Better scam detection is coming to Australian Pixel phones

Google’s latest Pixel drop update is bringing with it additional protection against scammers for those using the company’s smartphones.

As per the official Google Blog, “Scam Detection, which uses powerful AI to detect and warn you of speech patterns commonly used by scammers on phone calls, is currently rolling out to Pixel 9+ users in Australia.”

When enabled, this feature automatically runs in the background of calls that it identifies as potential scams. Then, if it picks up additional flags suggesting that the likelihood of a scam is high enough, it’ll pass that info on via a notification, sound and vibration.

Although this feature is available to devices as far back as the Pixel 6 in the US, Aussies looking to take advantage of it will require a Pixel 9 or anything newer (excluding the Pixel 9a). The apparent reason for this is that this latest incarnation of the feature relies on Gemini Nano, which is only found on more recent Pixel devices.

Another requirement to keep in mind here is that this feature will only work if you’re using an Australian SIM card. If you’re visiting Australia and using a roaming eSIM or something similar, you won’t be able to make use of Scam Detection.

Still, if you meet the criteria above, activating the feature is as simple as opening the Android Phone app, going to the settings screen and enabling Scam Detection. If you don’t see the option there, updating to the latest version of Android and the latest version of the Phone app might solve the issue. Alternatively, you may need to wait a little longer, as Google progressively rolls out functionality to Pixel users over the course of a few weeks.

Although Scam Detection isn’t necessarily the only reason to pick up a new Pixel device like the Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL over the alternatives, it is one that some might consider adding to the list.

For a snapshot of the cheapest plans available for the Pixel 10 Pro XL, check out the widget below.

Small Promo Plan

100GB data
Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device
36 mths device payments
Deal: 50% off. Now $1,000 when you pay over time and stay connected on select SIM plans. Ends 12/11/26 or while stock lasts.

$66.76/mth

Min. cost $2,037.72

Go to Site

$66.76/mth

(plan + phone)

Min. cost $2,037.72

Go to Site

$58 Small Plan

65GB data
Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices
48 mths device payments
Deal: Includes $13/mth off plan fees for first 12 months when you stay connected to this plan. Ends 29.10.26. T&Cs apply.

$86.64/mth

Min. cost $2,043.72

Link not supplied

$86.64/mth

(plan + phone)

Min. cost $2,043.72

Link not supplied

$74 Basic Upfront Mobile Plan

50GB data
Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices
36 mths device payments
Deal: Save $800 on this device + Incl. $10/mth off plan fee for 12 mths with code PROMO. T&Cs apply.

$97.29/mth

Min. cost $2,062.72

Link not supplied

$97.29/mth

(plan + phone)

Min. cost $2,062.72

Link not supplied

Fergus Halliday

Digital Content Editor

Fergus Halliday is a journalist and digital content editor at WhistleOut Australia. He’s written about technology, telecommunications, gaming and more for over a decade. He got his start writing in high school before interning at magazines like CRN Australia and freelancing for publications like the AU Review, Gizmodo, Kotaku, GamesHub, Press Start, ScreenRant, Superjump, Nestegg, and more.

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