Android Theft Detection Lock is rolling out now – and here’s what it means for your phone
Back in May, we heard about a new theft detection lock feature coming to Android phones. The functionality is now apparently rolling out to users, adding an extra layer of protection in the event a phone is swiped.
This has been noted by a well-known tipster Mishaal Rahmanand it looks like Brazil will be the first to get the update. The rest of the world should follow soon: Google had said the feature would arrive on phones “later” in 2024.
In the words from googleTheft Detection Lock will “automatically recognize suspicious signals and proactively protect your data on the device.” In other words, it tries to detect when someone has swiped your phone and takes action.
Artificial intelligence algorithms are being deployed to identify when a phone has been stolen: Google says the AI looks for “common movements associated with theft,” which likely involves quickly pulling on the phone, followed by quickly running away from the scene.
Lock it up
Android’s Theft Detection Lock feature is finally rolling out! The feature automatically locks your phone when it detects that your phone has been snatched from your hand. It uses data from your phone’s accelerometer and gyroscope, and checks for common movements associated with… pic.twitter.com/tQcoZdpDs9August 16, 2024
As the name suggests, Theft Detection Lock locks your phone if there is a possibility of theft. If Android thinks your phone has been stolen, but it hasn’t, you can simply unlock it to get back into your apps.
The feature will eventually make its way to all devices running Android 10 or later, so that’s most modern devices. If your phone isn’t made by Google, it may take a little longer for it to appear on your device.
This is actually part of a series of security features being introduced on Android. Your phone will also be locked if there are many failed authentication attempts in a row, or if the phone is offline for an extended period of time.
Additionally, you should make sure your phone is registered with the built-in location tracking feature, whether you’re using Android or iOS. This means you can remotely lock and even wipe your device should it get lost or stolen.