Google is reportedly rolling out new features to help users better protect their data if their Android device is stolen. According to a new leak, the company has started rolling out three new features that allow different ways to lock the device in case of theft. The Theft Detection Lock feature is said to use machine learning (ML) capabilities to detect if the phone is stolen by a thief. Similarly, the Offline Device Lock feature locks the device if it is disconnected from the Internet for an extended period, the leak claims.

Android’s new anti-theft features leaked

In a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), whistleblower Mishaal Rahman said that Google has started rolling out three new Android features aimed at protecting user data. The first feature is called Theft Detection Lock. Rahman claimed that the feature uses an ML model that can detect when the smartphone is stolen from the user’s hand by a thief on foot, bicycle or car.

Android Theft Protection features
Photo:

Based on the description, it seems that this feature can be activated if a sudden change in speed or rough movement is detected. Once this feature is activated, the device is said to be automatically locked to protect data from criminals.

The second function is considered to be blocking the device in offline mode. The advisory states that if the thief keeps the device disconnected from the Internet for an extended period of time (presumably to avoid detection), the device will automatically activate the screen lock. However, the leak does not mention the amount of time it takes to activate the feature or whether it can be customized by the user.

Finally, the third feature is called Remote Lock. It is said to be an improvement on Android’s existing Find My Device feature, which allows users to remotely lock their devices. However, users need a Google Account email address and password to access Find My Device. If they remember the password, the Remote Lock function can be very convenient. Rahman claims the feature can remotely lock a device using just a phone number.

According to the source, the first two features were spotted on the Xiaomi 14T Pro, while the third feature was spotted on the Pixel devices. These features are expected to be available to Android users in the US after the beta launch in August.