Google enhances Android theft protection features

Google has announced an expansion of its Android theft-protection features, aiming to make mobile devices a less attractive target for criminals. Building on existing tools, the newly launched updates include stronger authentication safeguards and enhanced recovery tools, based on information published by TechCrunch.

The new features offer users of Android 16 and higher more control over the Failed Authentication Lock, which locks a device after too many incorrect login attempts, by adding a dedicated on/off toggle. Lockout times after failed PIN, pattern, or password attempts will also increase. Identity Check, previously for Android 15 and higher, now extends to all apps using biometrics, including banking apps and Google Password Manager. Remote Lock, accessible via a web browser, now includes an optional security challenge to verify the owner before locking a lost or stolen device. In Brazil, Theft Detection Lock and Remote Lock will be enabled by default.

Source: TechCrunch