New Anti-Theft Arsenal: Android Gets Theft Detection, Offline, and Remote Lock
Android users in the US are starting to receive a powerful new set of anti-theft features, according to renowned Android journalist Mishaal Rahman. Google is rolling out Theft Detection Lock, Offline Device Lock, and Remote Lock to bolster your phone’s security and give you peace of mind.
- Theft Detection Lock: This feature leverages a machine learning (ML) model to detect suspicious behavior, particularly when a phone is snatched from a user’s hand and the thief tries to flee on foot, by bike, or even by car. Once such activity is detected, the phone automatically locks itself, preventing unauthorized access to apps, data, and sensitive information.
- Offline Device Lock: In cases where a thief attempts to disable your phone’s connectivity—perhaps to prevent remote tracking or data wiping—Offline Device Lock will activate. If the phone remains disconnected from the Internet for an extended period, this feature automatically locks the screen, ensuring the thief cannot access your device even while it’s offline.
- Remote Lock: This feature allows users to remotely lock their phone using only their phone number, which is particularly useful if they are unable to sign into Google’s “Find My Device” service. For users who may forget their Google account password or struggle with logging in remotely, Remote Lock serves as an alternative method for securing their device from a distance.
While Rahman confirmed the presence of Theft Detection Lock and Offline Device Lock on his Xiaomi 14T Pro, he noted the absence of the Remote Lock feature. In contrast, some Pixel users in the U.S. have reported the opposite—access to Remote Lock but not the other two features. This staggered availability suggests that Google is conducting a phased rollout, a practice the company often adopts to ensure stability and compatibility across different devices and regions.
Initially entering beta testing in Brazil back in August, these features are now reaching a broader audience in the U.S. and are expected to continue expanding throughout the year. Google previously confirmed that the final versions of these tools would become widely available in 2024, marking a substantial step forward in device security for Android users.
