Some Android users can already access new theft-protection features

You can now check in your Settings app whether your smartphone has Theft Detection Lock, Offline Device Lock, or Remote Lock features.

This May, Google announced new tools for Android users to protect personal information against thieves. Some users in Brazil have already seen these in a beta version.

Now, Google is rolling out the new tools across the US.

Tech journalist Mishaal Rahman reports that he’s found the Theft Detection Lock and Offline Device Lock features on his Xiaomi 14T Pro smartphone.

Theft Detection Lock uses AI to detect when someone grabs your phone from your hand and tries to run away on foot, by bike, or by car.

Meanwhile, Offline Device Lock automatically locks your screen if a thief tries to keep your phone disconnected from the internet for an extended period of time.

Some users of Google Pixel smartphones also report seeing the Remote lock feature, which allows you to lock your phone remotely using just your phone number.

According to Google, many users are shocked after a phone goes missing and can’t recall their Google account password to access Find My Device. In this case, the ability to lock a phone with a phone number should be very useful.

These three features actually appear to be rolling out globally, judging by all the replies I've received! https://t.co/IAj8NLcST0

undefined Mishaal Rahman (@MishaalRahman) October 5, 2024

The new features are being rolled via a Google Play services update, requiring users to have Android 10 or earlier.

The easiest way to check whether your smartphone has these new tools is to type the tool's name in the settings app. You’ll also have to enable them before using them.