Nearly two months after the Pixel 9 series launch, the first stable version of Android 15 is finally here. The update brings several improvements and features to eligible Pixel devices. However, some features that were present in the beta versions have been abandoned. The “cellular network security” menu is one of those features missing from the Android 15 stable update.
Android 15’s cellular security features seek to protect you from potential attacks
In Android 15 beta, the “cellular network security” menu included a couple of options designed to “help protect your calls, messages, and data from outdated or unencrypted networks that could expose you to data theft or surveillance,” the description read. While it was expected to be available in the stable version, something suddenly changed in the plans. Google hid the option from Android 15 Beta 4 and then prevented access to it through the Settings search box in Android 15 Beta 4.2.
Google announced the “cellular network security” options during its I/O event in May. The menu was accessible from Settings > Security & privacy > More security & privacy. Once there, you could choose between two options: “network notifications” and “allow only encrypted networks.” The first option will send you alerts if your device connects to unencrypted networks or if “a network records your unique device or SIM ID.” It can help you prevent potential FBS-based (False Base Stations) attacks that send phishing campaigns via SMS.
Selecting “allow only encrypted networks” will restrict the networks your phone can connect to. So, you might have a harder time finding an area with mobile signal, or your device might heat up due to overexertion in certain areas, impacting its battery life. In return, you won’t have to worry about potential FBS-based attacks.
The visibility of the option in Android 15 beta was an error
The removal of the option in the latest Android 15 betas already suggested that something was not quite right. The speculations were correct, as the feature is also absent from the Android 15 stable update. Apparently, the visibility of the “cellular network security” settings page on Pixel phones was just an error from the beginning.
In an Android Issue Tracker post, a Google dev said that the visibility feature is tied to hardware support. For one reason or another, the Pixel phones’ hardware doesn’t offer support. It’s possible that Google will have to work on issues related to the radio driver/HAL vendor (Samsung) to enable it. So, don’t rule out seeing the “cellular network security” menu available in future updates.
During the feature’s presentation, Google said that it was “working with the Android ecosystem to bring these features to users.” You may have to wait a while before you can use Android 15’s cellular security features on your device.