Did you know Google Shares New Android ‘Identity Check’ Security Feature That Locks Sensitive Settings

 

 Google has decided to up its security game with the launch of a new Android Identity Check.

The latest security feature locks sensitive settings behind a closed biometric authenticator. This happens when the device detects any external location setting that cannot be trusted.

The latest security offering is part of the device’s theft protection suite that also entail other features similar to 2024’s Theft Detection Lock. The latter is currently rolling out to more Android devices as we speak.

The latest Identity Check is created to better theft protections inside Android by enforcing biometric authentication for accessing sensitive settings on the device. Examples of sensitive settings include if the user wants to carry out a factory reset, alter screen locks, register another fingerprint, or switch off Find My Device. Similarly, it’s for accessing the Google Password Manager, developer options, and adding more Google accounts.

 The offering also gives rise to enhanced protection for accounts on Google with more security settings for accounts on eligible devices. During the launch period, Identity Check will only be up for grabs to Google Pixel devices with Android 15 as well as Galaxy phones with UI7.

To get the feature activated, simply make your way to Settings, Google Account, All Services, and Theft Protection. After that, just click on enable to make the toggle switch. The best thing about this latest offering is how it’s powered by AI-based theft identification systems. This means it can highlight any phone theft depending on the sensor data, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and even lock screens.

The offering is created to activate the feature if and when someone tries to grab the device from the user’s hands and tries to make the escape. This could result in data exposure if screens remain unlocked.

In the past, we saw that only on Google Pixel phones. Now, it’s launching to all Android devices having Android 10 and beyond. Just make sure you go to the settings tab to make the change. Also, note that features can be rolled out by Google Play updates even on those phones that aren’t supported by any security alerts.

Lastly, the Android maker just shared its plans of working side by side with GSMA to create more systems to tackle the theft of mobile devices. It’s still in the works but stay tuned as we’ll certainly provide more details when they’re released at a later date.