Credit: Joe Maring / Android Authority
TL;DR
- The latest Google Messages beta (v20260306) contains code for a dedicated “SMS blaster protection” toggle.
- SMS blasters are portable devices that bypass carrier filters by forcing phones to switch to 2G to deliver phishing messages.
- While Google already recommends disabling 2G, this new feature could potentially provide a specific, integrated layer of defense within the Messages app.
Google Messages is one of those Google apps that has steadily been improving (as it should be, given that it’s the default messaging app on several Android flagships). We’ve spotted features like real-time location sharing and Trash functionality in the works. The newest feature we’ve now spotted is aimed at protecting users from messages sent via SMS Blasters.
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What is an SMS Blaster?
SMS Blaster is a portable device that mimics a legitimate cell tower. These are used to send mass text messages to mobile phones within a certain radius unlawfully.
