Samsung Galaxy phones with One UI 8 will get improved theft protection features

In 2024, Google introduced theft protection features for Android smartphones. These features were released to Galaxy smartphones with the One UI 7.0 update. Now, Google has announced improvements to those security features, and they could soon arrive on Galaxy phones.

google android 16 theft protection failed authentication lock

Failed Authentication Lock: Google has enhanced the Failed Authentication Lock feature, which locks the device screen after too many failed unlock attempts. It now includes a dedicated toggle, giving users more control over this security feature.

Identity Check: This feature was introduced with Android 15 and requires biometric authentication when performing certain actions if the device is outside a trusted location. Now, all apps and services that use Android’s Biometric Prompt can take advantage of this security feature.

Screen Lock Guessing: Google is increasing the lockout time if an incorrect password, pattern, or PIN is entered too many times. This makes it harder for a thief to unlock your phone. However, if your child is making those attempts, repeated identical incorrect guesses will not count toward the retry limit.

Improved Remote Lock: If your phone is misplaced or stolen, you can remotely lock it so an unauthorized person cannot access your data. Google is now adding an optional security question or challenge to the remote lock process, ensuring that only you can initiate it and not someone else. This feature is available for devices running Android 10 or newer.

In Brazil, new Android phones will have Remote Lock and Theft Detection features enabled by default.

Asif Iqbal Shaik - Senior Editor

[email protected]

First Samsung device: T100

Asif is a computer engineer turned technology journalist. He has been using Samsung phones since 2004, and his current smartphone is the Galaxy S23 Ultra. He loves headphones, mechanical keyboards, and PC hardware. When not writing about technology, he likes watching crime and science fiction movies and TV shows.

Phone Android 16 Google One UI 8.0

Galaxy phones with One UI 8 could get improved theft protection features

Asif Iqbal Shaik - Senior Editor

[email protected]

First Samsung device: T100