Phone thefts are on the rise, and Samsung is urging Galaxy users to enable the new theft protection features it rolled out with One UI 7. The newly added security features can help “users safeguard their data and stay in control, even in high-risk situations,” Samsung says in a press release.

One UI 7 was announced last year and began rolling out to users in the US recently. Existing and updated anti-robbery features include Theft Detection Lock, Offline Device Lock, Remote Lock, Identity Check, and Security Delay.

When enabled, Theft Detection Lock watches out for motions such as snatching, and instantly locks your screen to block unauthorized access. Offline Device Lock does the same if your device remains out of network coverage for an extended period. Remote Lock, on the other hand, will allow you to lock down your device in case it has been stolen—all you need to provide is your mobile number and complete a quick verification step. 

(Credit: Samsung)

With Identity Check, when your phone is in an unfamiliar location, any changes to sensitive security settings will require biometric verification. The Security Delay feature is part of Identity Check and triggers a one-hour waiting period if someone tries to reset your biometrics.

To enable these anti-theft features, go to Settings > Security and privacy > Lost device protection > Theft protection.

In the US, these features are now available on the Galaxy S25, S24, S23, and S22 series, Z Fold 6, Z Flip 6, Z Fold 5, and Z Flip 5. They will be rolling out to more One UI 7-compatible devices in the future. Check out Samsung’s website to see a full list of compatible devices.

Notably, the same advisory has been issued for Galaxy users in Canada and the UK as well.

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About Jibin Joseph

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Jibin is a tech news writer based out of Ahmedabad, India. Previously, he served as the editor of iGeeksBlog and is a self-proclaimed tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex information for a broader audience.

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