Your Android phone could be getting another defense against scammers, even without a major operating system upgrade.

Google is extending its in-call scam protections to devices running Android 15 and earlier through Google Play services version 26.41, according to release notes dated October 19, 2026. The update addresses apps requesting accessibility permissions during phone calls, a tactic scammers can exploit to access sensitive information or take control of a device.

The protection could benefit people keeping older smartphones, provided their devices remain eligible for the relevant Google Play services updates. Google has not published a complete list of compatible phones or explained exactly how the safeguard intervenes when an app requests permission.

How the new scam-call protection works

Google’s October 19 release notes describe an additional safeguard against apps seeking accessibility permissions during calls.…