Android phones are getting a theft protection feature that automatically locks them when they’re stolen!
Theft Detection Lock uses a ML model to detect when someone snatches your phone from your hand and tries to run, bike, or drive away. It uses data from your phone’s accelerometer and gyroscope and checks if common motions associated with theft are detected. If so, your phone will quietly lock itself.
This feature will roll out through Play Services later this year on Android 10+.
Upgraded factory reset protection in Android 15. If a thief tries to force a reset of a stolen device, they won’t be able to set it up again without knowing your device or Google account credentials.
Disabling Find My Device or extending screen timeout now requires your screen credential.
Enhanced authentication, when enabled, will require biometrics for accessing and changing critical Google account and device settings (like changing your PIN), disabling theft protection, or accessing passkeys from an untrusted location. This will roll out to select devices later this year.
Offline Device Lock automatically locks the screen to protect your data even when your device is off the grid.
Remote Lock lets you lock your phone with just your phone number (and a quick security challenge) in case you forgot your Google account password and can’t access Find My Device. This will be available on Android 10+.
Private Space in Android 15. You can hide particularly sensitive apps in Private Space using a separate credential.
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