Over the previous few months, Google has added many new options to Android.
Be it the brand new Materials 3 Expressive design that brings a bolder look to Android or iOS-like Reside Updates for notifications, there’s loads Google has rolled out not too long ago.
Nonetheless, of all the brand new options Google has launched, anti-theft instruments are those I really feel are an important.
These options promise so as to add one other layer of safety to your gadget whereas preserving your knowledge protected in case of loss or theft.
Equally, Google has additionally launched instruments that forestall Android customers from being lured into scams throughout calls.
Constructing on this, Google has added new safety instruments to Android with the options launched in December 2025 alongside the Android 16 QPR2 rollout for Pixel gadgets.
Your Android telephone can now use Circle to Search to detect fraud, and this is how.
7 Android safety settings I modify first on each new telephone
They take advantage of important distinction in long-term security
Circle to Search now helps you determine scams immediately
Use it to examine suspicious messages or presents with a fast gesture
Android already presents a number of on-device safety options.
The OS presents on-device fraud detection to spot scams inside the apps, and Google’s Cellphone app can block rip-off and fraud calls. Nonetheless, a couple of nonetheless slip by, which is why Google’s new function is much more essential.
Circle to Search has been a core a part of Android for some time now.
The function lets me immediately search for issues to purchase, and Google has improved it additional with on-screen textual content translation in addition to the flexibility to ask follow-up questions in Google Search’s AI mode about no matter you have highlighted.
Whereas these options are nice for many customers, I really feel the brand new addition Google launched to Circle to Search is much more essential.
With the brand new function added in December 2025 as a part of the Android replace, should you’re uncertain whether or not one thing is a rip-off or fraud, you’ll be able to circle or spotlight the message you have obtained, and Circle to Search will inform you if it is real.
Google says a typical tactic amongst fraudsters is sending customers messages by Google Messages or social media that solicit or demand cash or embody hyperlinks to rip-off web sites.
Because of the brand new Circle to Search function, now you can defend your self from getting concerned simply by asking Google.
To make use of this function, enter Circle to Search by tapping and holding the navigation bar, then spotlight the message you obtained.
Google will use AI and data from the net to evaluate whether or not it is a rip-off. It would even present what steps you’ll be able to take relying on the outcome, akin to avoiding the hyperlink or blocking the sender.
I examined this function in real-world use with a couple of messages I obtained on my Google Pixel 10 Professional, and Circle to Search was precisely in a position to name out spam messages from real ones.
You may comply with up when you find yourself nonetheless uncertain about one thing
Get additional context and make sure with Google AI if one thing feels dangerous or pretend
In some circumstances, the place the AI is not in a position to instantly inform you whether or not a message is a rip-off or fraud, you’ll be able to manually ask Google by utilizing the “Ask something” bar in Circle to Search.
For instance, when Circle to Search wasn’t in a position to determine one of many messages I obtained, I adopted up with Google AI mode, which clarified that the message was doubtless a mortgage rip-off or a phishing try impersonating a real firm.
With this, you will additionally be capable to distinguish whether or not the texts you are receiving are real or not, whether or not they’re about playing, loans, purchase now pay later presents, and extra.
It’s also possible to ask the right way to block these messages in your Android telephone or report them on-line.
You should use this function on Android gadgets that do not assist Circle to Search by utilizing Google Lens within the Google app on each Android and iOS.
Simply add the screenshot, and Google AI will inform you whether or not the message is a rip-off or not.
Different new Android options you need to do this fall
Along with this protecting function, Google can be rolling out different useful options for Pixel smartphones and different Android gadgets as part of the December 2025 replace.
One function I’ve personally discovered helpful is the notification abstract function for Pixel telephones. With this, your Pixel can now condense longer messages and group chats from completely different apps so that you get a fast look at what’s occurring.
Different options, akin to an expanded darkish mode that forces apps to use a darkish theme even after they do not assist it natively, in addition to computerized themed icons, are additionally rolling out with the brand new replace.
That mentioned, the flexibility to evaluate messages for rip-off and fraud with Circle to Search is arguably one of the vital underrated and lesser-known options of this Characteristic Drop. Not many individuals will discuss it, nevertheless it’s a (way more) helpful Android function than it sounds for lots of us.