- Remote Lock lets you remotely secure a lost or stolen phone.
- So far, all you’ve needed to activate it was your phone number — so anyone who knew it could potentially lock your phone.
- That’s now slightly more secure with the addition of an optional security question.
Google offers plenty of automatic ways to try and limit your exposure when someone takes off with your smartphone. Features like Theft Detection use sensors to know when a thief grabs your phone and makes a break for it, while Offline Device Lock prevents a thief from using a lack of connectivity to give them more time with an unlocked handset. Android also has some useful manual tools, like Remote Lock, and that one’s finally getting an important upgrade.
Remote Lock was built to address an important need: Someone steals your device, but you don’t immediately have access to another device where you’re signed into your account to use the Find Hub and its security tools. And if you’re using 2FA like you should, signing into a new device without your phone could be a little tricky. With Remote Lock turned on, all you need is your phone number and a web browser — you just go to android.com/lock and enter your number to secure your device.