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Google has announced the expansion of its ecosystem of Android anti-theft tools. The goal of the update is to make smartphones less attractive targets for cybercriminals. The company said that the new features build on its existing solutions, including Theft Detection Lock, Offline Device Lock, and other features introduced in 2024. The latest updates add stronger authentication as well as improved access recovery mechanisms.
Although iPhones have traditionally been a popular target for thieves due to their high resale value, Android smartphones are also regularly targeted. This is especially true for flagship models, including the Google Pixel Pro series, premium foldable devices, and top smartphones from other well-known brands, including Samsung.
With the new features, owners of devices running Android 16 and later will have greater control over the locking mechanism after failed authentication. This system automatically activates protection after a large number of incorrect login attempts. This feature can now be controlled via a separate switch in the device settings.
Smartphones will also receive enhanced protection against attempts to guess a PIN, pattern or password. The system will automatically increase the waiting time between subsequent login attempts after repeated errors. Additionally, Google has expanded the Identity Verification feature, which was introduced for Android 15 and later last year. It now covers all apps and system functions that use biometric data, including banking services and Google Password Manager.
The Remote Lock tool, which allows you to lock a lost or stolen smartphone via a web browser, has also received an additional layer of protection. Users can now activate a verification task or control question. This means that only the real owner of the device will be able to initiate the lock. The feature is available for devices running Android 10 and later.
Some changes apply to Brazil. In this country, two key anti-theft features will be activated by default. These include Theft Detection Lock, which uses AI directly on the device to analyze movements and detect grab-and-go scenarios. In addition, Remote Lock will automatically become active and be available via android.com/lock, making it easier to remotely lock your smartphone in the event of an incident.
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