The Next Time You Lose Your Android Phone, It Will Be Easier to Recover
1 min read
Summary
Google is making several new security features available to protect phones in the event of theft or loss.
Factory Reset Protection (FRP) is activated when a factory reset is initiated and the phone requires the previous owner’s PIN, password, pattern, or associated Google account details to verify ownership.
These new security features are expected with the first or second Quarterly Platform Release (QPR) of Android 16, which will make the device practically unusable for the thief, and additionally make it difficult to sell due to the phone being rendered unusable.
This will also make it easier to recover the device as the user’s security settings, such as Find My, are likely to still be in place.
The Find My Device app is also evolving into Find Hub, which will have built-in luggage tracking, and the ability to track skis and share Bluetooth tag locations with selected airlines.
The identity Check feature, available on some Samsung and Pixel devices, will force biometric authentication for access to sensitive areas of the phone when not in a secure location.
This makes it harder for PINs and passwords to be circumvented in the event of theft.
