How to turn on theft protection on Android

2 min read · 5 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Phone thieves often grab an unlocked phone and run, then switch off the internet so it cannot be found. Android has several locks made for exactly this. They cost nothing and take two minutes to turn on.

Menu names below are from Google Pixel phones on a recent Android version. Samsung, Xiaomi and other brands rename some of them. The pictures are simplified diagrams of the screen, not screenshots.

Step by step

1. Set a screen lock first

   All theft protection features need a PIN, pattern or password on the phone.

   Done

2. Open Settings and tap Google

   Then tap All services and Theft protection.

   Done

3. Switch on Theft Detection Lock

   It uses the motion sensors, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to notice when the phone is suddenly taken from your hand, and locks the screen at once.

   Done

4. Switch on Offline Device Lock

   The screen locks by itself when the phone has been offline for a short time, which is what happens when a thief turns off the connection.

   Done

5. Switch on Remote Lock

   With it you can lock the phone from any browser at android.com/lock, using only your phone number. It needs an active SIM, a verified phone number and Find Hub switched on.

   Done

Good to know

Failed Authentication Lock locks the screen after repeated wrong attempts to prove who you are.

Identity Check, on Android 15 and later on supported phones, asks for your fingerprint or face before sensitive changes when the phone is away from places you trust.

Theft Detection Lock, Offline Device Lock and Failed Authentication Lock work on Android 10 and later. They are not available on Android Go phones or tablets.

Also switch on the finder: how to turn on Find Hub so a lost Android phone can be found.

In short: Settings, Google, All services, Theft protection, switch on the three locks.