advanced Protection is expected to ship with Android 16 this fall.
