Introduction
In this article, you will learn what NordVPN's Message Protection is, how it works, and how to enable it on your Android device.
Message Protection
Message Protection is a feature that helps you recognize spam, scams, and phishing attacks in your text messages by looking for patterns that cybercriminals typically use. When it spots something suspicious in a message from an unknown sender, it alerts you immediately, but the decision about what to do with the message always stays with you. Message Protection is part of NordVPN's Call and Message Protection feature and is available for Android.
NOTE: NordVPN's Message Protection never downloads or stores any of your message content. It only looks for patterns and keywords used in scams.
How does Message Protection work?
- Protects against spam messages. It checks new messages for malicious links, scammers' phone numbers, scam patterns, suspicious keywords, and behavioral indicators commonly used in fraud.
- Alerts you instantly. If it finds anything suspicious, it immediately warns you about the potential risk, and the decision about what to do always stays with you.
- Respects your privacy. It only looks for patterns and keywords used in scams and will never download or store any of your message content.
- Works without a VPN connection. Message Protection does not need an active VPN connection. Once enabled, it runs in the background and alerts you whenever you receive an unwanted message.
How do I enable Message Protection on my smartphone?
Setting up Call & Message Protection is part of the onboarding flow when you first install the NordVPN app. If you set it up then, Message Protection may already be active. If you're an existing user or skipped it during onboarding, follow the steps below to enable it:
- Open the NordVPN app.
- Tap the four squares in the bottom middle to access the Products menu.
- Tap Call and message protection.
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Follow the prompts based on your current setup:
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If you don't have Call Protection enabled:
- Tap Turn On under Call and Message Protection.
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Grant the permissions needed if you didn't already do so during onboarding:
- Set NordVPN as your default caller ID & spam app.
- Allow NordVPN to make and manage phone calls.
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If you already have Call Protection enabled:
- Tap Settings.
- Enable Message protection.
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Grant the permissions needed if you didn't already do so during onboarding:
- Allow NordVPN to manage phone calls and SMS messages.
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If you don't have Call Protection enabled:
Is Message Protection included in my plan?
NordVPN plans that include the Call and Message Protection feature provide Message Protection. NordVPN does not sell this feature separately. If your current plan does not include this feature, you can use NordVPN's free scam text checker to manually verify suspicious messages.
Additional tips
- Try NordVPN's free scam text checker to manually verify a suspicious message.
