I tested Android's new Theft Detection and learned how to properly steal a phone
My phone is the center of my digital life, so when Android 15 added some new theft protection features, I knew I should check them out. Specifically, I wanted to test the novel Theft Detection Lock. Sure, it’s not going to do anything to prevent the actual theft of my phone, but it should keep thieves from accessing my bank account or my photos or deleting all of my Pokemon Go shinies.
After turning on Theft Detection Lock and heading outside, I was ready to begin my crime spree. I unlocked my phone, handed it to my wife, then promptly snatched it back and ran away.
With my lungs burning after running for roughly 15 seconds, I looked down at the phone and… nothing. It was still unlocked, everything was still accessible, and if a thief had just done this, they could open any app and use it. My beautiful new shiny Voltorb was in a peril I had not fathomed prior to learning about this feature. I did it again and again to no avail — no theft detection and no lock happened.
To be fair, the Android Help page for the feature only claims that “if someone grabs the phone out of your hand and they run, bike, or drive away, the Theft Detection Lock may activate” (emphasis mine). But after dozens of attempts, I was truly stumped.
