Google is making it harder for thieves to unlock stolen devices: Know how

Imagine you’re walking down the street, and out of nowhere, someone snatches your phone and takes off. At that moment of panic, your phone is gone, and you worry about what the thief could access. Well, Google has a solution that could save you from this nightmare! With three new security features—Theft Detection Lock, Offline Device Lock, and Remote Lock—your Android phone can now lock itself when it detects suspicious behaviour, keeping your personal data safe, according to noted tipser Mishaal Rahman. These smart features are rolling out across the US, making it harder than ever for thieves to unlock stolen devices.
What is Theft Detection Lock?
Theft Detection Lock is one of the most intriguing new security tools. It’s designed to detect when someone physically snatches your phone. Whether the thief grabs it while you’re walking or riding a bike, this feature recognises the sudden movement and potential theft.
The detection system works through a machine learning (ML) model that monitors how your phone is being handled. For instance, if it senses rapid acceleration after being taken from your hand, the phone will automatically lock itself. Once locked, the thief can’t access your apps, data, or personal information, which is a huge relief for anyone worried about their phone being used for malicious purposes. This locking mechanism happens instantly, making it hard for a thief to continue using the device.
How Does This Feature Work?
The Theft Detection Lock works by analysing patterns in your phone’s movement. Google has trained a machine learning model to detect the specific types of actions that occur when a phone is stolen. For instance, if someone suddenly snatches the phone and runs away or speeds off on a bike or car, the phone will recognise that movement and lock itself immediately.
The cool thing is that this detection is all automatic, so users don’t need to turn it on manually. It’s designed to kick in when a thief is on the move, ensuring that they can’t use your phone even if they have physical possession of it. And since it doesn’t rely on a constant internet connection, this lock can work offline too.
In addition to Theft Detection Lock, Offline Device Lock is another new safeguard. It locks the screen if a thief tries to disconnect your phone from the internet for an extended period. This ensures that even if someone tries to prevent remote tracking or unlocking, the device will still protect itself.
Finally, there’s the Remote Lock feature, which allows users to lock their phone remotely using their phone number. This is especially helpful if you can’t access your Google account or “Find My Device.” It provides an additional layer of remote security.
Who Can Access These Features?
As of now, Google is rolling out these features to users in the U.S. The rollout appears to be gradual, with different devices receiving different features at varying times. For example, some users have reported receiving Theft Detection Lock and Offline Device Lock but not Remote Lock. In contrast, certain Pixel users have access to Remote Lock but not the other two.
The new locks are expected to be available across multiple Android devices, but the rollout is starting with specific models. The features first entered beta testing in Brazil in August and have now expanded to a broader audience, with more users in the U.S. expected to receive them soon.
If you own a device like the Xiaomi 14T Pro or a Google Pixel, there’s a good chance you’ll see these new security features in an upcoming software update. These protections are a significant step forward in helping users keep their data safe in case of theft, providing a sense of security even when things go wrong.