GoKawiilMishaal Rahman / Android Authority
TL;DR Google seems to be working on a new Advanced Protection feature to block access to Android’s Developer Options menu.
We’ve discovered code strings in Google Play Services suggesting that Advanced Protection Mode could soon automatically disable or restrict Developer Options when enabled.
The change would close a major security loophole, as Developer Options can be used to enable USB debugging, OEM unlocking, and other powerful system controls.
Advanced Protection Mode is Android’s highest level of device security. It bundles a range of protections that help defend against harmful apps, online attacks, and other threats. Once enabled, Android prevents users and malicious actors alike from accidentally disabling the security features that fall under the Advanced Protection umbrella.
Now, it seems Google is getting ready to make Advanced Protection mode even more robust by blocking access to Developer Options.
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Code we’ve discovered in the latest version of Google Play Services (version 26.25.31) indicates that Google plans to restrict access to Developer Options when Advanced Protection mode is enabled.
So far, the mode’s protections have focused on locking down high-risk actions like app sideloading, USB data signaling, connections to insecure 2G networks, and more.
However, the code strings we’ve seen strongly suggest that enabling Advanced Protection could automatically disable Developer Options or prevent users from turning the menu on in the first place.
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