How to turn on Theft Detection Lock on Android
Go to Settings > Google > All services > Theft protection and turn on Theft Detection Lock. If the switch is greyed out, your phone doesn't support it.
- Privacy & Security
- Moderate · 2 min
- Android phones with Google Play services, Android 15 and 16 where the feature is offered
- Cheat sheet
How to do it
Open Settings > Google > All services.
Under Personal & device safety, tap Theft protection.
Turn on Theft Detection Lock. If the switch is grayed out, this phone does not support it.
If you cannot find the menu, search Settings for Theft protection, or look under Settings > Security & privacy > Device unlock.
The phone has to be unlocked for the detection to matter. A phone that is already locked is already locked.
This is not a guarantee. It is one lock that fires in a specific kind of theft. Find Hub, or Find My Device, is still how you locate or wipe a phone later.
Questions people ask
How does Theft Detection Lock work?
It uses the phone's sensors to spot a grab-and-run, like a snatch followed by fast movement, and locks the screen.
Do I still need Find My Device?
Yes. Theft Detection Lock only locks the phone. Find Hub is how you locate or wipe it afterwards.
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