Google’s latest Android release is bringing a new line of defense for mobile users concerned about hidden surveillance threats. As part of Android 16, the company has added a notification system that can alert users when their phone connects to an unprotected cellular network or when a connected tower tries to extract sensitive identifying details from the device.
Because these simulators are difficult to spot with the naked eye, Android 16 introduces software-based warnings that notify users of possible risks. For example, if the network lacks encryption or requests data such as the phone’s IMEI, a notice will appear in the system’s alert center.
Google has revived the “mobile network security” settings page to host the new options, but it will only be visible on devices that meet both technical criteria: the ability to disable 2G connectivity and to display network notifications. So far, those requirements exclude even the current Pixel line. The first phones expected to fully support these features will likely debut alongside Android 16 later this year—starting with the anticipated Pixel 10.
Along with the new notifications, users will still have access to Android’s 2G network toggle, which prevents devices from falling back onto legacy connections that are vulnerable to attack. Although this option has existed since earlier Android versions, it's now being bundled with the other security controls under one roof in Android 16’s Safety Center.
This limited approach reflects the complexity of protecting against invisible threats in mobile networks. Although Android 16 marks a step forward, full access to these protections will remain tied to devices with the right modem support. For now, that means users concerned about mobile surveillance may need to wait until newer phones roll out to benefit from these tools.
Image: AndroidAuthority. This post was created/edited using GenAI tools.
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How Stingrays Target Devices Without Detection
The security challenge Google is addressing involves a device known as a "stingray," or cell-site simulator. These tools are capable of pretending to be legitimate mobile towers, tricking nearby phones into linking with them. Once a connection is established, the attacker may retrieve unique device identifiers or shift the communication to outdated network protocols that carry fewer protections. This technique has been associated with both government surveillance and unauthorized snooping.Because these simulators are difficult to spot with the naked eye, Android 16 introduces software-based warnings that notify users of possible risks. For example, if the network lacks encryption or requests data such as the phone’s IMEI, a notice will appear in the system’s alert center.
New Settings Offer User Control, But Only on Modern Devices
These updates won’t appear on every device running Android 16. In fact, only newer hardware will be eligible. That’s because the system depends on advanced modem capabilities, specifically support for version 3.0 of Android’s IRadio HAL. Phones that lack this integration can’t process the signals needed to activate the alerts.Google has revived the “mobile network security” settings page to host the new options, but it will only be visible on devices that meet both technical criteria: the ability to disable 2G connectivity and to display network notifications. So far, those requirements exclude even the current Pixel line. The first phones expected to fully support these features will likely debut alongside Android 16 later this year—starting with the anticipated Pixel 10.
More Than Just a Warning System
Android’s warning mechanism goes beyond simple notifications. It also logs when your phone reconnects to a secured network or when a network accesses its identifiers. These logs include time stamps and the number of times a request occurred. This information can help users judge whether a connection pattern seems suspicious or normal, such as reconnecting after airplane mode.Along with the new notifications, users will still have access to Android’s 2G network toggle, which prevents devices from falling back onto legacy connections that are vulnerable to attack. Although this option has existed since earlier Android versions, it's now being bundled with the other security controls under one roof in Android 16’s Safety Center.
A Gradual Step, Not a Universal Fix
While the new features improve user awareness, they stop short of confirming whether a tower is real or fake. Android does not have the means to verify that level of detail. Instead, it surfaces relevant activity and leaves it to users to interpret the situation.This limited approach reflects the complexity of protecting against invisible threats in mobile networks. Although Android 16 marks a step forward, full access to these protections will remain tied to devices with the right modem support. For now, that means users concerned about mobile surveillance may need to wait until newer phones roll out to benefit from these tools.
Image: AndroidAuthority. This post was created/edited using GenAI tools.
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