Google has significantly enhanced the security of your Android smartphone against theft. While the physical durability of the device remains unchanged, the newly introduced “theft detection lock” feature ensures that personal data remains secure and renders the phone useless to any potential thief.
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Google is rolling out Theft Protection updates to all Android devices running Android 10 and above, where it uses machine learning to figure out if someone makes a run for it after snatching our phone. The phone gets auto locked securing the data and rendering it useless.
— agent144.x (@agent144x) October 7, 2024
This feature is currently being rolled out to Android users in the United States and was first observed on the recently launched Xiaomi 14T Pro, as reported by Mishaal Rahman on Threads.
Google is implementing three key components related to theft protection: theft detection lock, offline device lock, and remote lock. The theft detection lock utilizes a machine learning model capable of identifying when a phone is forcibly taken from a user, whether the assailant is fleeing on foot or in a vehicle.
Upon detection, the Android device will automatically activate theft detection lock mode, promptly locking the smartphone and preventing unauthorized access to sensitive information stored within.
Another important feature, known as offline device lock, will activate if an individual attempts to disconnect the phone from the internet for a prolonged duration.
Additionally, the remote lock functionality allows smartphone users to secure their stolen devices from a distance through the Find My Device manager, thereby maintaining control over the data on the locked smartphone.
Google has new anti theft features for Android. pic.twitter.com/FZ8zBtnUsW
— Shalom Memeshallah (@Memeshallah) October 6, 2024
Google has been evaluating these beta features since August, and they are set to be available to all eligible Android smartphones in the coming weeks. Users can access these features via the Settings > Google > Google Services menu on compatible Android devices.
It is advisable to ensure that you are operating on the latest version of Google Play services to take full advantage of the newest anti-theft protection features provided by Google.
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