What is an ‘uncertified’ Android device?

Google will begin to disable Google Messaging on “non-certified” Android devices starting March 31. This change should not affect most of you, but it raises the question: what exactly It’s an “uncertified” Android device, and how do you make sure you’re not using a?

What it means when an Android device is “not certified”

Non-certified devices have not passed Google’s Android compatibility test to ensure they meet Google’s quality and safety standards. Some newer Android devices are not temporarily certified when they are first launched, but are later certified when the process is complete. In other cases, an uncertified device may mean that the manufacturer has not submitted the device for Google certification, or that didn’t pass.

According Google support page, using an unverified Android device has several risks and disadvantages:

  • Devices that are not certified by Play Protect may not be secure.
  • Devices that are not certified by Play Protect may not receive updates from the Android system or applications.
  • Google apps on devices not certified by Play Protect are not licensed and may not be real Google apps.
  • Apps and features on devices that are not certified by Play Protect may not work correctly.
  • Data on devices that are not certified by Play Protect may not be backed up safely.

These security risks are the reason why Google is banning Google Messages on non-certified phones. Without the Pput SDespite the checks, Google cannot guarantee that the application’s end-to-end encryption is properly configured, which can leave your messages and personal data compromised.

That said, no all Uncertified Android phones are dangerous. In some cases, rooting your phone or making other changes at the system level will revoke the device’s certification. Many modders can work around this, and if not, they are generally making these changes knowing the risks. Fortunately, you can undo a root and go backstore your device’s certification status.

How to check if your phone is certified

It is unlikely that an ordinary person is inadvertently using a non-certified Android device, especially in the United States – but it is not impossible. Some non-certified devices come from well-known brands that Google no longer supports. For example, newer Huawei devices are not certified and cannot apply for certification in the U.S.

You can confirm that your Android phone is certified through the Google Play Store settings.

  1. Open the Google Play Store app.
  2. Touch thehree-button lined at the topleft corner of the screen.
  3. Select “Settings” in the sidebar.
  4. Scroll down to the “On” section. Under “Device certification,” will say too “certified” or “Not certified.”

If your device is certified, you can continue using Google Messaging without any problems. If not, you will need to find a new messaging app or device (or uproot it). However, if you think your device is incorrectly “not certified”, make sure the device is Google’s (long) list of supported Android devices. Contact Google and the device manufacturer if there is a discrepancy.

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