Android anti-theft protections add tougher locks and recovery

Google expanded anti-theft protections for Android 16 and higher, adding a user-facing toggle for Failed Authentication Lock, longer lockout times, broader Identity Check for biometric apps, and an optional security challenge for Remote Lock; in Brazil, Theft Detection Lock and Remote Lock are enabled by default using on-device AI.

Google has expanded its anti-theft protections for Android devices running Android 16 and higher. The update builds on earlier tools such as Theft Detection Lock and Offline Device Lock. It places greater emphasis on stronger authentication rules and simpler recovery when a device is lost or stolen. Some protections are enabled by default in specific markets. Key details: - A dedicated settings toggle now controls the Failed Authentication Lock, letting users see and adjust how quickly a device locks after repeated incorrect attempts. - Lockout durations have been extended to make PIN, pattern, or password guessing more difficult. - Identity Check is now applied across biometric-enabled apps, including banking applications and Google Password Manager. - Remote Lock (available on Android 10 and later) gained an optional web-based security challenge so only a verified owner can trigger a remote lock. - In Brazil, Google enabled Theft Detection Lock and Remote Lock by default, using on-device AI to identify possible "snatch-and-run" motion and ready defenses. Summary: The changes are intended to strengthen account safety, increase transparency around anti-theft settings, and reduce the appeal of stealing high-end Android devices. Undetermined at this time.