Google Find My Device may soon add these two useful features

The Find My Device app has long been a trusted ally for Android users in helping them recover lost or misplaced devices. With the recent introduction of Find My Device, its usefulness has expanded further, making it easier to track tagged items and compatible devices. However, having to enter your Google account password to access the app, while an important security measure, was considered inconvenient by many. According to a report by Android Authority, Google’s upcoming integration of biometric unlocking support is intended to streamline the process and improve the user experience without compromising security.

Streamlined authentication with biometric unlocking

Users now have the option to select “Don’t ask again” when they sign in to the Find My Device app, which allows them to bypass future password prompts for faster access. However, this convenience comes with an inherent privacy risk, as unauthorized access to the device could potentially compromise the security of the location data of tagged items.

According to the report, to alleviate this concern, Google is going to introduce an innovative “Allow biometric login” feature in the app. Once activated, users will authenticate their identity through biometric verification, providing secure and quick access to Find My Device. As confirmed by the successful activation of this feature in the latest version of the app by Android Authority contributor AssembleDebug, its public debut is expected soon.

Increased security with remote lock function

In parallel with biometric unlocking, Google is working diligently on Remote Lock, which aims to simplify the process of securing lost or misplaced Android devices. Currently, users can use the Find My Device app on alternate devices to remotely lock lost phones as long as they remember their Google account login details. However, relying on login credentials can be a challenge for people using password managers or switching to password-based authentication.

The upcoming Remote Lock feature aims to address this limitation by allowing users to lock their device screens with a simple process of entering a phone number and completing a security task. Set to be integrated in an upcoming Google Play Services update, this feature provides additional security and accessibility for users of devices running Android 10 or later.