Google expands Android security features against device theft

Google has introduced new anti-theft features for Android. Some require the new Android 17, while others also work with older versions.

Biometrics as a second factor

To make device theft as unattractive as possible for thieves, Google has improved here: A lost device not only costs the value of the phone, but also financial losses that can arise from fraud.

The new precautions build on the features introduced in January 2026 – including additional settings for locking after failed authentication. This means that thieves who may have obtained the device password or PIN cannot disable device location or re-access the phone if owners mark it as lost.

No new Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections

According to Google, triggering “Mark as lost” also activates additional protective measures such as hiding quick settings and disabling new Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections. Furthermore, the device enforces biometric authentication to unlock the device – meaning only the device owner can unlock it, for example, with their fingerprint.

Moreover, Google explains that the new anti-theft features will be enabled by default on Android 17. This decision was made after a successful pilot project in Brazil. Additionally, in markets such as Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and the United Kingdom, Google is extending these protective measures to all devices with Android 10 or higher. Features like “Remote lock” and “Theft protection lock” are automatically activated.

With Android 17, Google also aims to make it harder for thieves to access user data. On supported devices, the number of attempts to guess the PIN or password will be significantly reduced, and longer waiting times will be introduced between failed attempts. This is intended to prevent attackers from gaining access to the stolen smartphone by trying out combinations quickly. Google has also made improvements to how the lock screen displays information after failed attempts, the company explains.

To simplify the potential return of devices, the IMEI of a device can now be retrieved via the lock screen on devices with Android 12 or newer. According to Google, law enforcement agencies, device manufacturers, or mobile operators can use this unique device identifier to easily verify ownership and return the device to its rightful owners. This feature can be disabled at any time in the device settings.

(afl)