Before you click on a suspicious link, you can ask your phone to check it. On October 15, 2026, Google demonstrated how Circle to Search helps identify suspicious messages on Android.
How it works
On a compatible Android device, you activate Circle to Search by long-pressing the home button or the navigation bar. Circle the message that concerns you, and the service may display a summary with signs of fraud and suggested next steps.
For example, if an SMS pretends to be from a bank or government agency and requests an immediate payment, it may highlight characteristics commonly found in phishing attempts.
What if I don’t have Circle to Search?
Google has explained that a similar feature is also available in Google Lens. You can take a screenshot of the message, open the Google app, and use Lens to analyze it. Availability and results depend on the device and supported features.
Can I completely trust the AI’s response?
No. Artificial intelligence may miss a scam or incorrectly flag a legitimate message. Even if the result seems reassuring, that doesn’t mean you should enter card details or passwords into the link.
The safest thing to do is to verify the sender yourself: open the bank’s official app or type the service’s authentic URL into your browser.
Three rules worth remembering
- Don’t click on links in unexpected text messages that demand an urgent payment.
- Do not share one-time codes, card details, or passwords.
- Use AI as an additional tool, not as the final word on your security.
Sources: Google Blog, October 15, 2026; Google Blog, December 2, 2025.