Google is now rolling out a new set of security features for Android that could help if someone grabs your phone and runs away. First announced in May, Theft Detection Lock, Offline Device Lock, and Remote Lock can detect if someone snatches your phone from your hand and tries to run away with it on foot, by bike, or by car. If the AI thinks this is truly a case of snatch and grab, the phone will lock automatically, potentially stopping the criminal from getting unwanted access to your apps and your data.
Offline Device Lock will automatically try and lock down your screen if it suspects a thief is trying to keep your phone “disconnected from the internet for an extended period.” Remote Lock will allow you to lock down your stolen phone using only your mobile number. This could be useful if you cannot access Google’s “Find My Device Feature” in an emergency or need your smartphone to bypass your email account’s two-factor authentication.
Mishaal Rahman, an independent Android expert, says in a post on Threads that Google is currently rolling out all three features in beta after spotting it on his Xiaomi 14T Pro. Rahman says the features, which have been beta testing in Brazil since August, are due for a wider rollout this year.
It’s not just snatch and grabs that users need to worry about when it comes to protecting their smartphones. Cybercriminals are consistently finding new ways to try and comprise your mobile banking data. In August, researchers from cybersecurity firm ESET revealed new malware targeting Android phones that can relay payment data from nearby phones with near-field communication (NFC) enabled.
