Three new theft protection features that Google announced earlier this year have reportedly begun to roll out on Android. The tools — Theft Detection Lock, Offline Device Lock, and Remote Lock — are designed to enable users to promptly secure their devices if they have been stolen, preventing thieves from accessing any sensitive information. Android reporter shared on social media that the first two tools have appeared on a Xiaomi 14T Pro, and noted that some Pixel users have started experiencing Remote Lock.
Theft Detection Lock is activated by the literal act of snatching. The company stated in May that this feature “uses Google AI to sense if someone snatches your phone from your hand and attempts to run, bike, or drive away.” In such an event, it will lock the phone’s screen.
Offline Device Lock, alternatively, can automatically lock the screen after a thief has disconnected the phone from the internet. Although you can already remotely lock your phone with Google’s Find My Device, the third feature, Remote Lock, allows you to do so without needing to hastily recall your Google account password. All you need is “your phone number and a quick security challenge using any device.”
