Scam Detection on Pixel: how to turn it on for calls and messages

Google now has several scam warnings on Pixel, and they are easy to mix up. One watches phone calls, one watches your texts, one watches chat app notifications, and one works inside the keyboard. They have different settings, different default states and different country lists. This guide separates them using Google's own help pages and gives the exact steps for each.

What is Scam Detection on Pixel?

Scam Detection is Google's name for tools that look for patterns common in scams and warn you before you act. On a Pixel you may meet it in four places. The table shows what each one does, what Google says about its default state, and where it works.

Which Pixel phones get call Scam Detection?

The Phone app help page is specific, and it is the one that matters for calls.

• United States: Pixel 6 and later.
• Other listed countries: Pixel 9 and later in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Singapore, Spain and the UK.
• Pixel 9a and Pixel 10a: the US only, according to the page.
• SIM rule: it works only with a SIM tied to a listed country, and only while the phone is in that country.

The Messages page words it more loosely and says call Scam Detection is limited to eligible Pixel phones without listing models, so treat the Phone app page as the more exact one.

How to turn on Scam Detection for calls

To switch it off for a single call, tap More at the bottom right of the in call screen, then Scam Detection. That affects only that call. To switch it off for all calls, use the same Phone app settings path and turn it off.

What happens during a call?

• It runs in the background on calls that could be scams.
• It plays a beep at the start of the call and every few minutes after, so everyone on the call knows it is active.
• If a scam is likely, you get a notification, a sound and vibration.
• You can tap Not a scam to dismiss the alert, or tap End call in the notification or at the bottom of the call screen.

Is it private? What Google says

Google says call Scam Detection processes audio on the device. It states that no conversation audio or transcription is stored on the device or sent to Google servers. Pixel 9 and later use Gemini Nano for this, and earlier Pixels use Google's on device machine learning models. For messages, Google says detection runs in a secure, isolated environment, and that message content stays private and is not sent to Google unless you choose to share it. The messages page does not say the work happens on the device, so we do not claim that.

How to turn Message scam detection on or off

Google lists these languages for chat scam detection: Arabic, English, French, German, Indonesian, Japanese, Portuguese and Spanish. The Phone app page does not list languages for calls.

What to do when you see a Likely scam warning

• Tap Likely scam to read why the message was flagged. Tap OK to close it, or More details for more.
• Tap Done to mark the message as a scam.
• Tap Not a scam to dismiss the warning. Google says this turns off Scam Detection for that conversation for a while.
• Share it if you want. You can optionally share the flagged message with Google. Only that message is sent, without common identifying information.

How is it different from spam call warnings?

Google's Phone app page describes caller ID and spam warnings as a separate layer. Those flag numbers that are suspected spammers or telemarketers. Scam Detection on calls works differently: on eligible Pixels it listens for patterns in the conversation itself and warns you in real time when a call matches common scam patterns. A call from a number that looks clean can still be a scam, which is why Google keeps both.

A short checklist for a suspicious call

This is general safety advice, not taken from Google's pages. Hang up if the caller creates pressure or urgency. Do not give card numbers, passwords or one time codes to anyone who called you. Call the company back using the number on its official website or on your card, not the number the caller gave you. Real banks and agencies do not ask you to move money to a safe account. If something feels wrong, end the call first and think afterwards.

What changed in the September 2026 Pixel Drop?

Google's September 15, 2026 post says Pixel gained inline Gboard warnings in the US and expanded Scam Detection for chat app notifications to more regions. The post does not name the new regions or phone models. The keyboard warnings are limited to select apps, as the help page says.

It missed a scam: check it yourself

Google is clear that Scam Detection may not catch every scam. Its help page gives two manual checks. With Circle to Search, touch and hold the Home button or navigation handle, circle the suspicious text and review the analysis. With Google Lens, take a screenshot of the message, open the Google app, tap Google Lens, select the screenshot and tap Search to see safety results. Our guide on how to spot a scam text lists the warning signs to look for.

The option is missing: what to check

• Is your Pixel on the list? Call Scam Detection depends on the model and country.
• Is your SIM from a listed country? Google says it works only while the phone is in that country.
• Is the Phone app updated? Update it from Google Play. See also how to update an Android phone.
• Is Message scams on? Check Settings, Security & privacy, More security & privacy, Scam Detection.
• Is your language supported? Chat scam detection lists eight languages.

What to do if you already fell for a scam

This part is general safety advice, not from Google's pages. If you shared a code or a password, change it right away and turn on two step verification where you can. If you paid or gave card details, call your bank using the number on the back of your card. If your phone number was taken over, read our guide on a SIM swap scam. In the US you can report fraud to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Scam Detection does not replace caution

Google itself says scammers change tactics and that you should stay careful with personal information and links. Treat a warning as a reason to stop and check, and treat the lack of a warning as no proof of safety. If unwanted calls keep coming, you can also block spam calls on Android.