Android will prevent strangers from changing the settings of your smartphone

Google will strengthen the anti-theft protection built into Android. The module will embed a system which will require authentication to modify the most sensitive parameters of the device.

A few months ago, Google deployed its anti-theft protection on Android 15. With this additional layer of protection, the Mountain View company wanted to offer a system to protect your personal data in the event of theft. The module is thus responsible for automatically locking the device’s screen if it detects a snatching. At the same time, it sets up a lock when the malicious soul who stole your device tries to cut its connection to the Internet. Google now wants to go even further to prevent any attempt to modify the most sensitive settings on your smartphone.

Mandatory biometric authentication for access to sensitive data

To complete its anti-theft arsenal, Google will deploy a new security function called Identity Check. This function, which must be activated manually, will require biometric authentication from the owner of the smartphone to access the most sensitive data. However, it will be possible to add trusted places where this biometric authentication will not be required.

Outside of these locations, access to certain items such as passwords, settings to change the lock code or user account settings, or to deactivate Find My Device, will be blocked. It will only be possible to access them, and modify them, after having shown credentials via biometric authentication of the owner of the device.

Pixels and Samsung smartphones will be first served

Google plans to deploy this additional layer of security on a limited number of devices initially. Thus, eligible Pixels and Samsung Galaxy smartphones running One UI 7 will be the first to receive these new security features “in the coming weeks”. The Mountain View firm indicates, however, that its Identity Check module will also be deployed on Android devices from other manufacturers later this year.