Google Updates Android Theft Protection Features

Google has rolled out a series of updates to its Android theft protection features, aimed at strengthening device security and making stolen phones more difficult for thieves to access. The enhancements, announced this week, build on tools introduced in recent years and apply primarily to devices running Android 16 or higher, with some available on older versions.

The updates focus on improving authentication safeguards to prevent unauthorized access. One key change involves the Failed Authentication Lock feature, which automatically secures the device after multiple incorrect login attempts. Users can now enable or disable this through a dedicated toggle in the settings menu, providing greater control. Additionally, lockout durations will increase progressively with repeated failed attempts using a PIN, pattern, or password, discouraging brute-force attacks. To avoid frustrating legitimate users, the system will not count identical incorrect guesses toward the lockout threshold, reducing the risk of accidental restrictions.

Another significant expansion targets the Identity Check feature, originally launched earlier this year for Android 15 and above. This tool now extends to...