Google’s new anti-theft feature is coming to Android, but it has a strange limitation : Tech : Tech Times

Keeping your Android phone safe just got smarter. Google showed off three new anti-theft features at I/O 2024, and early tests reveal some interesting details.

One of these features, called Offline Device Lock, lets you automatically lock your Pixel phone or any other Android phone if someone tries to use it offline, especially if they want to steal your credentials and documents.

While it offers some cool features to keep everyone safe, it also has a major flaw when you need it most.

Three new safeguards against lost or stolen devices

(Photo: Daniel Romero on Unsplash)

Google previously said there would be three anti-theft features, but Offline Device Lock can only be used a few times a day. Here’s how it works.

In May, Google teased viewers that AI could instantly lock their devices if an attacker tried to use them for malicious purposes. With these features, you can secure your phone and all the information stored on it.

Theft Detection: This feature automatically locks your device if its movement patterns suggest potential theft.

Remote Lock: If your device is lost or stolen, you can remotely lock it using another device after answering your security questions.

Device Lock When Offline: Prevents thieves from attempting to disable remote tracking by locking your phone when it is offline for an extended period of time.

Related Article: Google Find My Device: How to Turn Off Offline Tracking

Offline Device Lockdown: Early Access Reveals Limitations

XDA developer and advisor @AssembleDebug was able to enable Offline Device Lock via the Google Play Services beta. It’s actually useful, but its limitations may not appeal to some Android phone owners.

Limited Uses: You can only lock your device twice a day using this method. This will likely prevent accidental activations.

Activation Trigger: This feature only activates when an unlocked phone unexpectedly goes offline, which may suggest theft.

Potential workarounds used by thieves

While Offline Device Lock is a promising addition, it’s important to consider potential workarounds by thieves. They can:

Activate Airplane Mode: This will disable offline tracking without activating the lock.

Turn off location permissions: Similarly, stopping location services will prevent tracking without locking your phone.

Limited beta availability and potential changes

Currently, the Offline Device Lock feature is only available in the beta channel for users in Brazil who sign up for the test program, according to Android Police. The feature may undergo further changes before its official release.

Promising features with room for improvement

Overall, these new anti-theft features are a welcome addition to Android’s security suite. With continued development and potential vulnerabilities patched, they could significantly improve the security of your phone.

While the limited applications of Offline Device Lock may raise some concerns, practical tests may provide more clarity on its effectiveness. We will have to wait for the official release to see how these features work in real-world scenarios.

There is still no official release date for the anti-theft security features. The company has not yet announced their rollout in some parts of the world.

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