{"id":58971,"date":"2025-07-14T17:59:00","date_gmt":"2025-07-14T17:59:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/00a99352-9b4b-405d-a383-8e8e7e637f0d"},"modified":"2025-07-14T17:59:00","modified_gmt":"2025-07-14T17:59:00","slug":"two-new-android-16-security-features-protect-you-better-how-to-switch-them-on-now","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.threatshub.org\/blog\/two-new-android-16-security-features-protect-you-better-how-to-switch-them-on-now\/","title":{"rendered":"Two new Android 16 security features protect you better – how to switch them on now"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n
\"androidkee-pscreenshot-2025-07-14-135525.png\"<\/picture><\/div>\n

<\/div>

JEFF PACHOUD\/Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Although Google’s earlier-than-expected release of Android 16<\/a> was missing a few important features, the updated OS does deliver improved security that every Android user would be well-advised to enable.<\/p>\n

I’ll explain these two key security features and how to find and enable them.<\/p>\n

Also: Google quietly confirms ChromeOS-Android merger – here’s what it means for you<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

1. Identity Check <\/h2>\n

This feature was added in 2024, but it didn’t receive much attention until the release of Android 16. What is Identity Check? <\/p>\n

Let’s say you’re away from home (which you’ve designated as a trusted location — more on that in a bit). While you’re gone, someone gains access to your phone and either goes to make changes to critical security settings or attempts to access saved passwords or other sensitive information. Because the phone is away from your trusted location, when that person tries to make those changes, biometric authentication will prevent them from accessing those features or data. <\/p>\n

Also: <\/strong>7 simple things I always do on Android to protect my privacy – and why you should too<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Here’s the thing about Identity Check: It’s not easy to find. The best way to locate the feature is to open the Settings app and search for “identity check.” Once on the Identity Check page, you can enable the feature (it should be enabled by default) and add a trusted location. Once you’ve added a trusted location, biometrics won’t be required for that particular place. <\/p>\n

\n
\n
\"The<\/picture><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>
\n
\n
\n

Enable Identity Check but I would not add Trusted Places (so you’re getting most out of Android’s new security feature).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Jack Wallen\/ZDNET<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Personally, I’ve opted not to add a trusted place to ensure I get the most out of my Pixel 9 Pro’s security. That, of course, is up to you. Since I go by the mantra “better safe than sorry,” I’ll opt out of any possibility of bypassing security. <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

2. Advanced Protection <\/h2>\n

This new addition to Android brings together several strong security measures to protect against spyware, malicious apps, insecure connections, and online threats. <\/p>\n

\n
\n
\"The<\/picture><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>
\n
\n
\n

Advanced Protection might be the most advanced protection Android has had to date.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Jack Wallen\/ZDNET<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

When you enable Advanced Protection (it’s enabled by default), the following safeguards are enabled: <\/p>\n