Android 16 introduces a powerful new security feature that can alert you when your phone connects to a potentially fake or insecure mobile network—often set up using a surveillance device known as a “stingray.”
This new “network notification” feature will notify users if their phone is linked to an unencrypted connection or if the network is trying to access sensitive identifiers like your IMEI. These signs can indicate surveillance attempts or unauthorized data collection.
However, due to updated hardware requirements, this feature is expected to be available only on newer devices launching with Android 16—such as the upcoming Pixel 10.
While you can take standard precautions like using strong passwords, reviewing app permissions, and sticking to trusted app sources, some threats—like fake cell towers—are stealthy and hard to detect. That’s where this Android 16 update becomes valuable, potentially warning users of these sophisticated attacks in real time.
Stingray devices work by mimicking legitimate cell towers. Once set up near a target, they trick nearby phones into connecting, allowing attackers to intercept data, gather unique identifiers (like your phone’s IMEI), or downgrade your connection to an older, less secure protocol. This allows them to snoop on calls or texts that aren’t encrypted.
Though often used by law enforcement, stingrays can also fall into the hands of malicious actors. Critics argue that while they can aid in criminal investigations, their misuse poses serious privacy risks. In response, Google has been working on features to help users detect when they’re on insecure mobile networks—and Android 16 is a major step in that direction.
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Starting with Android 12, Google introduced a feature to disable 2G connectivity at the modem level. Android 14 expanded on this by allowing users to block network connections that rely on null ciphers—an insecure form of unencrypted communication. In Android 15, Google went a step further by enabling the OS to detect and alert users when a network attempts to access a device’s unique identifiers or force a different ciphering algorithm. These updates are designed to combat the surveillance methods used by commercial “stingrays,” which often trick phones into falling back to 2G or using weak encryption to intercept data more easily. By blocking such connections and providing alerts, Android now offers stronger protection against these forms of surveillance.
With the launch of Android 16 and support for version 3.0 of Android’s IRadio HAL in upcoming devices, Google is bringing back the “Mobile Network Security” settings page under Settings > Security & privacy > Safety Center. This page includes two key sections:
Notifications
This section includes a “Network notifications” toggle. When turned on, it alerts you if your device connects to an unencrypted network or if the network requests your phone’s unique identifiers. By default, this setting is off in Android 16.
Network Generation
Here you’ll find the “2G network protection” toggle, which allows you to enable or disable 2G connectivity. This is the same toggle available in the main SIM settings and is also disabled by default in Android 16.
The “Mobile network security” page is only available on devices that support both the “2G network protection” toggle and the “network notifications” feature. Since current Pixel devices running Android 16 lack the required modem support for network notifications, this page doesn’t appear on them.
When the “Network notifications” feature is turned on, Android will display alerts in the notification panel and the Safety Center whenever your device switches between encrypted and unencrypted networks. It will also notify you in both places if the network accesses your phone’s unique identifiers, including the time and frequency of those access attempts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new fake cell tower alert feature in Android 16?
Android 16 introduces a feature that notifies users when their device connects to a potentially malicious or fake cell tower, helping to protect against network-level surveillance or attacks.
How does Android 16 detect a fake cell tower?
Android uses the “Network notifications” feature to detect suspicious behavior like switching from encrypted to unencrypted networks or unauthorized access to your device’s unique identifiers, which may indicate a fake cell tower.
What kind of alert will I receive if I connect to a suspicious tower?
You’ll receive a notification in the status bar and an alert in the Safety Center, informing you that your connection may be insecure or that your identifiers were accessed.
Do all Android 16 phones support this feature?
No, only devices with modem support for network notifications and the 2G network protection toggle will display the Mobile Network Security page and offer this feature. Most current Pixel devices do not support it due to hardware limitations.
Why is 2G protection important in detecting fake towers?
2G networks are unencrypted and easy to spoof. The toggle allows you to disable 2G entirely, reducing the chances of your phone connecting to fake base stations that exploit 2G vulnerabilities.
What is a fake cell tower (also called IMSI catcher or stingray)?
A fake cell tower mimics a real one to trick your phone into connecting. Attackers can then intercept calls, texts, and track locations or even inject malware.
Can I manually enable fake tower alerts in Android 16?
Yes—if your device supports it, go to Settings > Safety & Emergency > Mobile Network Security, and enable the Network Notifications option to get alerts.
Will this feature block fake towers automatically?
No, Android 16 will only alert you. It won’t block connections to suspicious towers, but the notification gives you a chance to disconnect or disable 2G manually.
Does this feature work when roaming or on all carriers?
Functionality may vary depending on your carrier’s implementation and network infrastructure, especially when roaming. Alerts depend on your phone’s modem capabilities and settings.
What should I do if I receive a fake tower alert?
If alerted, you should:
- Disconnect from the mobile network
- Enable airplane mode temporarily
- Avoid making sensitive communications
- Contact your carrier if the alert persists
Is this feature part of Google Play updates or system updates?
This is a system-level feature introduced with Android 16, so it requires the Android OS to be updated. Google may enhance it further via Play System updates in the future.
Can I check if my phone supports this feature?
Yes. Go to Settings > Security & Privacy > More Security Settings. If you see options like “2G protection” and “Network notifications,” your device supports the feature.
Conclusion
With the rollout of Android 16, Google is taking a significant step toward enhancing mobile network security by introducing alerts for potentially fake cell towers. This feature empowers users with greater visibility into their network connections, helping them stay informed when their device may be vulnerable to surveillance or spoofing attacks. While not all devices currently support it due to hardware limitations, its inclusion marks a crucial move toward safeguarding user privacy in an increasingly complex mobile landscape. As awareness grows and adoption expands, Android users can expect more control and protection against hidden threats lurking in cellular networks.
