Google Announces New Android Security Features for Device Theft and Loss
Google has announced a series of new features for Android designed to protect devices from theft and data loss. While some of these features will be exclusive to devices running Android 15 and above, others are planned to roll out to billions of devices running Android 10 and older versions.
Theft Detection Lock: AI-Powered Screen Lock
To safeguard users’ personal and confidential data in case of theft or loss, Google is introducing an AI-powered automatic screen lock called Theft Detection Lock. This feature uses AI and accelerometers to detect sudden movements associated with theft—such as when a thief snatches the device from the owner’s hands—and immediately locks the screen.
Offline Device Lock: Protection When Disconnected
Another new feature, Offline Device Lock, automatically locks the device as soon as it is disconnected from the network or if the system detects multiple failed authentication attempts. This is designed to prevent thieves from accessing sensitive data and apps even if they try to disable connectivity.
Remote Lock: Lock Your Device with Just a Phone Number
Google also announced Remote Lock, a feature to help people whose Android devices have already been stolen. Remote Lock allows users to remotely lock their smartphone or tablet using just their phone number and a simple security challenge.
“This gives you time to recover your credentials and access additional helpful Find My Device options, including sending a factory reset command to completely wipe the device,” explained Suzanne Frey, Google’s Vice President.
Availability and Rollout
The Theft Detection Lock, Offline Device Lock, and Remote Lock features are expected to become available on devices running Android 10 or higher through a Google Play Services update later this year.
Enhanced Factory Reset Protection in Android 15
As announced at Google I/O 2024, the upcoming Android 15 will also feature improved factory reset protection. This will make it much harder to sell stolen devices, as setting up the device after a reset will require entering the original Google account credentials.
“With this update, if a thief forcibly resets a stolen device, they won’t be able to set it up again without knowing the device or Google account credentials. This makes stolen devices unsellable, reducing the incentive for phone theft,” added Frey.
Stronger Authentication for Sensitive Actions
The updated Android system will require users to enter a PIN, password, or use biometric authentication when attempting to access or change important Google account or device settings from an untrusted location. This includes actions like changing the PIN, accessing Passkeys, or disabling theft protection.
Similarly, disabling the Find My Device feature or extending the device’s screen timeout will also require authentication. This adds an extra layer of security to prevent thieves from keeping a stolen device “unlocked or untraceable online.”
Private Space: Protecting Sensitive App Data
The new version of Android, expected this fall, will also introduce Private Space. This feature allows users to lock certain apps with a PIN code, preventing thieves from accessing confidential information stored in specific apps, such as medical or financial data.