Google has announced an expanded set of Android theft protection updates focused on reducing the risk of financial fraud and data misuse after a phone is lost or stolen. The updates strengthen authentication safeguards, improve recovery mechanisms, and expand default protection for new devices in select markets.
Stronger authentication safeguards
Failed Authentication Lock controls
Failed Authentication Lock, introduced with Android 15, automatically locks a device after repeated failed unlock attempts. Google has added a dedicated enable or disable toggle in settings, allowing users to manage how the feature is applied.
Expanded Identity Check coverage
Identity Check, introduced in early 2025 for devices running Android 15 and above, requires biometric authentication for certain sensitive actions when the device is outside trusted locations. Later in the year, Google expanded Identity Check to cover all features and apps that use the Android Biometric Prompt. This extension applies additional protection to third-party banking apps and Google Password Manager.
Stronger protection against screen lock guessing
Android is increasing lockout durations following multiple failed PIN, pattern, or password attempts to reduce the risk of screen lock guessing. To prevent accidental lockouts, repeated identical incorrect attempts will no longer count toward the retry limit.
Enhanced recovery and default-on protections
Remote Lock improvements
Remote Lock, available through android.com/lock, allows users to lock a lost or stolen device from any web browser. Google is adding an optional security question or challenge to the process to help ensure that only the device owner can initiate a remote lock.
Default-on theft protection in Brazil
For new Android devices activated in Brazil, Google is enabling theft protection features by default. Theft Detection Lock uses on-device AI to detect motion and contextual signals associated with snatch-and-run theft attempts and automatically locks the device screen when detected. Remote Lock will also be available without prior setup, allowing users to secure their device remotely.
Availability
- Android 16 and above: Expanded authentication safeguards, including enhanced Identity Check coverage and stronger lockout protections
- Android 10 and above: Updated Remote Lock recovery tools
- Brazil: Theft Detection Lock and Remote Lock enabled by default on new Android device activations