Android Theft Protection includes motion, offline, and remote lock settings
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Google's Android Theft Protection suite contains three features: Theft Detection Lock, Offline Device Lock, and Remote Lock. Theft Detection Lock uses motion signals, Offline Device Lock locks after disconnection, and Remote Lock works via android.com/lock. Users can enable each under Theft Protection on Android 10 or newer.
Key Facts
- Google's Theft Detection Lock uses motion and sudden disconnection indicators to automatically lock a phone screen when a device is snatched.
- Offline Device Lock triggers a countdown and locks the screen shortly after a thief disables mobile data or Wi-Fi or pulls the SIM card.
- Remote Lock lets users lock a stolen phone by entering the phone number at android.com/lock, even if the thief moves the phone to another network.
- The features are bundled into Google Play Services on devices running Android 10 or newer, though some Android Go Edition phones and tablets may lack them.
Theft Protection Suite
Google bundles the Theft Protection security suite into Google Play Services for devices running Android 10 or newer. Samsung owners reach the Theft Detection Lock through Settings → Security and Privacy → Lost Device Protection → Theft Protection. Pixel owners find the same features under Settings → Security & Privacy → Device Unlock → Theft Protection. Entry-level Android Go Edition phones with low RAM and some tablets may not include the full range of Google security features.
Motion and Offline Locks
Theft Detection Lock uses motion and sudden disconnection indicators, such as a device being snatched and moved quickly, to lock the phone screen automatically. After the user enables and confirms the feature, the device responds to aggressive or sudden movement. Offline Device Lock triggers a countdown and locks the screen shortly after a thief switches on Airplane Mode or pulls the SIM card.
Remote Lock Access
Remote Lock lets a user lock a stolen phone from any location by visiting android.com/lock and entering the phone number. The feature works regardless of the network the thief moves the phone to. Google's Find Hub app is no longer the only fallback option for locking a device.
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Android Theft Protection includes motion, offline, and remote lock settings
