New anti-theft features rolling out on Android 15

Android 15's new anti-theft feature is rolling out

Google's latest Android update tried to outsmart thieves with a game-changing security feature on your smartphone.

The long-awaited Theft Detection Lock, first teased at Google I/O earlier this year, is now rolling out to Android devices.

This artificial intelligence-powered tool aims to keep your personal information safe if someone tries to snatch your phone.

If you have an iPhone, you'll want to check out Apple's stolen device protection.

GET SECURITY ALERTS, EXPERT TIPS – SIGN UP FOR KURT’S NEWSLETTER – THE CYBERGUY REPORT HERE

Theft Detection Lock feature on Android? (Google)

How Theft Detection Lock works

Theft Detection Lock uses your phone's built-in sensors to detect suspicious movements associated with theft. If someone grabs your phone and tries to make a quick getaway, the AI kicks in and locks your screen instantly. This feature utilizes the gyroscope and accelerometer to recognize sudden jerks or jolts followed by rapid acceleration. But, first, make sure your phone is updated to the latest software by following these steps:

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer

Go to your phone's?Settings app.
Tap on "System" or?"Software Update" to check for available updates.
If an update is available, tap?"Download and Install" and follow the on-screen instructions.
Once the update is installed, restart your phone to complete the process.

Steps to update software on Android (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)

BEST ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR ANDROID

Steps to enable Theft Detection Lock

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer

Open your phone's Settings app
Tap the search icon and type?"anti theft"
Select?"Theft Protection" from the results
Toggle the switch next to?"Theft Detection Lock" to turn it on
Read the?pop-up explanation and tap?"Turn On" to confirm

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?

Steps to enable Theft Detection Lock on Android (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)

ANDROID'S LATEST NIGHTMARE: MILLIONS OF DEVICES INFECTED BY SNEAKY MALWARE

Additional anti-theft features

Along with Theft Detection Lock, Google is rolling out two more security features, Offline Device Lock and Remote Lock.

Offline Device Lock

Offline Device Lock secures your phone if it's kept offline for an extended period. This feature ensures that your device remains protected even when it’s not connected to the internet. Here's how to set up Offline Device Lock.

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer

Go to your phone’s?Settings app.
Tap the search icon and type?"anti theft"
Select?"Theft protection" from the results
Toggle the switch next to?"Offline Device Lock" to turn it on
Read the?pop-up explanation and tap?"Turn On" to confirm
Follow the?on-screen instructions to enable Offline Device Lock. This might include setting a PIN, password or pattern.

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

Steps to enable Offline Device Lock on Android? (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)

FREE UP STORAGE SPACE ON YOUR ANDROID WITH THIS UPDATED APP

Remote Lock

It allows you to lock your device remotely using just your phone number. This feature is particularly useful if your phone is lost or stolen. Here's how to set up Remote Lock.

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer

Go to your phone’s Settings app
Take?More Security Settings?
Tap on?Theft protection
Scroll down and tap?Remote Lock
Toggle on next to where it says?Use Remote Lock?
Follow the?on-screen prompts to link your phone number

PROTECT YOUR ANDROIDS FROM MALWARE

Steps to enable Remote Lock on Android (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)

Availability

These new features are rolling out to Android devices running Android 10 or later. While some users already have access, others may need to wait a bit longer as the rollout continues.

Kurt's key takeaways

Google's new anti-theft features represent a significant step forward in smartphone security. By leveraging AI and on-device sensors, Android phones can now actively protect against theft attempts. As these features become more widely available, they should provide you with greater peace of mind and potentially deter would-be thieves. Remember to keep your Android device updated to ensure you have access to the latest security enhancements.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

What other security features would you like to see implemented in future smartphone updates? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you'd like us to cover

Follow Kurt on his social channels

Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

New from Kurt:

Try CyberGuy's new games (crosswords, word searches, trivia and more!)

Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on "FOX & Friends." Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.