Google doubles down on Android security with new anti-theft tools

Google has started releasing at least three new tools to make it difficult for thieves to access data stored on an Android phone. A new report suggests that some Android devices have received features called Theft Detection Lock and Offline Device Lock through an update, while others are being introduced to a third tool called Remote Lock. Although each tool serves a specific purpose, all three are intended to safeguard data from unauthorised access in the event of theft.

Android enthusiast and journalist Mishaal Rahman has posted screenshots of the Theft Detection Lock and Offline Device Lock functionalities that showed up on his Xiaomi 14T Pro after a software update. The most interesting feature is the Theft Detection Lock, which according to its description on the phone’s screen locks the screen when the system detects “common motion associated with theft.” This could be a hurried movement when someone snatches the phone out of a user’s hand. The other tool, Offline Device Lock, locks a phone’s screen when it has been offline for a long time.

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The third tool, called Remote Lock, was not available on Rahman’s phone, but he said multiple users have confirmed the feature’s availability in the US. However, these users also reported not seeing the first two features. Remote Lock lets users lock their phone remotely, that is when they cannot log into Find My Device using their password. Google allows users to log into their accounts through their registered mobile numbers and lock the devices.

The new anti-theft tools are visible to a handful of users in the US, per Rahman, who also said that Google is likely to expand the availability in the coming days. He added that Theft Detection Lock and Offine Device Lock will work on devices running Android 10 or higher versions, while users will need at least Android 5 for Remote Lock to work. In case the phone is eligible but the tools still do not show up, it is recommended to update Google Play Services. However, Google rolls out new features in batches instead of releasing them at once like Apple .