Google is preparing to add a new security layer to Quick Share, the Android file-sharing feature. The update is designed to prevent unauthorized file transfers when someone temporarily has access to your unlocked phone.
Advanced Protection Mode to block unauthorized sends
Currently, if a phone is unlocked, anyone holding it can send files without any extra steps on the sender’s side. As long as the recipient approves the transfer, no additional confirmation is required. This creates a security gap that can be exploited if someone quickly borrows your device and sends files without your knowledge.
The new “Advanced Protection Mode” setting is designed to fix this. When enabled, the system will ask the sender for confirmation before the file is transferred. It’s not yet clear how this prompt will work, but options may include a simple on-screen pop-up or biometric verification such as a fingerprint or face scan.
This security enhancement is part of the broader Android 16 update, which also includes features like “Theft Protection” to safeguard personal data in case of device theft. Once rolled out, this additional confirmation step will make it much harder for anyone to send files from your device without your consent.
The feature is currently in testing and will be released gradually. When it becomes widely available, Quick Share users will need to confirm outgoing file transfers before they are sent, adding an important layer of protection for sensitive data.
