How to enable Google Advanced Protection

Google's new Advanced Protection feature is coming to Pixel devices and Android 16. It's Google's strongest security feature yet, designed to help protect against malware, phishing, and theft. Here's how to enable Advanced Protection on your Android phone.

What is Google Advanced Protection?

Advanced Protection is a one-touch security mode in Android 16 that locks down your phone from threats.

Once enabled, it will block downloads and prevent installation of external apps. Additionally, it turns off cellular connectivity to prevent fake WiFi.

Additionally, all core security settings like Google Play Protect and Safe Browsing are locked down, making it impossible for hackers to tamper with them.

Along with all this, you also get cool benefits like phishing/spam filtering in Google Messages, theft detection, and USB data transfer blocking to keep your data safe.

How to enable Advanced Protection on Android 16

In the Google interface, users access Settings then select Google > Personal & device safety or Security & Privacy .

Click Advanced Protection under Other settings.

Enable Device Protection , note that you may need to verify your Google account. Then, restart your phone to apply the settings.

Requirements to enable Advanced Protection

Here's what you need to turn on Advanced Protection on your Google Pixel:

1. Device compatible with Google Pixel 7 Pro or later or Android 16.
2. You need a Google account with two-step verification enabled.

Jessica Tanner

Update 09 July 2025