These theft-prevention features come at a time when users face increasing threats to their mobile security
Google is rolling out a new set of security features for Android designed to help users protect their phones in case of theft. First announced in May, the features—Theft Detection Lock, Offline Device Lock, and Remote Lock—are designed to automatically lock your phone if it detects suspicious activity, such as someone grabbing it and attempting to flee.
These features use AI to detect potential theft scenarios, whether the phone is snatched on foot, by bike, or by car. If the AI determines it’s a snatch-and-grab situation, the phone will lock automatically, preventing the thief from accessing apps and sensitive data.
One of the standout features, Offline Device Lock, kicks in if the phone suspects someone is intentionally keeping it offline for an extended period, automatically locking the screen. Another, Remote Lock, allows users to lock their stolen phone using just their mobile number. This feature is especially useful if you cannot access Google’s “Find My Device” feature or need to secure your phone in a hurry, such as to bypass two-factor authentication for your email account.
Mishaal Rahman, an independent Android expert, revealed in a post on Threads that Google is currently rolling out these security features in beta. Rahman spotted the features on his Xiaomi 14T Pro and noted that the beta testing started in Brazil in August. A broader rollout is expected later this year.
These theft-prevention features come at a time when users face increasing threats to their mobile security. Beyond physical theft, cybercriminals are developing new methods to compromise smartphones, particularly targeting sensitive information like mobile banking data. In August, cybersecurity firm ESET uncovered malware targeting Android devices capable of relaying payment data from nearby phones using near-field communication (NFC).
Google’s new security tools aim to provide users with more robust options for protecting their phones from both physical and digital threats, enhancing overall device security as theft and cyberattacks continue to evolve.