Google Messages rolls out Enhanced Protection against scams
The opt-in mode adds cloud-based Scam Detection and on-device link checks, with link protection limited to select devices.
Google Messages for Android has begun rolling out an opt-in Enhanced Protection mode that adds new defenses against spam and scams, according to 9to5google.com. The mode ships with three core features at launch.
The first, Scam Detection, uses cloud Gemini models to evaluate message context and infer a scammer's intent during conversations with unknown senders. Messages are encrypted and processed through Android's Private AI Compute in a space private to the user and unavailable to anyone else, including Google.
Enhanced link protections rely on the on-device Gemini Nano model and real-time web signals to assess unfamiliar links before they are tapped. The feature is available on Pixel 10 and later, the Samsung Galaxy S26 series, Galaxy Z Flip 8, Galaxy Z Fold 8 and other select devices.
The update also redesigns warnings to give users more time and context before tapping links sent by numbers not in their contacts. Enhanced Protection can be reached under Google Messages settings > Protection & safety, which offers Enhanced protection, Standard protection and No protection.
The feature appears in the latest Google Messages beta, version 20261020_00_RC00. Google announced the Enhanced Protection mode earlier in October 2026; until now, Google Messages offered Standard Protection to block spam and suspected harmful links.
Quick answers
How do I turn on Enhanced Protection in Google Messages?
Open Google Messages settings > Protection & safety and choose Enhanced protection. The mode is opt-in; the menu also offers Standard protection and No protection.
Which devices support the enhanced link protection?
Pixel 10 and later, the Samsung Galaxy S26 series, Galaxy Z Flip 8, Galaxy Z Fold 8 and other select devices.
Where is Scam Detection processed?
Scam Detection uses cloud Gemini models, with messages encrypted and processed in Android's Private AI Compute, a space private to the user and not available to anyone else, including Google.