Google is rolling out a new feature update to some Android phones that significantly strengthens anti-theft protection. This update includes three key features: Theft Detection Lock, Offline Device Lock, and Remote Lock.
Although remote locking has been around for a while, the other two – theft detection lock and offline device lock – are brand new. Both aim to increase the security of your device in the event of theft.
What do Android’s new anti-theft features do?
According to Mishaal Rahman on Threads, Google is introducing several new anti-theft features that will improve the security of your phone and personal data. Here’s what you can expect.
Theft detection lock
This is perhaps the most advanced of the new features. Theft Detection Lock uses AI-powered motion detection to recognize theft scenarios.
For example, if someone takes your phone from your hand and runs away, whether on foot, by bike or even in a car, the phone will automatically lock.
Mishaal Rahman / Topics
Mishaal Rahman / Topics
Mishaal Rahman / Topics
This immediate lock prevents unauthorized access to your sensitive apps and data, making your phone much harder to exploit if stolen.
Locking the device offline
In many cases, thieves attempt to disable a phone’s Internet connection to prevent tracking through services such as Find My Device. Locking the device offline helps counter this by automatically locking the device if it detects that it has been offline for too long.
This feature ensures that even if the phone is disconnected from Wi-Fi or mobile data, your information remains protected.
Remote lock
Remote lock is a feature already available in one form or another on many Android phones. But if you can’t find it on your phone yet, you might be in luck.
It lets you lock your phone remotely using just your phone number, which is especially useful if you can’t access your Google account or Find My Device isn’t available.
Mishaal Rahman / Topics
Mishaal Rahman / Topics
Mishaal Rahman / Topics
How do Android’s anti-theft features work?
These new features work by using your phone’s motion sensors and connectivity features to detect suspicious behavior and lock the device if necessary.
The goal is to give you peace of mind in the event of theft by preventing a thief from accessing your data or tampering with your phone settings.
Chris Martin / Foundry
Chris Martin / Foundry
Chris Martin / Foundry
Theft Detection Lock works by leveraging your device’s motion sensors, Wi-Fi, and connected devices to detect suspicious activity. It is designed to recognize rapid and violent movements, for example when a phone is snatched from your hand.
Offline Device Lock aims to prevent thieves from keeping your phone in an untraceable state by going offline. If your device stays offline for too long, it automatically locks, protecting your personal data.
Remote Lock allows users to lock their device remotely via a simple phone number entry, even if you can’t sign in to your Google account. This feature ensures that you maintain control over your device, regardless of your ability to access other Google services.
Will my Android phone benefit from the new features?
The update appears to be rolling out gradually to Android users, with availability varying depending on region and device model.
Early reports indicate that some users in the United States have already started receiving the update, although the exact timeline for global availability remains unclear.
Chris Martin / Foundry
Chris Martin / Foundry
Chris Martin / Foundry
For example, Xiaomi 14T Pro users reported access to Theft Detection Lock and Offline Device Lock, while some Pixel phone users reported access to Remote Lock, but not both others. It looks like Google is testing the waters before a full-scale release.
How can you enable these features?
To check if you have access to these features, make sure your Google Play Services are up to date. Once the update is available on your phone, you will be able to access the new settings in a dedicated “Theft Protection” menu.
Here’s how each feature will work:
- Theft detection lock: automatically triggered when suspicious movements are detected
- Offline Device Lock: Activates after extended offline periods
- Remote locking: available via a dedicated website or by simply entering a phone number
With these new features, Android steps up its device security game, providing additional layers of protection for users concerned about data theft.
Be sure to check your device for the latest updates and explore these new anti-theft features once they arrive on your Android phone.
And if you have a recent Pixel phone, your phone will receive a major free update.
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