Google’s new anti-theft tools will make Android phones almost useless to thieves

Google has begun rolling out at least three new tools aimed at rendering an Android phone almost useless to thieves by blocking access to stored data. According to a new report, select Android devices have received features called ft Detection Lock and Offline Device Lock as part of a new update, while or users are seeing a third tool called Remote Lock. While each tool has a specific job, all three are designed to protect data from anyone trying to pry into phone after it has been stolen.

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

Post by @mishaal_rahman

View on Thres

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

new anti-ft tools are visible to a handful of users in US, per Rahman, who also said that Google is likely to expand availability in coming days. He ded that ft 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 phone is eligible but tools still do not show up, it is recommended to update Google Play Services. However, Google rolls out new features in batches inste of releasing m at once like Apple .