Android phones are getting more anti-theft features | TechCrunch

"Google on Tuesday announced an expanded set of Android theft protection features, designed to make its mobile devices less of a target for criminals. Building on existing tools like Theft Detection Lock, Offline Device Lock, and others introduced in 2024, the newly launched updates include stronger authentication safeguards and enhanced recovery tools, the company said. While iPhones are often the preferred targets for thieves because of their resale value, Android devices are also subject to theft."

"With the new features, users of Android devices running Android 16 or higher will have more control over the Failed Authentication Lock feature that automatically locks the device after an excessive number of failed login attempts. Now, users will have access to a dedicated on/off toggle switch in the device's settings. The devices will also offer stronger protection against a thief trying to guess a device owner's PIN, pattern, or password by increasing the lockout time after failed attempts."

"Remote Lock, a tool that lets you lock a lost or stolen device from a web browser, will now include an optional security challenge or question. With this feature, available to Android 10+, only the real device owner can initiate the lock for added security. In Brazil, two theft protection features will now be enabled by default, including the Theft Detection Lock, which uses on-device AI to sense motion that could indicate a "snatch-and-run" theft."

Android expands theft-protection features across devices running Android 10 and higher, adding stronger authentication safeguards and enhanced recovery tools. Devices on Android 16+ gain a dedicated on/off toggle for Failed Authentication Lock and extended lockout times after repeated failed sign-ins. Identity Check now covers all features and apps that use biometrics, including banking apps and Google Password Manager. Remote Lock adds an optional security challenge so only the device owner can lock a lost device from a browser. In Brazil, Theft Detection Lock and Remote Lock are enabled by default, with Theft Detection Lock using on-device AI to detect snatch-and-run motion.

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