Mobile devices are essential for staying connected, managing finances, and safeguarding personal information. However, losing a device to theft can expose sensitive data and lead to serious risks like identity theft and financial fraud. To address this, Google’s Android has introduced an enhanced suite of theft protection features. These features safeguard users’ devices and data at every stage — before, during, and after theft.
Android has officially launched Identity Check to protect users from theft. The feature is initially rolling out to Pixel devices and Samsung Galaxy devices running One UI 7. This advanced security tool adds an extra layer of protection for critical account and device settings. It requires biometric authentication when the user is outside trusted locations.
When Identity Check is active, users can designate trusted locations where their devices will function as usual. Outside these locations, sensitive settings such as changing PINs, modifying biometric settings, disabling theft protection, or accessing Passkeys will require biometric authentication. This ensures that even if a thief learns your device PIN, they won’t be able to access your most sensitive data or settings.
Currently, Identity Check is available for Pixel devices with Android 15 and will be released for One UI 7-supported Galaxy devices in the coming weeks. Other Android devices are expected to receive this feature later this year.
Theft Detection Lock expands to more devices
Last year, Google made big steps in theft safety. It gave users tools like Theft Detection Lock, Offline Device Lock and Remote Lock. Now, the AI Theft Detection Lock is on all phones with Android 10 or more.
This tool uses smart tech to find odd acts, like when someone grabs a phone while it’s on. If this happens, the screen automatically locks and prevents illegal access.
Android is teaming with GSMA and experts to make tools, share tips, and set ways to stop phone theft. Soon, a GSMA paper will share more steps to keep both user and work phones safe. With Identity Check and more Theft Lock use, Android stays strong in its goal to keep users and their data safe.
