Google has added smart theft-detection features to Android in recent years. For years, Android anti-theft protection was more reactionary than proactive. Fortunately, anti-theft tools are finally getting better at preventing theft with the help of AI and Google's built-in Theft Protection suite. If your phone is snatched, new motion-sensing theft detection will quickly lock it down. If a thief kills your connection by pulling your SIM card or switching to Airplane Mode, the Offline Device Lock feature triggers a countdown, locking the screen.

These features avoid false positives with usage limitations and active use checks. You don't have to dig deep into settings to activate them. As long as your device is running Android 10 or newer, the feature is bundled into Google Play Services. Note that some entry-level or budget smartphones running Android Go Edition, Android tablets, and devices lacking full Google Play Services may not have all features.

The primary settings are under Google's Theft Protection menu. For Samsung users: Settings → Security and Privacy → Lost Device Protection → Theft Protection. For Pixel phones: Settings → Security & Privacy → Device Unlock → Theft Protection. Enable Theft Detection Lock first—it uses motion and sudden disconnection indicators to lock the screen automatically. Next, enable Offline Device Lock so your screen stays protected if a thief disables mobile data or Wi-Fi. Last, set up Remote Lock to lock your phone from anywhere via android.com/lock.

You'll never fully take advantage of Theft Protection features without a PIN, biometrics, and a strong password. Google explicitly requires a screen lock for Identity Check and other device-protection tools. On Pixels and newer Android phones, Identity Check can periodically re-verify using biometrics or PIN, especially when away from familiar locations. Enable Theft Detection Lock and Offline Device Lock so your phone auto-locks and remains locked even if the thief yanks it offline. On Samsung Galaxy phones, a dedicated Theft Protection page ties into Samsung's own lost-device tools. Make sure Remote Lock is enabled and your phone number is verified.