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Google Play Store is the official app/game store for Android devices. It is protected by a security layer called ‘Play Protect’, which runs in the background to protect your device from nefarious apps.
Google introduced Play Protect back in 2017 at the Google I/O event. Now, after being around 4 years as a part of the Play Store, Google has made the Play Protect service available as a dedicated app.
Play Protect is a very essential component of the Google Play Store. Because it protects your device from any harm if you are installing an app from a third-party source or which the device finds harmful.
It scans a ton of apps, without anyone noticing, and notifies you only when it detects an issue with an app. Cut to now, you can install this piece of a security layer on your device separately.
As per a report by Android Central (via XDA Developers), the app was spotted in the new app listing on the Google Play Store. Notably, the app got automatically installed on several devices, and it has over 100,000 installs already.
Google claims that Play Protect is the most advanced and the most widely deployed mobile threat protection service in the smartphone world.
Apparently, your device needs to be running Android 12 in order to install Play Protect
Apart from several fortunate users who were able to install the app, there are still many users for whom the app is showing “Your device isn’t compatible with this version.”
This message is even popping up for premium Samsung flagship users as well, as noted by Android Central. Apparently, the only devices that are compatible with the installation of this standalone Play Protect app are the ones running on Android 12.
However, we hope this would change pretty soon. Moreover, the Play Protect app can only be installed on devices that have Google Mobile Services or GMS installed.
So, if you own a Huawei or an Honor device that unfortunately doesn’t come with Google Mobile Services (GMS), you won’t be able to install the Play Protect app on it.
The dedicated Play Protect app has the same features and works just the same. It will scan all the installed apps on your device, and will inform you about rogue apps.
Besides, the Play Protect dedicated app link is available via a direct link. You will reach a dead end on your desktop. Only phones that are compatible will be able to download the app using the direct link.
Google will now be able to provide quick updates to Play Protect because now it is live as a separate app. Previously, Play Protect updates were bundled as a part of Play Services updates.
