Samsung urges Galaxy users to turn on these anti-theft features

Over the last year, Google has rolled out several anti-theft and security features on Android. It better protects your data on the device in case of theft and increases your chances of retrieving your lost phone. Samsung is now encouraging Galaxy users to enable these new security features in One UI 7 to make it harder for thieves to steal your Galaxy phone.

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In its announcement, Samsung highlights Android's new security features as part of One UI 7 and how it has built on top of them (via SamMobile). It details how Theft Protection provides a "multi-layered suite of features" that aim to protect your data even when your phone gets stolen.

The new Theft Protection features in One UI 7 include the following:

• Theft Detection Lock: This uses machine learning to detect motions associated with theft such as snatching, and instantly locks the screen to stop unauthorized access.
• Offline Device Lock: The screen gets automatically locked if the device is disconnected from the network for an extended period, ensuring protection even when the device is offline.
• Remote Lock: If the device has already been stolen, users can lock it remotely using their phone number and a quick verification step. Remote Lock also allows users to regain control of their account and explore additional recovery options.

Google rolled out the above three security features with Android 15 back in August last year.

Identity Check locks down your phone's security in unfamiliar places

There are also new Anti-Robbery features such as Identity Check and Security Delay. With the former, your phone will require biometric authentication to change sensitive security settings when you're in unfamiliar locations. This will help in case your phone gets stolen and its PIN/password has been compromised.

Security Delay, a part of Identity Check, adds a one-hour waiting period before you can change any security settings after resetting biometric data. In case you don't have safe places set up, your phone will always require biometric verification and add a one-hour delay when charging sensitive phone settings.

You can enable the new security features from Settings → Security and privacy → Lost device protection → Theft protection.

The new security features are available on the Galaxy S24, S23, S22, Z Fold 6, Fold 5, Flip 6, and Flip 5 running One UI 7. The Galaxy S25 series launched with these features out of the box in February.

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