Android: Set up anti-theft screen lock

Android 15 has received a new anti-theft feature. It was announced in May and is now being distributed globally for Android 14. The theft detection lock detects atypical movements that indicate someone is taking your smartphone out of your hand or off the table. To prevent a thief from accessing the information on your device, the screen will automatically lock. The system also looks for other signs of unauthorized activity. You have to activate the whole thing proactively under Settings > Google > Google Services > Anti-Theft. There you have to activate the anti-theft screen lock. This feature uses a device’s motion sensors, Wi-Fi connection, and connections to smart home devices to detect when someone abruptly snatches the device from you and quickly moves away from you.

Important to know: The anti-theft screen lock only works if your smartphone is unlocked and actively being used at the time it is stolen. You may also want to enable remote locking in the same settings screen.

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