How to set up the new theft detection features on Android

Our phones contain a lot of sensitive information, from personal conversations to banking details, so it’s natural to feel concerned if your phone is stolen.

While phones have long had security measures to prevent unauthorized access, Android has now introduced new theft detection features.

These theft detection features are designed to automatically detect when your phone has been stolen and take action. Most of these features are available on Android 10 or later, with some requiring Android 15 or later.

Triple-lock phone protection

Under the theft protection umbrella on Android, there are three types of locks built into phones running Android 10 or later. The first is Theft Detection Lock, which uses AI to sense when your phone has been taken and automatically locks it, requiring face, fingerprint, PIN, or pattern authentication to access.

Offline Device Lock is another automatic locking protocol that activates when your phone has been offline for an extended period, preventing unauthorized access. Remote Lock, part of the Find My Device service, allows you to remotely lock your phone even if it can’t be detected on the map.

Behind-the-scenes improvements

Android 15 and later include additional theft protection features that require authentication for key security tasks. This includes biometric authentication for certain actions outside of trusted locations to prevent unauthorized access.

The factory reset process now requires logging into the associated Google account, making it harder for thieves to reset and sell stolen phones. Private Spaces feature lets you lock certain apps behind a second PIN for added security.

How to access theft detection features

Most theft detection features work automatically and are turned on as Android is updated, but you need to manually enable the three specific locks. From Settings in Android, navigate to Security and privacy > Device unlock > Theft protection to enable Theft Detection Lock, Offline Device Lock, and Remote Lock.