Google has announced new Android security features intended to reduce the impact of smartphone theft. The tools are designed to protect devices and secure sensitive personal and financial data throughout every stage of a theft attempt.
The update introduces a key improvement for devices running Android 16 or later. Authentication Lock, which secures a device after multiple failed unlock attempts, will now be accessible through a dedicated toggle in system settings, offering users greater control.
Google is also expanding its Identity Check feature, first introduced in 2025, to cover all applications built on the Android Biometric Prompt API. The feature enforces biometric authentication when a device is used outside trusted locations, extending contextual security to banking apps, Google Password Manager, and third-party software.
To close off another common attack path, Google is reinforcing safeguards against PIN and passphrase guessing. Lockouts will last longer after repeated failures, while identical guesses are grouped together to prevent users from locking themselves out by mistake.
For phones that have already been lost or stolen, Google is updating the remote lock feature in Android Device Manager. The web-based tool will now offer an optional security question, adding an extra check to ensure only the rightful owner can lock the device.
As part of a targeted regional rollout, the new security features will be switched on by default for newly activated Android devices in Brazil. Two protections will be enabled immediately during setup: Theft Detection Lock, which uses motion sensors to lock the screen if it detects a sudden snatch-and-run movement, and the updated Remote Lock feature.
According to the Android Security Team, Google wants to stay one step ahead of thieves, even if how well these features work can vary by location. More theft protection updates are expected soon.
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