8 ways Google has improved security and privacy in Android devices in 2026

Google has outlined a series of updates it introduced in 2026 to strengthen security and privacy across Android devices. The changes focus on protecting users from scams, improving on-device threat detection and giving more control over personal data. Many of these updates are tied to Android 17, while others are being rolled out across earlier versions. The company said its approach continues to centre on AI-driven protections and system-level safeguards to address evolving threats such as fraud, malicious apps and device theft.One of the key additions is protection against banking scam calls. Android will now verify incoming calls from financial institutions using supported apps. If a call is flagged as spoofed, the system can automatically end it, helping reduce the risk of fraud.Google has also expanded its Live Threat Detection system, which uses on-device AI to monitor app behaviour in real time. The update includes warnings for suspicious actions such as SMS forwarding and misuse of accessibility permissions. A new feature called dynamic signal monitoring will track app interactions to detect unusual patterns and alert users.For Chrome on Android, the company is adding safeguards during app downloads. When users attempt to install APK files, the system can check for known malware and block unsafe downloads if Safe Browsing is enabled.The Advanced Protection feature, which bundles several security tools into a single setting, is also being expanded. Updates include USB protection, intrusion logging for forensic analysis and restrictions on accessibility services for non-accessibility apps. Google is also working on enabling enterprise-level support for these protections.Device theft protection has been enhanced with features like “Mark as lost”, which now supports biometric locking. Other measures include limiting repeated password attempts and enabling automatic protections like Remote Lock and Theft Detection Lock on supported devices.Privacy settings have also been updated. Android 17 introduces a temporary location sharing option that lets apps access location data only when they're in use. A new indicator will show when location data is being accessed, along with details of recent usage. Google is also introducing a contact picker that limits app access to only selected contacts, rather than the entire address book.On the AI front, Google is enhancing privacy through technologies such as Private Compute Core and AISeal with pKVM, which are designed to process data in a secure, isolated environment. The company said these updates are guided by principles, including user control and data protection.Additional updates include Android OS verification to help users confirm their device is running official software, as well as protections for one-time passwords that hide them from most apps for a limited time. The company is also introducing support for disabling 2G connectivity in certain regions and adding post-quantum cryptography to strengthen long-term data security.Together, these changes reflect a broader effort to improve security across devices, apps and networks, while giving users more transparency and control over how their data is accessed and used.