Android 16 is introducing a feature that could protect you from invisible threats, a major step forward for mobile privacy. Soon, your smartphone will be able to detect fake mobile towers and warn you if someone is spying on your calls or messages.
Fake towers and real danger
You may not realise it, but not all mobile networks are genuine. Some are traps. These fake cell towers—commonly known as “stingray” devices—trick your phone into connecting with them. Once connected, they can quietly collect your location, access your messages, or even listen to your calls without your knowledge.
Stingrays work by mimicking real cell towers. Your phone, unaware of the difference, connects automatically. These devices can then gather key details such as your phone’s unique identifiers (like the IMEI) and force your device onto a less secure 2G network. Because 2G doesn’t have proper encryption or tower authentication, your phone cannot tell if it’s communicating with a real or fake tower.
Until now, there’s been no easy way to stop this. Stingray devices are often used by law enforcement under national security justifications, but they’re just as likely to be abused by criminals or other malicious actors. And since most phones still support 2G as a fallback, they’re vulnerable even if you use 4G or 5G.
Android 16’s new security layer
That’s where Android 16 steps in. Google is adding a powerful new security feature to help protect your privacy. According to updates shared on the Android Open Source Project, the upcoming release will introduce “network notification” alerts.
If your device tries to connect to a suspicious network or if the network asks for sensitive data like your identifiers, Android 16 will warn you directly. You’ll also be alerted if the network tries to switch your connection to an unencrypted one—another common trick used in surveillance.
You’ll find this new protection in your settings under a new section called “Mobile network security”. It also includes the option to block 2G connections entirely—a known method for avoiding stingray attacks.
However, there’s a catch. No Android phone currently on the market has the necessary hardware to enable these protections. Even top-tier models like the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel Fold don’t support it yet. That’s why, for now, the feature is hidden within the software.
Coming later this year
The good news is that Android 16 phones with this hardware are expected to launch later in 2025. One strong candidate is the upcoming Google Pixel 10. If the feature debuted there, the Pixel 10 could become the most secure Android device ever released.
In the meantime, the best way to protect yourself is to disable 2G in your phone’s settings—if your device supports it. This simple step could prevent your phone from falling victim to a fake tower’s trap.
Android 16’s fake tower detection isn’t just another update—it’s a big move towards user privacy and mobile security. Soon, your phone could be smart enough to warn you when someone’s trying to listen in.
