Google will start disabling Google Messages to start working on “non-certified” Android devices March 31st. This change shouldn’t affect most of you, but it does beg the question: what exactly is a “non-certified” Android device, and how to make sure you’re not using one?
What it means when an Android device is ‘not certified’
Uncertified devices have not passed Google’s Android compatibility test to ensure they meet Google’s quality and security standards. Some newer Android devices are temporarily not certified when first released, but will be certified later once the process is complete. In other cases, a non-certified device may mean that the manufacturer has not submitted the device for certification by Google, or that it failed.
According to Google’s support page, using an unverified Android device poses several risks and drawbacks:
- Devices not certified by Play Protect may not be safe.
- Devices that are not Play Protect certified may not receive Android system updates or app updates.
- Google apps on devices that are not Play Protect certified are not licensed and may not be genuine Google apps.
- Apps and features on devices that are not certified for Play Protect may not work properly.
- Data on devices that are not certified for Play Protect may not be backed up securely.
These security risks are the reason why Google bans Google messaging on non-certified phones. Without the Play Sripped verifications, Google can’t guarantee that the app’s end-to-end encryption is properly configured, which could compromise your messages and personal information.
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That said, no all of them non-certified Android phones are dangerous. In some cases, a device’s certification will be revoked if you root your phone or make other system-level changes. Many modders can get around this, and if not, they usually make these changes with knowledge of the risks. Fortunately, you can undo and redo a rootsave the certification status of your device.
How to check if your phone is certified
The average person is unlikely to unknowingly use a non-certified Android device, especially in the US, but it’s not impossible. Some uncertified devices come from well-known brands that Google no longer supports. For example, newer Huawei devices are not certified and cannot currently apply for certification in the US.
You can confirm that your Android phone is certified through the Google Play Store settings.
- Open the Google Play Store app.
- Tap the tthree-lined button at the topleft corner of the screen.
- Select “Settings” from the sidebar.
- Scroll down to it “About” section. below “Device Certification”, it will say either “Certified” or “Not certified.”
If your device is certified, you can continue to use Google Messages without any issues. If not, you will need to find (or remove your device) a new messaging app or device. However, if you believe that your device is incorrectly not certified, make sure the handset is in place Google’s (long) list of supported Android devices. If there is a difference, contact Google and the device manufacturer.