Google announces theft protection feature for Android devices: Here’s how it works

Google

• Google adds new theft protection updates to Android for stronger device security
• New features: better biometrics, longer lockouts, remote lock tools
• Default-on theft protection rolls out for new Android devices in Brazil

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Losing your phone is stressful. Having it stolen is worse. Beyond the cost of the device itself, a stolen phone can quickly turn into a gateway for financial fraud, identity theft, and access to deeply personal data. Google says it’s aware of just how serious this problem has become and it’s responding with a fresh set of theft protection updates for Android that aim to make stolen phones far less useful to criminals.

In a blog post published on January 27, the Android security team announced a series of upgrades that strengthen device security before, during, and even after a theft attempt. These features roll out across different Android versions, with some arriving on Android 16 and others reaching devices running Android 10 and above.

One of the biggest changes is around authentication. Android already locks a device after too many failed unlock attempts, but now users get more control over this behaviour. A new toggle lets you turn the “Failed Authentication Lock” feature on or off directly from settings. This gives users flexibility while still keeping protection strong.

Google is also tightening the net around biometric security with its “Identity Check” feature. Introduced earlier, Identity Check forces biometric authentication—like fingerprint or face unlock—when someone tries to access sensitive features outside trusted locations. Now, this protection has been expanded to cover all apps and features that use Android’s biometric prompt. In simple terms, even third-party banking apps and Google’s own Password Manager automatically get an extra layer of security when your phone is away from familiar places.

Another smart tweak addresses PIN and pattern guessing. Android will now increase the lockout time after repeated failed attempts, making brute-force guessing far harder. At the same time, the system won’t penalise you for repeated identical wrong guesses—helpful if a child or someone else accidentally keeps entering the same wrong PIN.

Recovery tools are also getting an upgrade. Android’s Remote Lock feature, which allows you to lock your phone from any browser via android.com/lock, now includes an optional security question. This ensures that only the real owner can trigger a remote lock, reducing the chances of misuse during an already stressful situation.

Perhaps the most interesting development is Google’s move toward “default-on” theft protection in Brazil. On new Android devices activated in the country, two key features will be enabled automatically. The first is Theft Detection Lock, which uses on-device AI to detect sudden movements typical of a snatch-and-run theft and instantly lock the screen. The second is Remote Lock, which works even if the user hasn’t manually set it up beforehand.

While this default setting is currently limited to Brazil, it signals where Android security may be headed globally—towards built-in protection from day one.

Taken together, these updates reflect a shift in how Android approaches phone theft. Instead of relying on a single lock or feature, Google is building a layered defence system that protects users at multiple stages. For everyday Android users, that means a stolen phone is less likely to turn into a stolen identity—and that’s a big win.