Pixel phones get on-device scam detection, but WhatsApp support is still unclear

Google has added AI-powered scam detection to Android in a move that brings call screening onto the device itself for Pixel users. The confirmed rollout covers scam calls on supported Pixel models and countries, while claims about WhatsApp message protection are not backed by Google’s announcement or support page.

Pixel scam detection moves onto the device

The new Scam Detection feature runs locally on Pixel phones, with Google saying it can flag potential scam calls as they happen. That keeps the analysis on the device rather than sending call audio or transcripts to Google’s servers.

Google also says the feature is off by default and must be turned on by the user. It can be switched off in Settings or from the in-call menu for a specific call.

The company frames the feature as part of its Android security work, not as a WhatsApp-specific launch. In practice, the confirmed behavior is tied to the Phone app and incoming calls.

Which Pixel users can use it

Availability is limited to Pixel devices and depends on both model and country.

Google’s support page says Scam Detection works on Pixel 6 and later in the US, Pixel 9 and later in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Spain and the United Kingdom, and on the Pixel 9a in the US only.

Google also notes that the feature is not fully accurate. Not every scam call will be detected, and scammers constantly change tactics. That is why the company advises users to keep using caution with unknown numbers even when the feature is enabled.

For Pixel 9 and later devices, Scam Detection is powered by Gemini Nano on-device. Earlier Pixel models use Google’s on-device machine learning models instead.

WhatsApp support remains the open question

A separate claim has linked the protection to WhatsApp and other messaging apps, but that is not confirmed in Google’s direct materials here.

The documented rollout covers calls, not WhatsApp messaging. It is still unclear whether any future WhatsApp-related capability would scan messages, look at calls placed inside the app, or apply more broadly to chat apps. Timing for that kind of expansion is also not confirmed.

For now, the practical takeaway is narrow: Pixel users in supported markets can turn on on-device scam detection for calls, but WhatsApp coverage should be treated as unannounced until Google spells it out.

Disclaimer: This article was created with the assistance of AI. Images are for illustrative purposes only.