Forbes StaffGoogle can now lock stolen Android smartphones automatically and also protect personal data.
According to a new report, a new theft detection lock will be available on all smartphones running on Android 10 or newer versions. This is going to be a great new anti-theft feature offered by Google for Android phones. Google has now made Android smartphones much more resilient with its new theft detection lock feature.
Google will lock stolen Android smartphones with a new anti-theft feature.
Google’s new anti-theft feature makes life easier for Android users. If and when Android phones are stolen, the new “theft detection lock” will ensure that personal data is safe and that the phone is of no use to the thief. Google’s new feature for Android smartphones running on Android 10 and newer versions is currently rolling out for users in the US. As per the report, first reported by Mishaal Rahman on Threads, the new feature was spotted on the recently introduced Xiaomi 14T Pro.
Google is rolling out three major components of theft-related features on Android.
For Android smartphones, Google is rolling out three major components of theft-related features: theft detection lock, offline device lock, and remote lock. The new theft detection lock feature uses a machine learning model to detect when a phone is snatched from a user’s hand and how the thief tries to run away on foot or in a vehicle. When detected, the Android smartphone will automatically enter theft detection lock mode, locking the phone instantly. This will limit the thief from accessing sensitive information stored in the phone.
Another feature called offline device lock will also be triggered if a thief tries to disconnect the phone from the internet for an extended period. The remote lock feature will allow smartphone users to lock their stolen devices remotely using the Find My Device manager, ensuring users will have control over the data on the locked smartphone. Since August, Google has been testing these beta features, and they will be rolled out to all eligible Android smartphones in the coming few weeks.
