Android 16 to Expose Hidden Spy Apps with New Background Activity Alert

Android 16 Will Warn Users About Hidden Apps Running in the Background – A Big Win for Privacy

Google is taking a bold step toward improving user privacy and security with Android 16. According to a recent report, the next major Android update will introduce a new feature that alerts users when apps with no visible launcher icon start running in the background, potentially shutting down a surveillance method that has existed for years.

This update, discovered by Android expert Mishaal Rahman, highlights Google’s renewed focus on user awareness and anti-stalkerware protection. The feature, currently seen in Android 16’s early test builds, displays a system notification such as:

“App name started running in the background.”

This will appear only for apps that are hidden from the app drawer or home screen—a behavior commonly associated with malicious apps like spyware, keyloggers, or location trackers. By alerting users in real-time, Android 16 will make it easier to detect if someone has secretly installed such apps on a device.

Why This Matters

Spyware and stalkerware apps have long exploited Android’s flexibility, hiding themselves after installation and quietly gathering sensitive information. These tools are often used in abusive relationships or by malicious actors trying to monitor a victim’s activities. With this new alert, Android 16 could help curb such non-consensual surveillance tactics.

Feature Still in Testing

It’s important to note that this privacy alert system is still in development and may undergo changes before the final release. However, its inclusion in early builds strongly suggests that Google intends to deliver it as part of Android 16’s full rollout later this year.

Final Thoughts:

The addition of a background activity warning for hidden apps could be one of the most important privacy features introduced in recent Android history. For users concerned about digital safety and personal data protection, Android 16 may bring much-needed peace of mind.