How Google protects your Android phone from thieves: Three new features

Every Android phone user’s worst nightmare is to forget it somewhere and have it stolen, never to be seen again. Or to be snatched from his hand, on the street.

Well, for all these more than unpleasant situations, Google has developed three new features that promise to revolutionize device security.

These are called Remote Lock, Offline Device Lock and Theft Detection Lock. All went through a beta testing period in Brazil before the American giant decided to gradually make them available to users worldwide.

What does each function do?

Remote Lock allows Android device users to lock them remotely using their phone number. It is extremely useful if we cannot access Find My Device through Google account password.

Another protection measure is Offline Device Lock. Its role is simple: it counters the tactic used by most thieves, which is to disconnect the phone from the Internet so it can no longer be tracked.

The way it works is as follows: it automatically locks the device’s display when it is kept offline for an extended period, thus providing the desired protection even in the absence of an Internet connection.

But the most impressive of the new features is called Theft Detection Lock. It uses machine learning to identify theft scenarios in real time. The system can detect situations where a smartphone is snatched from the user’s hand, regardless of whether the thief tries to flee on foot.

The moment it detects such an incident, the device automatically locks and prevents access to any kind of important data, as well as applications.

Global feature availability

The three new features from Google are in the process of being implemented. While some users already have access to Offline Device Lock and Theft Detection Lock, others can only use Remote Lock.

The company has confirmed that the final versions of these features will be available to everyone by the end of this year.

Compatibility and verification

Compatibility of these features extends to all devices running Android 10 or later.

To check the availability of these features on their own phone, users can search for “Theft Protection” in the settings. A second way would be to go to Settings > Google > Personal protection and device security.

A necessary response to phone theft

In the context of increasing mobile phone thefts globally, these security features come as a necessary response.

Source: Android Police