Android Users Have Got Stronger Anti-Theft Features With New Update: Know More

Last Updated:February 03, 2026, 08:16 IST

Android users are getting improved security measures so that their data is not misused or hacked by thieves or bad actors.

Android 16 and 15 versions will be powered with these new tools

Google is making it even harder for thieves to break into your Android phones with stronger anti-theft features offered with a new update recently. The company has already added offline device lock and theft detection lock a few years back and now we are seeing further impetus being given to protect the devices and the data stored on them in case you lose or misplace the phone.

The Android 16 version is the biggest winner from this update that makes stealing a Pixel phone even harder. 

More Anti-Theft Features With Android 16 

Google realises that millions use their phones for banking apps and other personal needs. The new failed authentication lock will kick into action when the bad actor fails to unlock the device after multiple attempts. This means once the logins have failed, your device will be locked and lockout time will be increased so that they cannot try it again for a while. 

The other important change is that an existing feature like Identity Check now is able to secure features and apps that use biometric security for authentication. That’s not all, the remote lock option will let you set up a security challenge or question so that only the person who knows the answer can unlock the device. 

Most people might say that thieves love to pick up iPhones more than Pixel or any other Android phone. But that doesn’t mean Google should not strengthen its device security in the event that people actually lose their phone and not just stolen. 

In other news, Google is finally bringing its new AI-powered editing tool in Photos for more users. The company is rolling out the Ask AI option in the Photos app for all Android users in India and other countries and you don’t need to use the Pixel 10 phone to get this feature anymore. 

Google’s new AI feature had launched with the Pixel 10 models for users in the US earlier and they could simply ask Photos to edit the images for you. To make this feature work the Photos app has got a design overhaul, most likely with the Android 16 version, which now has a Gemini bar below the picture. The new tool lets you edit using text or voice prompts.

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