Google Messages Adds Third Spam Filter Tier

Google has begun rolling out a third spam filter option for Android Messages, adding an Enhanced Protection mode above the existing Standard and No protection settings. The update introduces three new features designed to stop scams and spam that previous on-device checks missed.

The first feature, Scam Detection, uses cloud-based Gemini models to analyze the context of message threads with unknown senders. Google states this approach identifies scammer intent faster than on-device tools, particularly for novel or complex attacks. To preserve privacy, the system processes encrypted messages within Android's Private AI Compute environment, a secure space that remains inaccessible to Google and other third parties.

A second feature improves link protection by combining the on-device Gemini Nano model with real-time web signals. This tool evaluates unfamiliar links before a user taps them. It is currently available on Pixel 10 and newer models, the Samsung Galaxy S26 series, the Galaxy Z Flip 8, the Galaxy Z Fold 8, and other select devices.

A third change redesigns warning alerts for links from unsaved numbers. The new notifications provide additional time and context, allowing users to pause before interacting with suspicious content.

Users must manually enable the feature by navigating to Protection & safety in the app settings. The menu now lists three distinct choices: Enhanced protection, Standard protection, and No protection, which the app marks as not recommended. The option first appeared in the Google Messages beta version 20261020_00_RC00.

Google announced the feature earlier in October. The rollout is ongoing for Android users worldwide.