Having my iPhone stolen is certainly one of my worst nightmares, however I’m ready to cope with the issue. I’ve enabled all of the anti-theft protections Apple has for the handset, together with the Stolen Machine Safety function that Apple rolled out final yr. I’ve information backups as effectively, so restoring all my information to a brand new iPhone shall be quite simple.
I’d need to be simply as cautious with an Android system, which is why I’m thrilled to see Google launch a function that mirrors Apple’s Stolen Machine Safety performance.
Google on Thursday introduced Identification Test, an Android 15 function that makes use of biometrics to safe key areas of the telephone in case somebody accesses it outdoors of trusted locations. That method, your information is protected even when your telephone is stolen, and the thieves know the PIN that locks your display screen.
Google detailed Identification Test in a weblog publish, saying that Pixel telephones and Samsung gadgets operating One UI 7 (Android 15) would be the first to get it. Since One UI 7 shall be obtainable solely on the brand new Galaxy S25 telephones initially, you’ll have to attend some time to allow it on another gadgets.
Google will make Identification Test obtainable to different Android telephones later this yr.
Identification Test shall be elective, so that you’ll want to show it on within the Theft safety menu in your Android 15 telephone. When you allow it, the telephone would require biometric authentication to “entry sure delicate sources if you’re outdoors of trusted places.”
Google says Identification Test will allow enhanced safety for system settings and the Google Accounts you may use on supported gadgets. It’ll additionally deliver “extra safety” for Samsung Accounts. An attacker would have a harder time taking up these accounts, which might safeguard all types of knowledge.
Identification Test would require biometric authentication if you (or another person) attempt to entry these accounts or settings from an unknown location. Nevertheless, you’ll be able to designate trusted places within the app, so biometrics won’t be wanted at residence, work, and different locations the place you spend appreciable time.
As soon as enabled, Identification Test will make it inconceivable for thieves to do issues like change the telephone’s PIN, disable biometrics, and disable theft safety. Along with Google and Samsung accounts, Passkeys may even be protected.
Google additionally introduced that Theft Detection Lock, which makes use of on-device AI algorithms to find out whether or not a telephone could have been forcibly taken, now works on extra gadgets. You want Android 10 or later to allow the function.
