If a text says your parcel is stuck or a caller claims your bank account is under attack, stop and open the service through a route you already trust. Android scam warnings can help you spot a problem, but independently checking the request works even when your phone shows no warning.

What Google announced for Android in late 2026

Google announced an opt-in Enhanced protection mode for Google Messages. On eligible devices it adds deeper scam analysis for conversations with unknown senders and stronger checks for suspicious links. Google also announced broader scam alerts in chat notifications through device-maker partnerships. These are separate capabilities. An update to Google Messages does not establish that every notification feature is available on your phone.

Google also announced safeguards for screen sharing and for call-forwarding codes. Its rollout notes place forwarding protection in early December for Pixel and select devices. Treat that date as a rollout starting point and check your phone’s own release notes. See Google’s announcement and device notes for the feature breakdown.

Check the protection you actually have

  1. Install available system and app updates using your phone’s normal update controls.
  2. Open Google Messages settings and look for scam protection. Read the explanation shown on your device before choosing an optional mode. Google describes some enhanced message analysis as cloud-assisted on eligible devices.
  3. Open your dialer’s settings separately. If you use a manufacturer dialer, check that manufacturer’s support page for available spam or call screening options.
  4. If a setting is missing, record the phone model, system version and app version before looking for instructions. Availability can depend on the device, region and rollout.

Use the same three checks on any phone

Verify the event. If a delivery text claims you owe a fee, open the merchant or carrier’s app and find the order you recognize. Look for the same status there. If you need to contact support, get the number from the order or the official app.

Verify the caller. If someone claims to be from a service you use, end the call and use a number you obtained independently. A familiar caller ID and details about an order can make a request sound credible. Neither proves the caller controls the account or works for the service.

Verify the action. An unsolicited caller who asks you to read out a code, enter a dial-pad command, share your screen or install an app is asking for access. End the conversation and contact the provider yourself. If a message leads to an APK, follow the official-source checks in our Android installation guide before considering an install.

Common questions

Is a link safe if Android shows no warning?

A quiet phone tells you only that it displayed no alert. If the message asks you to sign in, pay, or install software, open the service separately and check the request there.

What if I already followed the request?

Stop the conversation and contact the affected provider using its official app or website. Tell support what you shared or installed so they can direct you to the appropriate account or device recovery steps.