Messages Beta Adds Cloud Scam Checks for Android

Google is starting to offer Android users a new Messages setting that screens conversations for scams using cloud-based Gemini models. The feature, called Enhanced Protection, is opt-in and requires users to open Messages settings, choose Protection & safety, then select Enhanced protection over Standard protection or No protection.

The new tier launches with Scam Detection, which Google says reviews the context of a full message thread to assess intent when users talk with unknown senders. Google says this cloud approach handles novel and sophisticated attacks better than the detection that already runs on the device. Messages are encrypted and processed through Android's Private AI Compute system in a space Google describes as private to the user and unavailable to anyone else, including Google itself.

Enhanced link protection is the second feature. It pairs the on-device Gemini Nano model with real-time web signals to judge whether an unfamiliar link is trustworthy before a user taps. Google limits this capability to the Pixel 10 and newer, Samsung Galaxy S26 series, Galaxy Z Flip 8, Galaxy Z Fold 8, and other select devices. The third change reworks warnings for links from numbers not saved in a user's contacts, giving people more time and context before they tap.

The setting is appearing in the latest Google Messages beta, version 20261020_00_RC00. Google Messages for Android has previously offered only Standard Protection, which blocks spam and suspected harmful links.