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Google is introducing a new feature update for some Android phones that significantly improves anti-theft protection. This update includes three major features: theft detection lock, offline device lock, and remote lock.
While Remote Lock has been around for a while, the other two – Theft Detection Lock and Offline Device Lock – are brand new. Both are intended to improve the security of your device in case of theft.
What do the new Android anti-theft features do?
According to Mishaal Rahman on Threads, Google is introducing several new anti-theft features that will improve the security of your phone and your personal data. This is what you can look forward to.
Theft detection lock
This is perhaps the most advanced of the new features. Theft detection lock uses AI-powered motion detection to recognize theft scenarios.
For example, if someone grabs your phone from your hand and runs away, on foot, on a bike or even in a car, the phone will automatically lock.
Mishaal Rahman / Threads
This instant lock prevents unauthorized access to your apps and sensitive data, making your phone much more difficult to exploit if theft occurs
Offline device lock
In many cases, thieves try to disable a phone’s Internet connection to prevent tracking through services like Find My Device. Offline Device Lock helps combat this by automatically locking the device if it detects that it has been offline for too long.
This feature ensures that your data remains protected even when the phone is not connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data.
Remote locking
Remote Lock is a feature that is already available in some form on many Android phones. But if you can’t find it on your phone yet, you might be in luck.
This allows you to lock your phone remotely using just your phone number, which is especially useful if you don’t have access to your Google Account or if Find My Device isn’t available.

Mishaal Rahman / Threads
How do Android’s anti-theft features work?
These new features use your phone’s motion sensors and connectivity features to detect suspicious behavior and lock the device if necessary.
The aim is to give you peace of mind in theft situations by making it impossible for a thief to access your data or tamper with your phone’s settings.

Chris Martin / Foundry
Theft Detection Lock works by using your device’s motion sensors, Wi-Fi, and connected devices to detect suspicious activity. It is designed to recognize fast, forceful movements, such as when a phone is snatched from your hand.
Offline Device Lock aims to prevent thieves from keeping your phone in an untraceable state by going offline. If your device remains offline for too long, it will automatically lock, keeping your personal data safe.
Remote Lock allows users to lock their device remotely with a simple entry of a phone number, even if you can’t sign in to your Google account. This feature ensures that you maintain control of your device regardless of your ability to access other Google services.
Will my Android phone get the new features?
It appears the update is rolling out gradually to Android users, with availability varying depending on region and device model.
Early reports indicate that some users in the US are already receiving the update, although the exact timeline for global availability remains unclear.

Chris Martin / Foundry
For example, Xiaomi 14T Pro users have reported access to Theft Detection Lock and Offline Device Lock, while some Pixel phone users have reported access to Remote Lock but not the other two. It looks like Google is testing the waters before a full release.
How can you enable these features?
To check if you can access these features, make sure your Google Play Services are up to date. Once the update is available on your phone, you can access the new settings through a special ‘Theft Protection’ menu.
This is how each function works:
- Theft detection lock: activates automatically when suspicious movements are detected
- Offline device lock: Activates after extended offline periods
- Remote Lock: available via a special website or via simple entry of telephone numbers
With these new features, Android takes device security a step further and provides additional layers of protection for users concerned about data theft.
Make sure to check your device for the latest updates and discover these new anti-theft features as soon as they arrive on your Android phone.
And if you have a recent Pixel handset, your phone will receive a major free update.