Google takes steps to protect Android devices from theft, rolls out new features

• Google has started rolling out new anti-theft features
• Google can detect if a phone is snatched from user's hand
• It will automatically lock the phone in such a scenario

Google has introduced a series of new security features designed to make Android smartphones more secure in the event of theft. These updates, currently rolling out in the US, aim to protect personal data and render stolen phones useless to thieves. The most significant of these is the Theft Detection Lock, which uses machine learning to detect theft-related movements and automatically lock the device. Basically, if your Android phone is snatched from your hand, this feature will lock your device and protect your sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands.

Google rolls out anti-theft features

The Theft Detection Lock relies on artificial intelligence and the phone’s built-in sensors to identify suspicious movements, such as when a phone is snatched from the user’s hand. When triggered, the feature locks the device instantly, preventing unauthorised access to sensitive information. Whether a thief is on foot, a bike, or in a car, the phone recognises the situation and initiates the lock, ensuring the phone becomes unusable.

In addition to this, the Offline Device Lock feature kicks in when a thief attempts to disconnect the phone from the internet for an extended period. This ensures that even if the device is taken offline, it remains secure, safeguarding the user’s data. These features are designed to make it increasingly difficult for thieves to gain access to stolen devices.

Another important update is the Remote Lock function, which allows users to lock their phones remotely via Google’s Find My Device service. This is especially helpful if the phone is inaccessible or if the thief disables the Find My Device feature. Users can even lock their phone using their phone number, maintaining control over their data despite the loss of the device.

When will the features be rolled out?

The new anti-theft features have been in beta testing since August and are now being rolled out to eligible Android devices. The features are being rolled out in a phased manner. Hence, it might be a while till you can see them on your device. As per reports, the features could be available for all users by the end of this year.

You can find the options under the Google Services section in your phone’s settings. It is crucial to ensure that the device is running the latest version of Google Play Services to take full advantage of these enhanced security measures.