Google is reportedly getting ready to develop availability of the Identity Check safety characteristic that’s current on some Samsung and Google Pixel smartphones. The Identity Check characteristic is designed to guard consumer information and Google accounts from being compromised when a consumer’s telephone is stolen. When the characteristic is enabled, an Android telephone would require biometric authentication earlier than permitting any modifications to crucial settings. Apple already provides an analogous characteristic known as Stolen Device Protection that was launched final 12 months with the iOS 17.3 replace.
Identity Check Comes to OnePlus 13 by way of Android 16 Beta
Android Authority noticed the Identity Check characteristic after putting in the OnePlus 13 Android 16 beta launch. The safety characteristic seems an identical to the one launched by Google with a earlier Pixel Drop (Android 15 QPR1) that rolled out to the corporate’s smartphones in December 2024. Samsung launched Identity Check with its Android 15-based One UI 7 replace.
The code from Android 15 QPR1 and QPR1 might be accessible in Android 16 when it rolls out within the coming months, which signifies that different smartphones also needs to embody the Identity Check characteristic after they’re up to date to Android 16, just like the OnePlus 13.
Similarly, upcoming smartphones that ship with Android 16 out-of-the-box ought to are additionally anticipated to reach with the Identity Check characteristic. The publication factors out that units can solely help the characteristic if they’re geared up with a category 3 biometric authentication.
Once the Identity Check is out there, customers can go to Settings > Google > Theft Protection > Use Identity verify to allow the characteristic. If a consumer permits the characteristic on their Android smartphone, the handset would require biometrics when performing delicate actions, when it’s away from “trusted” locations. These embody accessing passkeys or app passwords, and altering the gadget’s PIN or disabling Find My Device.
In addition to defending delicate gadget settings from unauthorised entry, the Identity Check characteristic will even shield Google accounts on a tool. It does this by making it tough for thieves or malicious customers to take management of a consumer’s Google account, even when they’ve memorised the proprietor’s passcode.
Users can disable Identity Check on a smartphone, nevertheless it requires biometric authentication. An alternate methodology permits customers to show it off utilizing a Google account, nevertheless it requires an web connection.
Apple launched an analogous characteristic known as Stolen Device Protection with the iOS 17.3 replace that was rolled out in January 2024. The characteristic additionally requires biometric authentication when altering delicate settings on a smartphone, and is out there on all iPhone fashions operating on iOS 17.3 or later. The arrival of Google’s Identity Check characteristic on extra Android smartphones will prolong these related protections to extra Android smartphone house owners within the coming months.
