Imagine that as you’re strolling down the street, your phone is suddenly taken by someone who then leaves. Your phone is gone, and you’re scared about what the thief could get their hands on during that panicked time. Google, however, may be able to save you from this misery! This will protect your personal data. The US is seeing a rollout of these intelligent features that make it more difficult than ever for thieves to unlock stolen smartphones.

What is Theft Detection Lock?

One of the most interesting new security measures is the Theft Detection Lock. Its purpose is to identify instances in which someone takes your phone by force. Regardless of whether the burglar takes it while you’re biking or walking, this feature detects the abrupt movement and possible theft.

A machine learning (ML) model that tracks how your phone is handled powers the detection system. For example, the phone will lock itself if it detects sudden acceleration after being removed from your hand. Locking your phone makes it so that the burglar cannot access your data, apps, or personal information. This is a big comfort for those who are concerned about their phone being used maliciously. The instantaneous locking feature makes it difficult for a burglar to use the device without authorisation.

How Does This Feature Work?

The Theft Detection Lock operates by examining movement patterns on your phone. A machine learning model developed by Google is capable of identifying the precise behaviours that signify phone theft. When someone abruptly grabs the phone and flees, for example, or races off in a car or bike, the phone will detect this movement and lock itself.

The best part is that customers don’t have to manually activate this detection because it is entirely automatic. It is intended to activate while a thief is moving, preventing them from using your phone even if they manage to get their hands on it. Additionally, this lock can function offline because it doesn’t require a continuous internet connection.

In addition to Theft Detection Lock, Offline Device Lock is another new protection. If someone tries to take your phone off the internet for a long time, it locks the screen. This guarantees that the device will continue to defend itself even in the event that an attempt is made to disable remote tracking or unlocking.

The last feature is Remote Lock, which lets users remotely lock their phone by providing its phone number. This is especially useful if “Find My Device” or your Google account aren’t accessible. It offers an extra degree of remote security.

Who Can Access These Features?

Currently, Google is making these functionalities available to American consumers. Different devices seem to be getting different features at different times, suggesting a progressive rollout. For instance, some customers claim to have received Offline Device Lock and Theft Detection Lock but not Remote Lock. In contrast, select Pixel users have access to Remote Lock but not the other two.

Although a variety of Android smartphones should be able to use the new locks, the distribution is initially limited to certain models. More customers in the U.S. are anticipated to acquire the features shortly after they were first put into beta testing in Brazil in August.

It is likely that a future software update for your Xiaomi 14T Pro or Google Pixel will include these additional security features. With these safeguards, consumers may feel secure even in the worst-case scenario and take a big step towards protecting their data from theft.