Google has quietly added a feature to automatically back up and restore Android Theft Protection settings, streamlining device security management.
The update focuses on Android’s Theft Protection suite, which includes features like Theft Detection Lock, Offline Device Lock, and Remote Lock, designed to protect devices if lost or stolen.
Previously, users had to manually re-enable these protections after a factory reset or when migrating to a new phone, a process that could be cumbersome and easily overlooked, leaving devices vulnerable.
The latest Play Services update will include Theft Protection settings in the device’s cloud backup. This ensures that when a backup is restored, either on a new device or the current one, the user’s Theft Protection preferences are automatically restored, eliminating the need for manual configuration.
Notably, if Theft Protection features were disabled prior to the backup, they will remain disabled upon restoration, preserving the user’s prior settings.
Google’s cloud backup already saves app data, Wi-Fi networks, and other settings. The addition of Theft Protection settings to this list enhances the overall user experience and device security.
The backup and restore feature for Theft Protection is being rolled out with the September Play Services v25.34 update.
The update’s availability may vary, and it could take some time before it reaches all Android devices.
