en.Wedoany.com Reported - On May 13, 2026, at the Android Show I/O Edition event, Google announced enhancements to the anti-theft capabilities of the Android 17 system, with the core upgrade being the "Mark as Lost" feature in "Find Hub."

According to tech media outlet Android Authority, this feature adds Biometric Authentication, aiming to ensure that even if a thief has obtained the device's PIN, it is difficult to disable tracking or regain control of the phone. After a user triggers lost mode, regaining access requires verification through biometric methods such as fingerprint or facial recognition, blocking a thief who only knows the PIN from accessing the system.

Once a phone is marked as lost, the system automatically hides quick settings, reducing the chance for a thief to quickly disable key functions from the drop-down menu. Simultaneously, the device disables new Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections, preventing others from cutting off location tracking, pairing accessories, or diverting control paths via wireless means.

Google is also enabling two existing anti-theft features, Remote Lock and Theft Detection Lock, by default. This strategy builds on the success of a pilot program in Brazil. Going forward, all new Android 17 devices, as well as those that have just been factory reset or upgraded to Android 17, will have these two layers of protection enabled by default.

Beyond functional interception, Android 17 also reduces the number of PIN or password attempts allowed and lengthens the waiting time after consecutive incorrect entries, further limiting brute-force guessing.

This article is compiled by Wedoany. All AI citations must indicate the source as "Wedoany". If there is any infringement or other issues, please notify us promptly, and we will modify or delete it accordingly. Email: news@wedoany.com