Google reportedly has begun rolling out new theft protection features for Android devices running version 10 and above, following their announcement at I/O 2024 in May.
These features are being delivered through Google Play Services and include three key components: Theft Detection Lock, Offline Device Lock, and Remote Lock.
Theft Detection Lock
Users can activate these features by searching for “Theft protection” in their device’s Settings app, or by navigating to the redesigned Google services page under the All Services tab and selecting Personal & Device Safety. This section outlines built-in protections designed to secure personal data in the event of theft.
The Theft Detection Lock feature employs device sensors, Wi-Fi, and smart device connections to recognize when a phone is suddenly taken while it is being used and unlocked.
Utilizing a machine learning model, it can identify if someone attempts to snatch the phone and flee on foot, by bike, or by car. If such an event is detected, the device’s screen automatically locks to protect personal data and prevent unauthorized access.
Offline Device Lock
This feature activates if a thief steals the device and disables the internet connection to prevent tracking. Two conditions must be met for it to function:
1. The user must be actively using the device while it is unlocked.
2. The screen can only be locked twice a day.
Remote Lock
If the device is stolen, users can visit android.com/lock to initiate a lock. They will need to provide a phone number and pass a security challenge. This can be done from a trusted person’s device, and Google believes this method is quicker than logging into Find My Device.
Availability
All three theft detection features entered beta testing in August, beginning in Brazil. Google informed Mishaal Rahman that the final versions will be rolled out more broadly later this year.
Some users have reported partial availability; for instance, on his Xiaomi 14T Pro, Rahman found Theft Detection Lock and Offline Device Lock but not Remote Lock, while some Pixel users in the U.S. reported having Remote Lock without access to the other two features.
According to 9to5Google, U.S. Pixel users enrolled in the Google Play Services beta (version 24.40.33) can access all three features, although they are not yet available on the stable channel.
A wider rollout of these Android theft protection features is expected as time progresses across various regions.