Our smartphones contain a treasure trove of sensitive information, making it a cause for concern if it gets stolen. From personal conversations to banking details, there’s a lot at stake.
While lock screen authentication has been a standard security measure, Android has introduced new theft detection features to add an extra layer of protection.
These theft detection features are designed to automatically detect when your phone is stolen and take appropriate action. Most of these features are available on Android 10 and later versions, with some exclusive to Android 15 and above.
Triple-lock phone protection
Under the theft protection umbrella on Android, there are three types of locks built into phones running Android 10 or later. The first is Theft Detection Lock, which uses AI to detect when your phone is taken and automatically locks it, requiring face, fingerprint, PIN, or pattern authentication to access.
The second lock is Offline Device Lock, which activates when your phone is offline for an extended period to prevent unauthorized access. The third lock is Remote Lock, part of the Find My Device service, which allows you to lock your device remotely even if it can’t be located on the map.
Behind-the-scenes improvements
Android 15 introduces additional theft protection features that are less noticeable but enhance overall security. Key security features now require biometric authentication, and certain tasks like changing your PIN or accessing theft detection features need additional verification.
The factory reset process now requires logging into the Google account associated with the phone, making it harder for unauthorized users to reset and sell the device. Private Spaces feature allows locking certain apps behind a separate PIN for added security.
How to access theft detection features
Most theft detection features are enabled automatically with Android updates, but specific locks need to be manually activated. In the Settings menu, navigate to Security and privacy > Device unlock > Theft protection to enable Theft Detection Lock, Offline Device Lock, and Remote Lock.
