Android’s New AI-Powered Anti-Theft Feature is Rolling Out: Here’s How to Check if You Have It
Your Android device is set to receive a significant security upgrade aimed at protecting your personal data. This new anti-theft feature leverages AI to keep your information secure even if your phone gets stolen.
Back in May 2024, Google announced a new tool called Theft Detection Lock for Android. The feature can detect suspicious movements—like someone snatching your phone and quickly fleeing on foot, bike, or car—and immediately locks the device, preventing unauthorized access.
Recently, Mishaal Rahman, a well-known Android journalist, posted on Reddit confirming that Theft Detection Lock is now rolling out to more Android users. “I just checked my Xiaomi 14T Pro and noticed that I now have Theft Detection Lock and Offline Device Lock, but not Remote Lock,” Rahman noted. “Some Pixel users in the US are reporting having Remote Lock but missing the other two options.” Other users shared similar experiences, with some reporting they have access to all three features.
To check if you have these features enabled on your Android device, simply head to your settings and search for “anti-theft” to see what’s available.
How Does Theft Detection Work?
Google has explained that this AI-powered feature uses your phone’s gyroscope and accelerometer to detect movement patterns associated with theft. While the exact motions haven’t been explicitly outlined, it’s likely the system detects rapid, sudden movements followed by quick acceleration, such as a thief grabbing the phone and running away. Once these motions are detected, the phone’s screen is immediately locked, making it difficult for the thief to access your data.
Additional Security Measures
The Theft Detection Lock is just one of several new security features Google is introducing to better protect users from theft. Other security enhancements include:
- Harder Factory Resets: Making it more challenging for thieves to wipe the phone and set it up under a new account.
- Private Spaces: Dedicated areas on your device to hide sensitive apps and data.
- Lost Mode in Find My Device: Mark your phone as lost, making it easier to track.
- Automatic Lock: If there are too many failed attempts to unlock the phone, it will lock automatically.
- Offline Device Lock: A feature that locks your phone even if it’s offline.
- Remote Lock: Allows you to lock your phone from another device using just your phone number and a security challenge.
These features are rolling out through Google Play Services updates, so keep an eye on your device for updates to ensure you’re protected. Note that some features, like Remote Lock, may only be available on devices running Android 15.
Be sure to stay up to date on the latest Android releases to take advantage of these enhanced security features and keep your phone and data secure, even in the event of theft.