Google has announced a significant enhancement to its Advanced Protection Program with the release of Android 16, introducing a robust device-level security setting aimed at safeguarding users against sophisticated cyber threats.
Tailored for at-risk individuals such as journalists, elected officials, and public figures or anyone prioritizing top-tier security this update delivers Google’s strongest mobile defenses to date.
The revamped Advanced Protection Program integrates a suite of powerful security features, combining new tools with Android’s existing top-rated protections.
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Designed for simplicity, users can activate these defenses with ease, ensuring minimal disruption while fortifying their devices against online attacks, harmful apps, and data breaches.
Key Features of Advanced Protection
- Best-in-Class Security: Android’s most effective safeguards are enabled by default, offering proactive protection with a seamless, user-friendly experience.
- Defense-in-Depth: Once activated, Advanced Protection locks critical security settings to prevent accidental or malicious deactivation, creating multiple layers of defense.
- App Integration: The program serves as a single control point, enabling enhanced security across Google apps like Chrome, Google Messages, and Phone by Google, with plans to include third-party apps in the future.
- Intrusion Logging: An industry-first feature, Intrusion Logging securely stores tamper-resistant device logs for forensic analysis in case of a suspected compromise. This privacy-preserving tool, accessible only to the user, will roll out later in 2025 alongside other features like USB protection, scam detection integration, and safeguards against insecure network reconnections.
Advanced Protection ensures a comprehensive security overhaul by managing both new and existing features across critical areas, making it nearly impossible for attackers to exploit vulnerabilities. Google’s “defense-in-depth” approach guarantees that these protections work in unison, providing peace of mind for users facing targeted threats.
While Android 16 users can immediately access a core set of Advanced Protection features, Google plans to expand the program with additional capabilities later this year. The company emphasized its commitment to evolving the program to keep pace with emerging threats, ensuring Android remains a leader in mobile security.
How to Get Android 16
Google offers several ways to experience Android 16, catering to users, developers, and testers. Here’s how you can get started:
1. Get Android 16 on a Google Pixel Device
The easiest way to try Android 16 is by enrolling a supported Google Pixel device in the Android Beta for Pixel program. This fast, simple process delivers regular over-the-air (OTA) updates, including Quarterly Platform Releases (QPRs), throughout the release cycle. A data backup is recommended, though a full reset is typically not required.
Supported Pixel Devices:
- Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a
- Pixel 7, 7 Pro, 7a
- Pixel Fold, Pixel Tablet
- Pixel 8, 8 Pro, 8a
- Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold, 9a
Enrollment: Join the beta program to receive OTA updates. After applying a stable release, users can opt out without a data wipe for a limited time.
Manual Installation: For more control (e.g., automated or regression testing), use the Android Flash Tool or manually flash a system image from the Pixel downloads page. Flashing a beta build automatically enrolls the device in OTA updates for subsequent builds.
2. Get Android 16 Beta on a Partner Device
Android 16 Beta is also available on select devices from partner manufacturers, including HONOR, iQOO, Lenovo, OnePlus, OPPO, realme, vivo, and Xiaomi. Each partner provides system images for download and flashing, with some offering OTA delivery. Visit the partner’s website via the Android 16 Beta devices page for installation instructions and support resources. Feedback and bug reports should be submitted through each partner’s dedicated channel.
3. Set Up the Android Emulator
Developers can explore Android 16 features and APIs using the Android Emulator, ideal for testing behavior changes across various device types. To set up:
- Install the latest Preview version of Android Studio.
- In the SDK Manager, select the latest Android Emulator version.
- In the Device Manager, create a virtual device (phone or tablet) using a supported Pixel device definition (e.g., Pixel Tablet or Pixel Fold).
- Download the Android 16 system image (“Baklava”) and finalize the virtual device settings.
- Start the virtual device to begin testing.
For large-screen testing, configure tablet or foldable devices. The resizable emulator allows toggling between phone, foldable, and tablet configurations, including folded/unfolded states for foldables, streamlining layout validation and runtime testing.
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