Your Android phone might be running a hidden program. It checks your photos for sensitive content. Google says this is to keep unwanted images from being shared. But many people don’t like the idea of their pictures being scanned. This tool has been on phones for a while, often without users knowing.
This feature is called SafetyCore. It came as part of an update for Android versions 9 and newer. Its job is to look at photos you send and get on your phone. Google explains that all this checking happens only on your device. Still, many users are uneasy about any automatic scanning of their personal images.
Removing SafetyCore from Your Android
Just like many parts of Android, you can get rid of SafetyCore. This might give you peace of mind. It makes sure Google isn’t peeking at your pictures. Even though Google says it stays on your phone, some people just don’t trust it. To turn off or remove this feature, you start by opening your Android’s Settings.
Next, find the section where all your apps are listed. This part can look a bit different depending on your phone’s brand and Android version. Once you’re in the app list, you need to see every app installed, including hidden system ones.
Look for a menu, usually on the right side of the screen. Tap it and choose to display system apps. A much longer list of apps will appear. Find the one named “Android System SafetyCore.” Tap on it to go to its management screen.
Here, you have two options. You can either remove the app completely or just disable it. Removing it is often the simpler choice. Pick that option. Your phone will ask you to confirm if you really want to do this. Say yes to finish the process.
Turning Off the Option in Google Messages
If removing SafetyCore feels like too big a step, there’s another way. You can disable this feature within the Google Messages app itself. Open the Messages app on your phone. Then, tap on your user avatar, which is usually in a corner of the screen.
From there, select the app’s Settings. Scroll down until you find and tap on “Protection and security.” Inside this section, look for an option called “Manage sensitive content warnings.”
You’ll see a switch at the top of this screen. Tap it to turn off the option. This stops the app from checking your images. It also prevents it from blurring out nude pictures you might get.
It’s a personal choice you need to think about. On one hand, this feature could stop unwanted nude photos from being shared. On the other, it raises questions about Google scanning your private images. Google insists the process stays on your device, but some people still wonder how safe and private it truly is.