Android 16 wants to make smartphone security a breeze, and it is doing so with a new Advanced Protection Mode. The new mode isn’t a tool by itself. Instead, it essentially brings several existing, new, and upcoming security tools under one roof.
The new mode went live with Android 16’s stable release in June with a core set of security features, with more to come later this year. A bunch of the former include Theft Detection Lock, Offline Device Lock, Spam and Scam Protection, and more. On the other hand, security features that are yet-to-arrive include Intrusion Logging, Inactivity Reboot, and even USB Protection.
We thought we knew pretty much everything about the upcoming features, especially since Google itself detailed them earlier this year. However, with USB Protection going live with the latest Android Canary release, we now know that the feature could cause a minor change in your charging workflow, as highlighted by credible Android analyst Mishaal Rahman in a report for Android Authority.
For reference, USB Protection works by blocking new USB connections while your phone is locked, essentially preventing physical attacks attempting to exploit your device by injecting malware through the USB port. Unlocking your device gives it the confirmation that you’re in control, and only then does it allow communication over the USB connection. This, however, could also cause similar limitations for fast charging.
You might need to unlock your device for fast charging
Modern fast charging protocols like USB Power Delivery need a handshake between your device and the charger to initiate charging with the correct voltage, an extra step that is crucial to prevent damage. Without a security tool like USB Protection, you’d never notice the handshake as it’s often instantaneous.
However, with the feature enabled, you could encounter a slight hiccup, essentially prompting you to unlock your device and re-plug the charger.
Unlock device for fast charging and data transferring
You may need to unlock and reconnect your device for fast charging and data transferring
Unlock device for fast charging
You may need to unlock and reconnect your device for fast charging
For what it’s worth, it looks like plugging in your device when it’s locked won’t prevent charging completely. The device will still charge at a slower rate, while fast charging will be limited to occasions when you plug in the charger with your device unlocked. “You may need to unlock and reconnect your device for fast charging,” suggest newly unearthed strings of code.
According to Rahman’s findings, the limitation found in the code doesn’t seem to be live in Canary just yet. However, by the time the feature goes live (with QPR2 in December), the limitation might be fully implemented.