Use Advanced Protection with Android devices

Add Google’s strongest layer of security to your Google Account and devices. Learn more about Google’s Advanced Protection.

When you’re enrolled in Advanced Protection, your Android devices have extra security measures that help guard your data against sophisticated hacks.

Automatic protections for Android devices

Google Play Protect app

Your Android devices come with protection against harmful software. You can use the Google Play Protect app, which scans for harmful software on your Android devices. Learn more about Google Play Protect.

When you’re enrolled in Advanced Protection, the Google Play Protect app scans your Android devices automatically.

Limited installations outside the Play Store 

When you’re enrolled in Advanced Protection, harmful software sources are blocked for your Android devices. You can’t download new app installations from most sources outside the Play Store.

You’ll still be able to install Android apps from:

• Google Play
• Android Debug Bridge (adb)
• Preinstalled Android app stores

Tip: Any non-Google Play apps you've already installed won't be removed and will still be updated. 

Some apps aren't approved by Advanced Protection

Advanced Protection will warn you about apps on the Play Store that haven’t been approved.

Important: Only install these apps if they’re essential or you trust the developer.

Install an app that hasn’t been approved

1. On the app’s details page, tap See details Continue to install.
2. Tap Install.

Information for developers

To get your app reviewed for approval, fill out the Advanced Protection submission form.

If you don’t want these automatic protections

You can remove the enrolled account from your device or unenroll from Advanced Protection.

Remove Advanced Protection from your device

1. On your Android device, remove the account enrolled in Advanced Protection. Learn how to remove an account.
2. Force stop the Google Play Store app. Learn how to force stop an app.

Important: After you follow these steps, it may take up to 24 hours for these automatic protections to stop.

Unenroll your account from Advanced Protection

Important: If you unenroll from Advanced Protection, you’ll lose its increased security for your Google Account, which includes Google products you use.

1. Go to your Google Account.
2. In the navigation panel, select Security.
3. Under "Advanced Protection Program," select Unenroll.
4. Force stop the Google Play Store app. Learn how to force stop an app.

Important: After you follow these steps, it may take up to 24 hours for these automatic protections to stop.