After announcing at I/O 2024 in May, Google is beginning to roll out a trio of Theft protection features for Android 10+ devices via Play services.
Once enabled, search for “Theft protection” in the Settings app of your Android device, or go to the redesigned Google services page > All services tab > Personal & device safety.
This new Theft protection settings page describes the “built-in safeguards to protect your personal data if your device is stolen.”
Theft Detection Lock works by using device sensors, Wi-Fi, and smart device connections to determine, if while in use and unlocked, “someone abruptly takes your phone and runs away.”
If that’s detected, your “device’s screen will lock automatically to prevent anyone from accessing your personal data.”
Offline Device Lock will trigger “if someone steals [your phone] and turns off the internet to prevent location tracking.” Google notes two conditions:
- You must be actively using your device while it’s unlocked
- The screen can be locked up to twice a day
With Remote Lock, you visit android.com/lock after your device has been stolen to call a number. You provide your number (which is confirmed during the set-up process) and a security challenge. This can be done on a trusted person’s phone, with Google believing this feature is faster than logging into Find My Device.
Google started testing this feature in Brazil this June, and Android users — across Pixel, Samsung, etc. — around the world (via Mishaal Rahman) are now seeing some of the Theft detection features, though this does not appear to be the full launch.
On our end (in the US on Pixel), all three Theft detection capabilities are appearing when enrolled in the Google Play services beta (version 24.40.33). We’re not seeing it on the stable channel.
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