Google Introduces New Anti-Theft Features for Android

As phones have grown more sophisticated and expensive, losing them also starts to be a bigger blow. In addition to our social media and entertainment, important things like banking apps and digital wallets are also on phones, making it quite devastating if it ever got stolen. Fortunately, Google has started rolling out new anti-theft features to at least help you safeguard your data even if you no longer get the phone back.

These features are Theft Detection Lock, Offline Device Lock, and Remote Lock. Let’s take a look at what each of these services do here:

Theft Detection Lock

With this new feature, Google will reportedly use its AI in order to automatically lock down the home screen if it detects a gesture similar to someone snatching your phone and attempting to run away. It’s done via your phone’s onboard sensors and connectivity channels.

It’s quite interesting to figure out how this works. For one, how does Google’s AI determine whether the phone is actually being stolen as opposed to the owner just swiping it from the desk while rushing? We’ll have to wait and see once it’s widely available.

Offline Device Lock

Alternatively, Offline Device Lock will automatically lock the screen if the phone detects that a thief has suddenly disconnected it from the internet in an attempt to bypass location tracking. Like with Theft Detection Lock, users have to enable this manually on their end.

Google notes two conditions to keep in mind for Offline Device Lock. First, you must have been actively using your device while it's unlocked and two is that the screen can only be locked up to twice a day.

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Remote Lock

Finally, we get to the new Remote Lock Feature. With this, you can visit android.com/lock after your device is stolen. You then have to provide your number and solve a security challenge in order to have the service automatically lock your stolen phone.

Think of this as a last resort feature in case your phone was stolen before you can set up any theft protection features. Should your phone be taken offline though, remote lock will only kick in once it goes online again. Once it's been locked remotely, the phone can only be unlocked with your original screen lock. (PIN or biometrics)

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Google has reportedly tested this feature in Brazil last June and there’s a steady rollout of them across different Pixel, Samsung, and other models like the Xiaomi 14T lineup in the US, available via Google Play Services. It’s still a bit sporadic though, as some phones report getting all the security features and some only getting one or two.

We expect Google’s Pixel 9 lineup to be among the first to get these security features once it fully drops, possibly alongside Android 15. We’ve even got a great deal on the Pixel 9 here at Kimstore for anyone interested in upgrading.

It’s best to remember that these features are meant to safeguard your data in the event of a theft though. It’s no substitute for environmental awareness for when you’re out and about so make sure to pay attention to your surroundings whenever you need to use your phone!

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