How To Enable Theft Protection On Android Smartphones? Take These Steps To Protect Your Data

You must have wondered what it is that you can possibly do to protect your device and data in case it gets stolen, right? Well you are not the only one to think about it. If you have an Android then this article is for you,

With the Android theft protection security features you can prevent the thief from gaining access to your data if it gets stolen. You can enable your device to go into lock mode automatically if any suspicious or threatening activity is detected or if the thief puts your device in offline mode. To protect any sensitive information you can also remotely lock your device for better security and data protection. While it's impossible to control what happens to your device if it's stolen you can at least prevent the thief from gaining access to your personal information. This guide will give you all the necessary information required to enable these features, so keep reading and stay safe!

Steps To Enable Theft Protection On Your Android Device

Now please note that this feature is available only in devices operating on Android 10 or later versions. Firstly, to use this feature, the device should be protected with a screen lock. Next, you need to make sure that you are signed in with a Google account on your selected device.

Here is a step-by-step guide: 

- Open the Settings on your Android smartphone. Scroll down and select Google.

- Next, tap on the All Services tab, navigate to the Personal and Device Safety section, and click on Theft Protection.

❮❯

If you can’t find this feature, make sure your device is running the latest version of Android. To do this, go to Settings > System > Software Update, and update Google Play services. Once you've completed these steps, restart your smartphone and verify if the feature is enabled.

- To enhance your device’s security, enable Theft Protection, which automatically locks your device if theft-related activity is detected.

- For added protection, turn on Offline Device Lock, which locks your phone if it goes offline.

Since theft protection may not always be reliable, enable the Remote Lock feature to lock your device remotely using your phone number.

ALSO READ: Google I/O 2025: Dates Confirmed, Big Announcements Expected For Android 16 And Gemini

Remote Lock and Find My Device Lock

- Under Remote Secure Device, select Remote Lock and enable the Remote Lock feature. Also, click on Find and Erase Your Device, ensuring that Use Find My Device is turned on. This will help you locate your device or erase its data if necessary.

- To remotely lock your stolen device, visit android.com/lock, enter the device’s phone number, and click Lock Device. According to Google, it may take up to a minute to lock your device, and you can only lock it twice per day. While I tested this feature, it didn’t always work for me.