This new Android feature protects your phone, even if someone has your PIN

In the name of beefing up Android security, Google has added a new feature called Identity Check that automatically locks sensitive settings behind biometric authentication. 

How Identity Check works

The feature works when you carry your phone beyond trusted locations. Once Identity Check kicks in, you’ll need to use biometric authentication to access saved passwords and passkeys, autofill passwords in apps, change screen lock and biometrics, factory reset your device, turn off Find My Device and other anti-theft features, set up a new device, add or remove a Google account, and access developer options.

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The goal of Identity Check is to prevent bad actors from taking control of your Google Account and accessing features that could then enable them to steal data or otherwise compromise the security of your device.

How to enable Identity Check

It can be enabled from within Settings. Open Settings, then search for “Identity Check,” or navigate to Settings > Security & Privacy > “Device unlock” > “Theft protection” > Identity Check. 

Once the app is opened, you’ll walk through the wizard to enable the feature. During the setup, you are asked to add trusted places. You can add as many as needed (such as Home, Work, etc.). Once you’ve added your trusted places, you’re done.

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After it’s been initially enabled, you can disable it as needed from within the same page you enabled it.

According to the Google Security Blog, “Identity Check gives you more peace of mind that your most sensitive device assets are protected against unauthorized access, even if a thief or bad actor manages to learn your device PIN.”

Which phones have Identity Check?

Identity Check is currently limited to Pixel phones running Android 15 or newer, as well as Samsung devices running One UI 7 or newer. 

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The new feature will be rolled out to other supported devices later this year. When you combine Identity Check with the AI-powered Theft Detection Lock, you can be sure the data on your Android device is secure.