Updated to Android 16? You should enable these two essential security features as soon as possible. Here you can read why

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The main conclusions of ZDNET

• Android 16 adds stronger default protection for all users.
• Identity Control helps block access outside trusted locations.
• Advanced protection protects against apps, networks and scams.

Although Google’s earlier-than-expected release of Android 16 was missing a few key features, the updated operating system offers improved security that every Android user should enable.

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I’ll explain these two important security features and how to find and enable them.

1. Identity check

This feature was added in 2024, but didn’t receive much attention until the release of Android 16. What is Identity Check?

Let’s say you’re not at home (which you’ve designated as a trusted location – more on that later). While you are away, someone gains access to your phone and makes changes to critical security settings or tries to access saved passwords or other sensitive information. Since the phone is not near your trusted location, biometric authentication will prevent that person from accessing those features or data when they try to make those changes.

Also: 7 simple things I always do on Android to protect my privacy – and why you should too

Here’s the thing about identity verification: it’s not easy to find. The best way to find the feature is to open the Settings app and search for “identity verification.” Once on the Authentication page, you can enable the feature (it should be enabled by default) and add a trusted location. Once you add a trusted location, no biometrics are required for that specific place.

Personally, I chose not to add a trusted place to ensure I get the most out of my Pixel 9 Pro’s security. That is of course up to you. Since I go by the mantra ‘better safe than sorry’, I will rule out any possibility of bypassing security.

2. Advanced protection

This new addition to Android combines several powerful security measures to protect against spyware, malicious apps, unsafe connections and online threats.

When you enable Advanced Protection (which is enabled by default), the following protections are enabled:

• Device security (protects against lost, stolen, or seized phones)
• Apps (protects against memory bugs and malicious apps)
• Networking (prevents unsafe connections)
• Web (protects against unsafe websites)
• Google Phone (protects against spam calls)
• Google Messages (protects against spam and scams)

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All the above protection is done by simply enabling Advanced Protection. You tap the On/Off slider until it is in the On position and your Android phone is secured.

One more thing: account protection

However, there is one more thing you can do. On the same Advanced Security page, you’ll see an entry labeled “Account Security.” If you tap that (and then authenticate), you can enable Advanced Protection for your Google Account to protect you from targeted online attacks. Once on the resulting page, tap ‘Sign up for advanced security’.

And that’s it. Once you enable these features (and sign up your Google Account for Advanced Protection), your data and phone will be better protected from damage.

Also: Your Android phone’s most powerful security feature is disabled and hidden by default. Enable this now

I would highly recommend using both features once your phone is upgraded to Android 16.

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