To detect if someone unexpectedly takes your device and runs away, Theft Detection Lock uses AI, your device’s motion sensors, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. If Theft Detection Lock detects your device is taken from you, it automatically locks your device’s screen to protect its content. For example, if someone grabs the phone out of your hand and they run, bike, or drive away, the Theft Detection Lock may activate. To minimize the impact of phone theft, protect your data and your device with security features.
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Your phone has a unique serial number and a unique IMEI number assigned by a mobile network operator. This can be helpful for your mobile network operator to find your phone or pause services in case it’s missing. To manage features on a supported Android device, learn how to protect your personal data against theft. Ensure you have a strong Wi-Fi or mobile data connection. For websites that support them, passkeys are a secure way to sign in without a password.
Add an optional security question for Remote Lock
If your Android device is stolen or you’re not sure if it’s been taken, you can find, secure, or erase its data remotely. If you’ve added a Google Account to your device, Find Hub is automatically turned on. You can pin a screen to lock your device to only one app, it remains in view until you unpin with your PIN, pattern, or password. When you pin a screen, you can use the device but only for a selected app.
- Learn how to back up or restore data on your Android device.
- For the specific setup steps, please refer to your device manufacturer for additional information and assistance.
- To manage features on a supported Android device, learn how to protect your personal data against theft.
- The forum has an active community of experts who can help with Google Play.
- To copy apps and data on your new Android device, tap Copy.
Can’t access location
Learn more about how to back up or restore data on a Pixel phone or on an Android phone. You can back up the contacts stored on your phone or SIM card. If you lose or need to replace your phone, you can restore these contacts on the new phone.
Sensitive actions that require biometric authentication
- After your device goes offline, Offline Device Lock automatically locks your device screen.
- If these steps resolve your issue, re-enable password protection and parental controls.
- You can’t restore a backup from a higher Android version onto a phone running a lower Android version.
- Make sure your device is compatible with Google Play services and the app you’re trying to download.
- If your device is offline when you send a lock screen request through Remote Lock, its screen locks automatically once it’s online.
You can use this payment method to buy apps, or items within the apps you download from Google Play, including the apps mentioned above. When you add a payment method, you’ll automatically get access to thousands of books, movies, TV shows, and games. When you go to android.com/lock to lock your device, you’ll be asked to enter your phone number. If you have set up a security question, you’ll be asked for your security answer. If your device is offline when you send a lock screen request through Remote Lock, its screen locks automatically once it’s online. After your device’s screen is locked remotely, it can only be unlocked locally with your screen lock.
Export, back up, or restore contacts
The forum android definition has an active community of experts who can help with Google Play. Browse previous discussions or post your question to get advice. If you report a stolen phone, law enforcement may also ask for your serial number and IMEI number.
To prioritize your safety, Google’s Find Hub uses multi-layered protections. For example, one of these protections is “aggregation by default” and is a key difference of the Find Hub network compared to other finding networks. However, this may sometimes affect detection of Bluetooth trackers, especially in low-traffic areas. Find Hub may be unable to access the recent location of a device or accessory due to location encryption being out of sync.
If you plan to buy apps or something within the apps you download, set up a payment method. Users are strongly encouraged to set up biometrics for authentication. For the specific setup steps, please refer to your device manufacturer for additional information and assistance. With fingerprint or facial recognition, Biometric authentication provides both security and convenience. Devices with biometric recognition make it harder for unauthorized individuals to access your phone and don’t slow down user experience. After your device goes offline, Offline Device Lock automatically locks your device screen.
For example, if someone steals your phone and turns off the internet, it prevents you from finding it with Find Hub. After a short period of being used offline, your device locks. If you don’t have a compatible cable or an adapter, you can still copy your apps and data with a wireless connection. People who turn on this option help each other find items in both higher-traffic and lower-traffic areas. This option may help you find your lost items more quickly.
Learn how to sign-in to your applications and websites with passkeys. To add extra security to Google Accounts, you can use Identity Check. This makes it harder for an unauthorized person to take over any Google Account signed in on this device. To verify your identity, Identity Check requires biometrics and other safeguards. You can verify your identity when you perform sensitive actions on your device or make changes to your Google Account outside trusted places.
Set a payment method to use with all apps
Make sure your device is compatible with Google Play services and the app you’re trying to download. If you lost your device to theft, you may also lose important data that you can’t replace. To make sure your data is preserved and you can factory reset your device without losing your data, turn on device backup. Learn how to back up and restore data on your Android device. If you don’t have your old device available, you can restore from a previous backup of your old device stored in your Google Account. Learn how to back up or restore data on your Android device.