Android 16 introduces warning for unencrypted cell tower connections
Android 16 brings a handy new security feature that lets you know if your phone connects to sketchy or unencrypted networks—think fake cell towers (aka Stingrays) that try to snoop on your calls, texts, or device info.
If something's off, you'll get a heads-up through notifications and the Safety Center.
How to check if you're on a sketchy network
You can find this feature under Security & Privacy > Safety Center > Mobile network security.
There are toggles for 'Network notifications' and '2G network protection,' but both are off by default.
Heads up: this only works on phones with Android 16 pre-installed and the right modem hardware—so older Pixels miss out.
Continued efforts to bolster your privacy
This update is part of Google's steady work to protect users from sneaky surveillance.
Since Android 12, they've let users switch off 2G; Android 15 flagged when networks asked for device IDs.
It's all about keeping your privacy safer with each new version.