Google is bolstering Android’s security with a trio of theft-prevention features, first announced at Google I/O earlier this year. These features, which are meant to arrive with the public release of Android 15, are actually starting to appear for users in the US following a test in Brazil.
Here’s a breakdown of the three features:
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Theft Detection Lock:
This feature uses onboard sensors and connectivity data to detect suspicious movements associated with theft. If such an event is detected, the phone’s screen instantly locks, preventing thieves from accessing your data.*
Offline Device Lock:
If a thief attempts to keep your phone offline to evade tracking, the device will automatically lock its screen. This feature also kicks in if multiple failed authentication attempts are made to unlock the phone.*
Remote Lock:
Even if theft protection isn’t enabled, you can remotely lock your device by visiting the Android.com/lock page. After verifying your identity with a security check and using the same number linked to the phone, you can remotely lock the device. Once locked, it can only be unlocked with the original screen lock method, such as a password or biometrics. This feature requires the device to be online, but the lock will automatically engage as soon as the stolen phone comes online.These features are available for all Android devices running Android 15 or later. While the rollout is currently in a phased manner, users in the US are starting to receive the update.
We tested the feature on various devices, including the Google Pixel 9 and OnePlus Open, but we haven’t received the update yet. However, it’s only a matter of time before these enhanced security measures become widely available, offering users greater peace of mind in case their device falls into the wrong hands.
