Google’s offline device lock feature only works twice a day (APK file deletion)

Google announced that it will be introducing new anti-theft features for Pixel phones during Google I/O. These features include Theft Detection Lock, Offline Device Lock, and Remote Lock. We were able to activate some of these features during our recent APK teardown.

If you don’t remember what these features do, theft detection lock will automatically lock your device if it detects movement commonly associated with theft. Offline device lock will lock your device if it thinks a thief is trying to disconnect your phone for an extended period of time. Finally, remote lock will let you lock your device with another phone by entering your phone number and responding to a quick security challenge.

Using Google Play Services (beta 24.26.31), we were able to manually activate the offline device lock feature. When using it, we received a pop-up notification confirming that the phone was locked after being disconnected from Wi-Fi and data for a while. Users will also see a pop-up explaining how the feature works, along with options to enable or disable the feature.

Something surprising we discovered is that the feature only seems to automatically lock your device twice a day. Google didn’t mention this limitation in the announcement, but it’s clear as day in the screenshot above.

Since announcing this and two other anti-theft features, Google has opened up beta access to users in Brazil. However, anyone who wants to test it out must fill out a form to gain access. There is no date for when Google will open access to other parts of the world.