Google has announced a range of new security updates for Android 17, alongside enhancements to existing protections. Many of these features are designed to counter increasingly sophisticated tactics used by bad actors to target Android users. The updates include improvements to scam call protection, live threat detection, theft protection, and other security systems, many of which will roll out with Android 17.
Android to automatically end spoofed banking scam calls
Google will soon introduce verified financial call protection on Android. This feature is designed to stop callers impersonating banks and financial institutions. If Android detects that a call claiming to be from your bank is fake, the system will automatically end the call before the scammer can engage further.
The feature works by cross-checking banking applications installed on the user’s phone. Google has stated that the rollout will begin for Android 11 and newer devices in the coming weeks.
Live Threat Detection
Google has expanded its AI-powered Live Threat Detection feature with new protections against suspicious app behavior. Android will now warn users about apps that secretly forward SMS messages or misuse accessibility permissions. It will also introduce dynamic signal monitoring, which flags apps that hide their icons before performing malicious background activity.
Chrome to scan APK downloads for malware
Google Chrome will add a layer of protection against harmful APK downloads. When enabled, it will scan APK files for known malware before they are downloaded, helping prevent the installation of malicious apps.
New Advanced Protection features
Google is expanding Advanced Protection mode in Android 17 with several new safeguards to improve device security and prevent scams.
The update will block non-genuine accessibility apps from accessing accessibility services — a feature already introduced in Android 17 Beta 2. It will also turn off device-to-device unlocking and Chrome WebGPU support in Advanced Protection mode.
In addition, Google is introducing scam detection for chat notifications and plans to add Android Enterprise support for managed devices later this year.
Google also confirmed that USB protection is now available on all Google Pixel devices running Android 16 and newer, with support expected to expand to more Android devices soon.
“Mark as Lost” gets an enhancement.s
The “Mark as Lost” feature will now require a PIN before biometric authentication can be used to regain access. This ensures that no one can unlock a lost device without fingerprint or facial verification.
PIN guessing attacks are becoming harder
Google will introduce limits on failed PIN or password attempts. Beyond a certain number of failed tries, Android 17 will enforce longer delays between attempts and improve how lock screen information is displayed after repeated failures.
Temporary, precise location sharing
Android will soon introduce a temporary, precise location-sharing option. Instead of granting permanent access, users will be able to share a precise location only while the app is in use. A clearer and more visible location usage indicator will also be added to show when apps access location data.
Limited access to contacts
Google is introducing a new contact picker that allows apps to access only selected contacts instead of the entire address book. Apps can also request access to specific contact fields, and permissions will be temporary. This feature was first spotted last November and has now been officially confirmed.
OS verification for Android devices
Android will add OS verification to help users confirm whether their device is running an official Android build. Launching first on Pixel devices, the feature aims to detect modified Android versions that may appear legitimate but compromise security.
OTP protection
Android will automatically hide one-time passwords (OTPs) from most applications for three hours to prevent malicious apps from stealing authentication codes. This feature has already rolled out in Android 17 Beta 2 and will expand to more users with the stable release.
Additional security upgrades
Android 17 will also include support for post-quantum cryptography and improved 2G network protections. It will allow carriers to turn off 2G by default in regions where the technology is no longer supported or maintained.
Google Pause Point
Google has announced a new feature called “Pause Point,” designed to reduce addictive doomscrolling in Android apps across devices such as Google Pixel and Samsung smartphones.
The feature introduces a 10-second pause whenever a user opens an app they have marked as distracting, such as YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok. During this pause, the system may also suggest more productive alternatives or apps to encourage healthier usage habits.
Unlike typical timer-based tools, Pause Point is designed to be harder to disable and may even require a device restart to turn off.
