Updated to Android 16? You should enable these 2 important security features ASAP – here’s why

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ZDNET Highlights

• Android 16 adds stronger default security for all users.
• Identity checks help block access outside trusted locations.
• Advanced security shield against apps, networks, and scams.

Although Google’s earlier-than-expected release of Android 16 was missing some important features, the updated OS offers better security that every Android user would be advised to enable.

Also: How to clear your Android phone cache (and why it makes such a big difference)

I will explain these two key security features and how to find and enable them.

1. Identity check

This feature was added in 2024, but did not receive much attention until the release of Android 16. What is an identity check?

Let’s say you’re away from home (which you’ve designated as a trusted location – more on that in a bit). While you are gone, someone gains access to your phone and either makes changes to important security settings or tries to access saved passwords or other sensitive information. Since 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.

Plus: 7 simple things I always do on Android to protect my privacy – and why you should too

The thing about identity verification is: it’s not easy to find. The best way to locate the feature is to open the Settings app and search for “Identity verification.” Once on the identity verification page, you can enable the feature (it should be enabled by default) and add a trusted location. Once you add a trusted location, biometrics will not be required for that particular location.

Personally, I opted not to add any trusted locations to ensure I could get the most out of the security on my Pixel 9 Pro. Of course, it’s up to you. Since I follow the mantra “better safe than sorry”, I will rule out any possibility of bypassing security.

2. Advanced Security

This new addition to Android brings together a number of strong security measures to protect against spyware, malicious apps, insecure connections, and online threats.

When you enable advanced security (it is enabled by default), the following security measures are enabled:

• Device security (protection against lost, stolen, or confiscated phone)
• Apps (protects against memory bugs and malicious apps)
• Network (prevents insecure connections)
• Web (protects from unsafe websites)
• Phone by Google (protects against spam calls)
• Google Messages (protects against spam and scams)

Also: How to Turn On Android’s Private DNS Mode – and Why You Should Do It ASAP

All the above protections happen only by enabling advanced security. You tap the On/Off slider until it moves to the On position and your Android phone is protected.

One more thing: account security

However, there is one more thing you can do. On the same Advanced Security page, you’ll see an entry labeled “Account Security.” If you tap it (and then authenticate), you can enable advanced protection for your Google Account to keep yourself safe from targeted online attacks. Once on the resulting page, tap “Enroll in Advanced Security.”

And that’s all. Once you enable these features (and enroll your Google Account in Advanced Security), your information and phone will be better protected from loss.

Also: Your Android phone’s most powerful security feature is turned off and hidden by default – turn it on now

I would highly recommend using both of these features as soon as your phone upgrades to Android 16.

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