Google has rolled out new Android security features designed to deter smartphone theft and protect sensitive user data. These updates, revealed on January 27, aim to make stolen devices less valuable and harder to compromise.

• Among the key enhancements is an expanded Failed Authentication Lock for Android 16 devices, increasing lockout periods after incorrect login attempts.
• The Identity Check feature, which requires biometric authentication for sensitive actions, has been extended across more apps and features, including third-party banking apps and Google Password Manager.
• The Remote Lock recovery tool now includes optional security challenges for added verification, and all protections apply to Android 10 and newer devices.
• In specific markets like Brazil, features such as Theft Detection Lock, which uses AI to automatically lock phones upon detecting theft, will be enabled by default.