Google Adds Gemini-Powered Scam Protection to Android and Messages
Google says Enhanced Protection mode in Google Messages uses cloud Gemini models, with data processed in Private AI Compute that even Google cannot access.
Google announced a set of new security features for Android and Google Messages on October 14, 2026, led by an Enhanced Protection mode in Google Messages that uses the company's most capable Gemini models in the cloud to detect sophisticated scams, according to androidpolice.com.
Google says the analysis in Enhanced Protection mode runs on Private AI Compute, where data is encrypted and processed in a secure environment that even Google cannot access. The company is also improving link protection in Google Messages, with Gemini Nano working on-device alongside real-time web signals to judge whether an unfamiliar link can be trusted.
Scam alerts reach more phones
Notification-based scam alerts, previously limited to Pixel phones, will expand to hundreds of millions of additional Android devices. Google listed Honor, Infinix, itel, Motorola, Oppo, OnePlus, Realme, Tecno, vivo, Xiaomi and other Android manufacturers among the phones that will receive them.
Screen-sharing protection is expanding to Chrome and Android WebView, automatically hiding login credentials, payment details and other private data during live screen-sharing sessions. Android is also gaining improved call-forwarding protection designed to stop apps from silently enabling call forwarding in the background, and it will show a proactive warning if a user tries to enter an MMI code through the phone dialer to turn call forwarding on.
Google has previously claimed that Android offers better scam protection than Apple's iPhones.
Quick answers
What is Enhanced Protection mode in Google Messages?
It is a new mode Google announced that uses the company's most capable Gemini models in the cloud to detect sophisticated scams, with analysis handled through Private AI Compute.
Which phones will get Google's notification-based scam alerts?
The alerts, previously limited to Pixel phones, are expanding to hundreds of millions of Android devices, including phones from Honor, Infinix, itel, Motorola, Oppo, OnePlus, Realme, Tecno, vivo and Xiaomi.
Does screen-sharing protection cover Chrome?
Yes. Google is expanding screen-sharing protection to Chrome and Android WebView, where it automatically hides login credentials, payment details and other private data during live screen-sharing sessions.