A series of new features rolling out today will hopefully make your Android device less attractive to thieves.
Earlier this year, Google teased a new AI-powered Theft Detection Lock for Android phones. Google explained that the feature uses motion sensors to detect theft in progress and immediately locks the screen. That feature is now here. It’s rolling out gradually starting today, and will soon cover 90% of active users worldwide.
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That’s not the only anti-theft upgrade in Android 15.
In addition to Theft Detection Lock, Google has announced an Offline Device Lock. If an unlocked device is offline for a prolonged time (such as if a thief tries to take your device offline to extract data or avoid a remote wipe via Android’s Find My Device), the screen will lock, making the device useless.
Should a thief nab your phone, Remote Device Lock can quickly secure it, even if you can’t remember your Google account credentials. You can visit Android.com/lock and lock your phone with a verified phone number. Remote Lock will secure your device while you regain access through Android’s Find My Device.
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Google says these features are now available on most Android 10+ devices through a Google Play Services update. You will need to enable them in settings.
Along with those features, Android 15 adds several changes that make it more difficult for thieves to do anything with your device if they have it.
For example, sensitive settings like Find My Device now require your PIN, password, or biometric authentication. Additionally, multiple failed login attempts, which could indicate a thief is trying to guess your password, will lock down your device.
Finally, enhanced factory reset protection makes it even harder for thieves to reset your device without your Google account credentials. Activating this feature will significantly reduce your phone’s resale value and add further protection to your data.
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Later this year, Google will launch Identity Check, an opt-in feature that adds an extra layer of security by requiring biometric authentication when changing your Google account or device settings, such as changing your PIN, disabling theft protection, or accessing passkeys from an untrusted location. This feature will help ensure your device and accounts are secure, even if someone knows your PIN.
Google explained in an announcement that the technology aims to make Android devices less appealing targets for thieves and give users greater peace of mind that sensitive data is secure.
