Google Play Protect, the security feature within the Google Play Store, may soon receive an upgrade with the introduction of a “Rescan” button. This new feature, currently in development, could allow users to initiate another scan for harmful apps without the need to uninstall those flagged in previous scans.

Presently, Play Protect scans devices for apps that may violate Google’s Unwanted Software Policy. If such an app is detected, users receive an alert and can choose to uninstall it. However, the current system requires users to remove the flagged app before initiating another scan, which can be frustrating if the app was wrongly identified as harmful.

The upcoming Rescan button aims to solve this issue by enabling users to re-scan their devices without uninstalling any apps. This feature could be particularly beneficial for individuals who frequently download apps from third-party sources that are occasionally misidentified by Play Protect.

Although the Rescan button is not yet available in the Play Store, it was uncovered in version 41.9.17 during an APK teardown. While APK teardowns provide insights into potential future features by examining work-in-progress code, not all features discovered in these teardowns necessarily make it to a public release.

Play Protect itself is a crucial tool for Android users, offering protection against potentially harmful apps. This free service is integrated into the Play Store and operates automatically in the background. In addition to scanning for malicious apps, it also provides other security features like Safe Browsing for Chrome, Find My Device, and app permissions management.

The official rollout date of the Rescan button remains uncertain at this time. Nonetheless, if introduced, it could enhance Play Protect by granting users more flexibility and control over their device’s security measures. Stay tuned for updates on this exciting potential enhancement!