Android 16 Will Introduce New Feature to Block Scammers in Real Time

Google is set to strengthen Android’s security with a new feature in Android 16 that blocks users from making critical system changes during phone calls.

Specifically, it prevents enabling app installations from unknown sources (sideloading) and granting accessibility access—two settings commonly exploited by scammers to install malware and take control of victims’ devices.

By restricting these changes during calls, Google aims to disrupt one of the most effective tactics used by phone scammers. This security enhancement, already live in Android 16 Beta 2, will likely be a key feature in the official release later this year.

How Scammers Exploit These Settings

Scammers frequently impersonate customer service representatives, tech support agents, or government officials to manipulate victims. They create urgency, claiming the user needs to install a “security update” or grant permissions to fix an issue. Many unsuspecting users comply, unknowingly granting full control of their device to a bad actor.

One common method is sideloading—a process that allows users to install apps from sources outside the Google Play Store. Since Google restricts sideloading by default for security reasons, scammers stay on the line to guide victims through enabling it.

Once an app is installed, they may also instruct users to grant accessibility access, which allows an app to read the screen and perform actions like tapping buttons and entering passwords. At this point, the scammer can remotely control the victim’s device without their knowledge.

With Android 16, these actions will be impossible to complete while a call is active. This intervention could prevent many users from unwittingly giving scammers full access to their phones.

How Android 16’s Security Feature Works

Android 16 will automatically detect when a phone call is in progress. If a user attempts to enable sideloading or accessibility access during the call, they will receive a warning message stating that scammers frequently request these actions. The message serves as both an alert and a barrier, stopping the action entirely until the call ends.

Even if a scammer asks the victim to hang up, enable the setting, and call back, this extra step introduces friction. The momentary break in the scammer’s script may give users time to reconsider and recognize potential fraud.

Fig 1. Advanced Protection Mode blocking sideloading. Source: Android Authority

A Small Change with Big Security Benefits

This new security measure builds on Google’s ongoing efforts to fight fraud. While it won’t stop all scams, it makes one of the most common scam tactics significantly harder to execute. By adding roadblocks at critical points in the scam process, Android 16 helps users avoid falling victim to fraudsters.

With phone scams becoming more sophisticated, these proactive measures are essential. Android 16’s added protections could make a meaningful difference in keeping users safe when handling unexpected or suspicious calls.