Default
Door staff@engadget.com (Alec Hively) - 31 Aug 2026
Having your phone stolen is awful, but it can be less panic-inducing than you'd expect with Android's suite of threat protection features. To turn on theft protection, go to Settings > Google > All services. From there, navigate to the Personal & device safety section and tap Theft protection, which holds several advanced security features.
The first is called Theft Detection Lock, which uses your phone's Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and motion sensors to detect if someone forcefully takes your phone. To enable this, enable Theft Detection Lock in the above settings page. A similar security measure, dubbed Offline Device Lock, automatically locks your screen if someone takes your device offline to prevent you from tracking their movements in Find Hub.
The Failed Authentication Lock feature in the same menu protects from someone guessing your PIN. Identity Check adds an additional layer of security, as it requires your biometric data to change critical security features like passwords or two-factor recovery.
Another useful theft protection tool is Android's Remote Lock feature, which has you lock your device from a verified phone number. To enable this, your phone must have an active SIM card, a verified phone number, and Find Hub activated. Once it's on, you can remotely set your stolen phone's screen to lock when it comes back online. To do so, visit android.com/lock, enter your phone number, and follow the prompts. You also can add a security question to restrict the feature in the Remote Lock menu.
The first is called Theft Detection Lock, which uses your phone's Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and motion sensors to detect if someone forcefully takes your phone. To enable this, enable Theft Detection Lock in the above settings page. A similar security measure, dubbed Offline Device Lock, automatically locks your screen if someone takes your device offline to prevent you from tracking their movements in Find Hub.
The Failed Authentication Lock feature in the same menu protects from someone guessing your PIN. Identity Check adds an additional layer of security, as it requires your biometric data to change critical security features like passwords or two-factor recovery.
Another useful theft protection tool is Android's Remote Lock feature, which has you lock your device from a verified phone number. To enable this, your phone must have an active SIM card, a verified phone number, and Find Hub activated. Once it's on, you can remotely set your stolen phone's screen to lock when it comes back online. To do so, visit android.com/lock, enter your phone number, and follow the prompts. You also can add a security question to restrict the feature in the Remote Lock menu.