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What you need to know

• Android System Key Verifier, released with last week’s Play System update, helps developers store encryption keys for extra chat protection.

• It uses encryption keys and QR codes to verify identities and works on devices with Android 10 or later.

• If someone switches devices, the keys won’t match, signaling a potential identity check or a new device.

Google’s latest app on the Play Store aims to block your chats and keep your Android devices safe from cyber threats like scams and hacks.

Mishaal Rahman at Android Authority reports that the Android System Key Verifier app was just released with last week’s Google Play System Update. The app allows developers to securely store end-to-end encryption keys, adding additional protection to user chats.

The app uses encryption keys and QR codes to verify user identities and works as a system service on any device running Android 10 or later.

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According to Rahman, the app likely accesses the Contact Key feature, similar to Contact Key Check on iOS. Basically, it will give you a warning in Apple Messages if an unknown device connects to one of your contacts.

Currently, no app can use Key Verifier, only Play Store listings take a look at how it works. The application works in two main steps. First, it stores encryption keys for messaging apps like Google Messagesensuring that conversations remain protected with end-to-end encryption.

Second, it allows users to confirm contacts by exchanging QR codes. When you add a new contact, both people can scan their QR codes to verify they’re talking to the right person.

Next, if another device is used, the keys will not align. This could mean the person you’re talking to isn’t who they say they are, or they could just be on a new device that would need a quick QR code scan to confirm.

Right now, the Android System Key Checker is on its own, but it looks like Google might mix it into Messages next year. Google has started working on a contact verification feature for Messages last monthset for a release in 2025. So the Key Verifier app is likely to be a step towards that integration.