Android 16 Could Bring Identity Check To More Smartphones
The sheer volume of security protections Google included in Android 15 is one of the most loved aspects of the operating system. Smaller items that help protect your phone and data from hackers are just as important as features like Private Space, which helps encrypt private files and apps.
Identity Check function available on more phones
The sheer volume of security protections Google included in Android 15 is one of the most loved aspects of the operating system. Smaller items that help protect your phone and data from hackers are just as important as features like Private Space, which helps encrypt private files and apps.
By making the Identity Check function available on more phones than just the Pixel and certain Samsung Galaxies, Android 16 is set to go that even farther (via Android Authority).
After initially appearing on Pixel phones in December, Identity Check was eventually included in the One UI 7 update for Samsung phones, which seemed to be constantly delayed.
Identity Check works similarly to iPhone Stolen Device Protection
Identity Check, which works similarly to iPhone Stolen Device Protection, is designed to provide an additional layer of security for your phone and prevent hackers from tampering with important security features.
There are “trusted places” on phones, such as your home or place of employment, where everything will work as it always has.
However, outside of these locations, some services will ask you to prove your identity before granting you access.
Sensitive operations, like changing your phone’s passcode or disabling Find My Device, will be enhanced with biometric security
Sensitive operations, like changing your phone’s passcode or disabling Find My Device, will be enhanced with biometric security. When attempting to access saved passkeys and app passwords, the same checks will be applied, preventing access until you are able to scan your fingerprints or face.
Additionally, Google accounts will be more secure, making it more difficult for any thieves who managed to access your phone to remotely take control of your account.
Even though you have to perform all the setup yourself, that extra security measure can come in extremely handy if your phone is ever stolen. Although it’s comforting to believe that your phone’s lock screen will stop determined criminals, you never know who might be out there or what tools they might use to break into your phone.
You can lessen the harm they cause by implementing Identity Check
Thus, you can lessen the harm they cause by implementing Identity Check and securing it using biometrics. A thief cannot prevent you from remotely deleting everything if they are unable to disable Find My Device.
Similarly, preventing them from accessing your saved passkeys or locking down your Google account prevents them from using your phone to access other accounts and data that are stored elsewhere.
