safety check Archives

AppWizard

October 11, 2025

Chrome for Android preps notification silencer for sites you rarely pay attention to

Google is updating Chrome on Android to enhance the Safety Check feature by automatically revoking notification permissions from websites that users rarely interact with. This update aims to reduce unnecessary notifications and improve user experience. Since its launch last year, Safety Check has been upgraded to protect against scam notifications and enhance user security. The new feature will notify users when permissions for notifications are revoked from less frequently visited websites. Additionally, recent updates have simplified the process of unsubscribing from notifications, helping users recognize and avoid potential scams.

AppWizard

June 10, 2025

Six new Android features just dropped, and you can try them out today

Android 16 introduces several new features, including enhancements to RCS group chats, a redesigned Google Photos editor, and improved functionality in the Google Home app. RCS group chat updates allow users to customize group chats with unique icons and names, check RCS status of friends, and mute notifications for specific groups. The Google Photos app features a new image editor with AI-driven suggestions, a Reimagine feature for creative expression, and an Auto frame function for better image cropping. The Google Home app now includes device-specific shortcuts for easier management of smart devices and an upgraded Safety Check feature for scheduling check-ins. WearOS smartwatches can now tap city transit cards even when the Google Wallet app is closed, provided the feature is activated.

AppWizard

June 5, 2025

Emerging online scams are making users more vigilant, says Google

Over 60% of U.S. consumers have encountered scams, indicating a growing awareness of digital threats. More than 60% of Gen X and Baby Boomers still use traditional passwords, while younger generations prefer passkeys. Google has enhanced scam detection capabilities on Android devices, introducing features to identify potential scams in calls and texts. Over 60% of consumers perceive an increase in scams over the past year, with one-third reporting personal data breaches. Google promotes passwordless sign-in options like passkeys and "Sign in with Google" to improve security. Recent updates include enhanced scam detection in Google Messages and Chrome, and the Safety Check feature in Chrome now monitors for malicious notifications. Google has also released findings on prevalent scams, such as customer support fraud and package tracking schemes.

AppWizard

May 9, 2025

Gemini fuels Chrome for Android with enhanced scam and spam protection

Google has announced a new security feature for Chrome on Android that uses machine learning through its Gemini intelligence to alert users about potential scams, spam, and unwanted notifications from malicious websites. This update allows Chrome to analyze website notifications more effectively, enhancing user protection. In September, Google also updated Chrome's Safety Check for Android, which now includes improved background tasks, notification alerts, and scans for security risks in passwords and installed extensions. The machine learning model was trained using synthetic data evaluated against real notifications to ensure effectiveness. The enhancements aim to provide a stronger defense against online threats.

AppWizard

October 6, 2024

Delete dangerous Android apps you’ve missed using hidden Google trick

Google has introduced Google Play Protect to safeguard Android users from harmful applications. This feature scans apps downloaded from the Google Play Store and allows users to submit unknown apps for analysis. It conducts safety checks before app downloads and can warn users about existing apps that may pose risks. Users can verify if their device is Play Protect certified through the Google Play Store settings. When a harmful app is detected, Google Play Protect may notify users to uninstall the app, temporarily disable it, or automatically delete it. Users can also enable the 'Improve harmful app detection' setting to enhance security for apps from unknown sources. Regularly scanning apps is recommended to ensure ongoing safety.

AppWizard

October 1, 2024

Android’s Personal Safety app to introduce time extension for Safety Checks (APK Teardown)

The Personal Safety app on Android will soon introduce a feature that allows users to extend the duration of their "Safety Check" without stopping it. Currently, users must restart the process if they need more time. The new "Add Time" option will let users increase the Safety Check timer by selecting preset options like five or ten minutes or choosing a custom duration. This functionality was discovered in an APK teardown and has been successfully tested. The rollout of this feature is expected soon.