July 1, 2025, 3:55 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
With Android 16, Google is taking active measures for the first time against potential eavesdropping through fake cell towers. The new operating system will alert users when their smartphone connects to unencrypted networks or when unique device identifiers are requested.
Android 16 introduces a new feature designed to warn users about potential espionage attempts via the mobile network. Central to this is an option that alerts users when a device connects to a suspicious network. The prerequisite is support for the hardware layer “IRadio 3.0.”
Warning Against IMSI Catchers Through New System Feature
With Android 16, Google is introducing a feature that detects suspicious mobile connections, reports the U.S. tech magazine “Android Authority.” This involves so-called IMSI catchers, also known as Stingrays, which appear like regular cell towers but can intercept data traffic and locate devices.
The technology is used not only by law enforcement and intelligence agencies but can also be exploited by criminals. It is common for mobile phones to connect unnoticed to these fake stations, especially in poorly serviced areas with fallback to 2G networks.
New Settings in the Security Menu
The protection feature in Android 16 can be found in the security center under “Mobile Network Security.” Here, users can enable notifications when the device connects to an unencrypted network or when the network reads unique identifiers like IMSI or IMEI. These alerts appear both in the settings and the system’s notification area, providing information on the timing and frequency of such requests. However, the feature is disabled by default.
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IRadio 3.0 Not Yet Available
To use the new protection feature, the smartphone’s built-in modem must support Google’s IRadio HAL version 3.0. Currently, no device on the market meets this requirement. Even current Pixel smartphones with Android 16 do not display the new options in the menu. Only upcoming generations, such as the Pixel 10 expected in late summer or fall 2025, might fully support the feature.
Google has introduced protection features in earlier Android versions: Since Android 12, 2G connectivity can be disabled; Android 14 prevents the use of so-called null ciphers; and Android 15 warns when networks enforce new encryption algorithms or request unique device identifiers. However, many of these measures are implemented at the modem level and are only available to a limited extent.