In a move aimed at making stolen smartphones less useful and user data harder to access, Google has announced an expanded set of theft protection features for Android devices. The updates focus on improving security before, during, and after a theft attempt, while giving users greater control over authentication and recovery.
The new theft protection tools are rolling out to devices running Android 16 or later, Google said in a security blog post. These enhancements build on existing protections by tightening lockout behaviour, strengthening identity checks, and improving recovery options.
One key update involves the Failed Authentication Lock feature, first introduced with Android 15. It now comes with a dedicated toggle in settings, allowing users to easily enable or disable it. This feature increases the difficulty for thieves attempting to unlock a device through repeated guesses.
Google has also expanded the Identity Check feature. Apps that rely on Android Biometric Prompt, including third-party banking apps and Google Password Manager, will now require biometric verification for certain sensitive actions when the device is outside trusted locations.
To further reduce the risk of unauthorised access, Google has increased the lockout time after multiple failed attempts to enter a PIN, pattern, or password. At the same time, the system has been refined so that repeated identical wrong guesses no longer count toward the retry limit, helping prevent accidental lockouts for legitimate users.
Beyond authentication, Google is introducing enhanced recovery tools for devices running Android 10 or later. Users now have more control over Remote Lock, including the option to add a security question or challenge as an extra layer of protection during the recovery process.
To expand default protection for more users, Google is enabling two theft protection features by default on new Android devices activated in Brazil. One is Theft Detection Lock, which uses on-device AI to detect motion and context linked to a “snatch-and-run” theft. When triggered, the phone locks automatically to protect personal data.
The second feature is Remote Lock, which allows users to lock their device from any web-enabled device, even if the feature was not set up in advance.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News LinkedIn Account | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Facebook | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Youtube | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Twitter
About us:
The Mainstream is a premier platform delivering the latest updates and informed perspectives across the technology business and cyber landscape. Built on research-driven, thought leadership and original intellectual property, The Mainstream also curates summits & conferences that convene decision makers to explore how technology reshapes industries and leadership. With a growing presence in India and globally across the Middle East, Africa, ASEAN, the USA, the UK and Australia, The Mainstream carries a vision to bring the latest happenings and insights to 8.2 billion people and to place technology at the centre of conversation for leaders navigating the future.
