Android Theft Protection features rolling out via Play Services

Google has started rolling out three Theft Protection features for Android devices. These features will rely on multiple sensors to lock the device immediately after a thief steals it.

Google rolling out Theft Protection features for Android

Android smartphones have several layers of security. These features and processes ensure smartphones remain locked and inaccessible to thieves.

Phone snatchers often try to disable cellular and Wi-Fi connectivity by putting the stolen device in Airplane mode. Thieves also attempt to switch off the device or activate silent mode immediately after stealing the device.

To thwart these attempts and securely lock a device if stolen, Google announced three new Theft Protection features at this year’s Google I/O 2024. The company has now started rolling out the following features to Android devices.

The first one is Theft Detection Lock. It works by using device sensors, Wi-Fi, and smart device connections to determine, if while in use and unlocked, a thief suddenly takes your phone and runs away with it. When that happens, the phone will automatically lock the screen so that they won’t be able to access your phone.

Next, Offline Device Lock will trigger if someone steals your phone and immediately deactivates the Wi-Fi. It will only trigger if the device is being actively used at the moment of theft. The feature will only trigger twice a day to minimize accidental triggers.

The last feature isRemote Lock. Users can visit android.com/lock if a thief steals their device and calls a number. Users have to provide their number (confirmed during the set-up process) and complete a security challenge. This can be done on a trusted person’s phone. Google has indicated this feature is faster than logging into Find My Device.

Which smartphones will get the new anti-theft features?

These features have a dedicated page called Theft Protection in the main Settings app for Android. Alternatively, users can head over to the redesigned Google services page > All services tab > Personal & device safety.

All three Theft detection capabilities are visible when in the Google Play services beta (version 24.40.33). They will gradually reach Android smartphones in the stable version of the Google Play services.

Phones running Android 10 and above are eligible to receive the Theft Protection features. In other words, most modern smartphones should get these features in the near future.