Google is rolling out a major security update for Android that will make your phone significantly harder for thieves to exploit.
This upgrade introduces a multi-layered defense system designed to protect your information before, during, and after a theft attempt, making a stolen device effectively useless to a thief.
The new security features, mostly aimed at devices running Android 16 and above, give users enhanced control and introduce stringent barriers against thieves attempting to breach privacy. One addition is the expanded Identity Check, which requires a thief to provide a fingerprint or face scan when you are not in a “trusted place” in order to access apps such as banking and password managers.
Failed Authentication Lock lets users decide exactly when the screen should lock after multiple incorrect attempts, a feature initially available in Android 15 but now with greater control. Smart Lockout increases lockout time after incorrect guesses to prevent PIN guessing, while not penalizing accidental attempts by others or children.
The update also strengthens Enhanced Remote Lock, adding an extra security challenge so only you can lock the phone remotely from a browser. 9
