- Google has announced four new anti-theft protection features, primarily for the upcoming Android 17 OS.
- The four features include: mandatory biometric authentication when marked as “lost,” “Theft Protection” enabled by default, stricter screen lock password attempt limits, and the ability to check the IMEI directly from the lock screen.
- Some of these features will also be rolled out to versions prior to Android 17.
On Tuesday, May 12, 2026 (local time), Google announced four new anti-theft protection features to be introduced primarily in the next-generation Android OS, “Android 17.”
The four announced features include mandatory biometric authentication when marked as “lost,” “Theft Protection” enabled by default, stricter screen lock password attempt limits, and support for checking the IMEI (device identification number) from the lock screen. While these are primarily for “Android 17,” some features will also be introduced for versions earlier than Android 17.
Mandatory Biometric Authentication when “Marked as Lost”
Starting with Android 17, if you lose your Android device, you can mark it as “lost” via the web-based “Find Hub.”
When an Android device is “marked as lost,” the screen will lock, but unlocking it will now require biometric authentication in addition to the passcode. This ensures that the screen lock remains secure even if the passcode is bypassed.
Furthermore, when a device is “marked as lost,” Quick Settings will be hidden, and new Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connections will be blocked.
“Theft Protection” Enabled by Default
For Android devices running Android 17, the “Theft Protection” setting will be enabled by default, including after major OS updates.
Note that in regions with high demand for theft protection, such as the UK, Brazil, and Mexico, this feature will be enabled by default starting from Android 10 and later.
Stricter Screen Lock Password Attempt Limits
Starting with Android 17, the limits for password attempts when unlocking the screen will become much stricter.
This measure is designed to prevent brute-force attacks that attempt to unlock the screen within a short period. Additionally, the waiting time after exceeding the allowed number of password attempts will be extended.
Support for Checking IMEI from the Lock Screen
Starting with Android 12, it will be possible to verify the IMEI (device identification number) directly from the lock screen.
This allows mobile carriers and authorities to quickly identify ownership, making it easier for lost Android devices to be returned to their owners.
Source：Google（https://blog.google/security/whats-new-in-android-security-privacy-2026/）
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