Google rolls out real-time call Spam Detection feature for Pixel users

Google is rolling out real-time spam detection feature in the Phone app. For now, the feature is live for Pixel 6 onwards users, and it is soon coming to other Android smartphones as well.

In Short

• Google rolls out Live Threat Detection for Pixel 6 onward
• New tools enhance malware and scam protection on Android
• Scam detection for calls available in beta on Pixel 6 onward

After teasing the launching in Google I/O event, it is finally rolling out the spam detection tool for Pixel 6 smartphones onward. The company is stepping up its security game with new tools to tackle malware and scams more effectively on Android devices. The latest update to Android’s Google Play Protect introduces "Live Threat Detection," which continuously monitors apps for suspicious behaviour on users' phones, not just during installation. This enhanced detection, first previewed at Google I/O, is now available for Pixel 6 and newer models, with plans to expand to other Android devices from brands like Lenovo, OnePlus, Nothing, and Oppo over the coming months.

Unlike traditional malware detection methods, which primarily scan apps upon download, Live Threat Detection keeps a close watch on apps already on the device, using AI to monitor for any suspicious activity or code. This approach is designed to catch more sophisticated malware that may initially appear dormant before launching harmful operations. The analysis takes place on-device through the Android Private Compute Core, ensuring user data privacy. If the service detects any potential risks, users receive real-time alerts, allowing them to take action immediately.

Google has also introduced a real-time scam detection feature for calls, using on-device AI to monitor for common scam indicators during phone conversations. If signs of fraud are detected, like suspicious questions or high-pressure tactics, the system flags the call and advises users to hang up. Currently, this feature is available in beta for Pixel 6 and newer models through the Phone by Google app, with plans to make it more widely available in the future.

These updates represent Google’s ongoing commitment to enhancing user protection on Android devices, adapting its tools to stay ahead of increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.

On the Pixel 9 series, Google’s new Scam Detection feature leverages Gemini Nano, an advanced AI model, to identify potential scam calls in real-time. For older Pixel devices—specifically the Pixel 6 through 8a—this feature is available through Google's on-device machine learning models, offering similar protection against scams.

Google Play Protect’s live threat detection also takes a big leap forward with a new real-time alert system. If it detects any suspicious activity, users will see an “Unsafe app found” notification, allowing them to act immediately. At launch, Google is prioritizing the detection of stalkerware—apps that can collect sensitive information without user consent—but plans to extend these capabilities to catch other types of harmful apps over time.

These updates underscore Google’s focus on safeguarding user privacy and device security, using a combination of cutting-edge AI and real-time monitoring to keep Android users safe from both scam calls and harmful apps.