Google has introduced a new Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered theft detection feature designed to make it more difficult for criminals to resell or use stolen Android phones.
The technology is capable of locking Android devices instantly when suspicious motion, such as sudden snatching or theft, is detected.
According to the company, the new security system will also prevent stolen phones from being reset or reused, even if the device is offline or undergoes a factory reset.
Google announced that the new enhancements to Android’s Factory Reset Protection (FRP) will go live later in 2025.
The move is part of efforts to strengthen smartphone security after reports that some thieves have discovered ways to bypass existing protection systems.
The improvements are designed to neutralise bypass techniques used by criminals to unlock stolen devices.
Under the current FRP system, when a device is factory reset using the Android recovery menu or remotely through the Find My Device service, the setup process requires proof of ownership.
Users must either log in to the previously linked Google account or enter the previous screen lock credentials before the device can be activated.
If the authentication fails, the phone remains locked and cannot be used.
A report explained the process, stating:
“There are several ways to factory reset an Android phone, but using the recovery menu or Google’s Find My Device triggers Factory Reset Protection (FRP).
“During setup, you must verify ownership by signing into the previously linked Google account or entering the former lock screen credentials. Without this verification, the device cannot be used.”
The report further noted that a trusted factory reset occurs when the reset is performed through the Settings app on the device.
The new protection will mainly apply to Android devices running Android 15 and later versions.
Google explained that with the enhanced security system, even if someone manages to bypass the setup process, they will not be able to add a new Google account, set a new screen lock, or install applications.
This means the device will essentially become useless to the thief.
Users attempting to access such a device will see a message that reads:
“Factory reset this device. This device was reset, but authentication failed during setup.
“To use this device, reset it again and enter the previous screen lock or Google Account credentials.”
Globally, smartphone theft remains a major concern.
Reports indicate that more than 30 million mobile phones are stolen worldwide every year, particularly in crowded urban environments.
According to the GSMA’s 2025 report, although the theft rate remains around one percent of active subscribers, the total number of stolen devices continues to increase due to rising smartphone sales.
Smartphones are frequent targets for thieves because of their high resale value and the sensitive personal data they contain.
Most incidents occur in public places through opportunistic snatching, pickpocketing, or quick grab-and-run thefts.
Many stolen devices are later sold in informal markets, making recovery extremely difficult.
Apart from financial loss, victims often face additional risks such as identity theft, privacy breaches, and misuse of personal information.
Although manufacturers have introduced security tools like remote locking and GPS tracking, criminals sometimes disable internet connections to bypass these systems.
This has prompted technology companies to continuously upgrade smartphone security measures.
Google said the new security features are part of its broader strategy to make stolen Android devices less attractive to criminals by strengthening data protection and preventing unauthorised access.
With these improvements, users are expected to enjoy greater peace of mind knowing their personal data is better protected against theft.
Earlier reports also revealed that smartphone theft is a growing problem in Nigeria.
Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) indicated that over 17.9 million Nigerians lost more than 25 million mobile phones to thieves between March 2023 and April 2024.
The survey showed that about seven out of every ten phone theft cases occur either at home or in public places.
It also revealed that about 4.1 percent of victims did not report the theft to the police due to a lack of trust in law enforcement authorities.
Industry experts say the trend highlights the urgent need for stronger security systems and public awareness to protect mobile phone users.
