Google, the web search giant owned by Alphabet Inc., has introduced a new security feature designed to protect your data in case your phone is stolen. At the moment, this feature is available on select Android devices, specifically Google Pixel models running Android 15 and certain Samsung Galaxy smartphones running One UI 7 and above.
The feature, called “Identity Check,” is aimed at enhancing your phone’s security by locking sensitive settings when the device is taken outside of trusted locations. However, it’s important to note that this feature does not come enabled by default—it must be manually activated by the user.
What Does the Identity Check Feature Do?
Once activated, the Identity Check feature ensures that only those with authorized access can make changes to sensitive settings on the device. These settings are protected through biometric authentication, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, which must be verified before any changes can be made. The feature activates when the device is taken out of trusted locations—locations you’ve previously set based on your 4G or 5G service provider’s geolocation services.
Sensitive Settings Protected by Identity Check:
Changing the Lock Screen, PIN, or Password: Unauthorized users can’t alter your security settings without biometric verification.
Changing Biometrics (e.g., fingerprint or face unlock): Any changes to biometric authentication settings will require authentication.
Accessing Password Manager: Passwords and passkeys saved in the Password Manager are locked from unauthorized access.
Performing a Factory Reset: Unauthorized users cannot reset the phone without the proper biometric authentication.
Disabling Theft Protection Features: Any anti-theft protections cannot be disabled without authentication.
Viewing or Changing Trusted Locations: Users cannot alter the list of trusted locations or disable the Identity Check feature.
Setting Up a New Device or Transferring Data: A new device setup or data transfer from a stolen or existing device will require biometric authentication.
Removing a Google Account: Unauthorized users cannot remove the Google account from the device.
Accessing Developer Options: Developer settings are locked from unauthorized access.
How Does It Work?
The Identity Check feature is activated whenever the phone’s geolocation changes and it moves outside of the trusted locations set by the user. For example, if the phone is stolen and moved to an unfamiliar location, the phone will prompt the user for biometric verification before allowing access to sensitive settings.
While this functionality isn’t entirely new (Android devices have always used location-based security features), the introduction of Identity Check focuses on making this kind of security feature more effective and reliable, especially in the case of theft.
Why It’s a Game Changer
In regions where smartphone thefts are on the rise, like London, this feature could be a major step forward in preventing unauthorized access to stolen devices. Mobile thefts have become an increasing problem, and this added layer of security could make it much harder for thieves to access or manipulate sensitive data on stolen phones.
By requiring biometric authentication when sensitive settings are accessed outside of trusted locations, Identity Check offers an additional layer of security that could potentially deter theft or reduce the likelihood of data breaches following a stolen device.
In short, Google’s new Identity Check feature is a proactive and effective solution to improve the security of Android devices, particularly when dealing with theft or unauthorized access.
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