Android 16 will introduce a new anti-theft feature for non-Google and non-Samsung devices

Google’s Identity Check anti-theft security feature debuted on its Pixel devices with the December 2024 Pixel Feature Drop, and Samsung has already integrated it into One UI 7, based on Android 15. However, for all other Android devices, it will be included as part of the Android 16 update.

So, what is Identity Check? When enabled, it requires your biometrics (such as a fingerprint) before allowing changes to critical security settings or granting access to saved passwords and sensitive data. Importantly, the feature doesn’t offer a fallback option like a PIN or password—biometrics are the only way in.

The goal here is clear: if a thief steals your device, they won’t be able to access your important security info without forcing you to provide biometric authentication—something much harder to do than simply entering a PIN. At that point, we’re talking about a much bigger issue than just theft, like, well, kidnapping.

Since Identity Check required a complete rewrite of the code for biometric authentication (to prevent the usual fallback to PINs or passwords), it could only be rolled out through an Android update. Samsung was quick to integrate it into One UI 7, and other OEMs are expected to add it in their Android 16 updates.