Android users will now have access to three new features aimed at boosting device security, similar to Apple’s well-known anti-theft protections. These new tools are designed to make stolen phones harder to use and keep personal data safe. The move follows a growing need for better security as mobile theft and cyber risks increase. Tech expert Mishaal Rahman shared a preview of these new features. Rahman shared a screenshot of his phone screen on which the three new features called “Theft Detection Lock”, “Offline Device Lock” and “Remote Lock” can be seen.
Three Security Tools
These updates were first introduced by Google back in May, but they are now starting to reach Android phones across the globe. The new tools aim to protect users from both physical theft and digital threats by making it much harder for thieves to access or use stolen devices.
Detection Lock uses smart tech to sense when someone is trying to steal the device. It detects sudden movements linked with theft, such as when someone grabs the phone and runs or rides away. The system will then lock the device at once, preventing the thief from using it.
Offline Device Lock, another key feature, keeps your phone secure even if the thief cuts off the internet. This tool automatically locks the phone, ensuring that personal data stays out of reach, even when the device is offline. Google has not fully explained how this feature works, but it adds an extra layer of protection.
Remote Lock allows the owner to lock their stolen phone from another device using their phone number and a security challenge. Users can do this even if the criminal tries to bypass other safety measures. While details on the security challenges remain unclear, this feature provides a way to lock the device remotely in real time.
Google is rolling out these features slowly, so not all users will see them right away. It’s also possible that not all features will arrive together. Detection Lock and Offline Device Lock require Android 10 or higher, while Remote Lock is compatible with devices running Android 5 or later. Users may need to wait for these tools to become available on their phones, but the update should reach most Android users in the coming months.
A Boost to Android’s Defense
These new security features give Android users much-needed protection against theft, adding to the system’s existing defense tools. With Detection Lock, Offline Device Lock, and Remote Lock, Google aims to close the gap between Android and Apple in terms of device security, ensuring users can feel safer, even in the event of theft.
