How to check if a text message is spam on Android - and the free tool I rely on

A viral ZDNET article reveals that Google's Circle to Search feature, typically used for visual searches, has a powerful secondary function: detecting SMS and DM scams using on-device AI. Available on Android 13+ devices including Google Pixel 6 and newer and Samsung Galaxy S21 and newer models, the feature can analyze suspicious message content to determine if it exhibits scam patterns. When activated, the AI reads the message and provides an alert if it believes the content is fraudulent, offering users an immediate verification tool without needing to install third-party security apps.

To use this feature, users must enable Circle to Search in their device settings under Display & touch > Navigation mode. Once activated, they can simply circle suspicious message text to trigger the AI analysis. This built-in functionality addresses the growing problem of sophisticated spam messages that can sometimes appear legitimate, providing an additional layer of security for Android users who receive numerous suspicious messages daily. The tool represents a practical application of on-device AI for everyday security concerns.