Google Expands Anti-Stealing Feature Identity Check On Android 16 QPR2

JAKARTA - Google is again strengthening its Android security system by expanding the coverage of the Identity Check' feature in the Android 16 QPR2 update which is scheduled to be released stably in December.

This feature is designed to create Android devices, especially Pixel phones, more resistant to data theft efforts by perpetrators who successfully access the device physically.

Identity Check was first introduced by Google at the end of last year as part of a series of features in Theft Protection Suite. The main goal is to ensure that only the original owner of the cellphone can access data or take sensitive actions when the device is outside a trusted location.

If a cell phone is stolen and forced to open using a PIN, pattern, or key screen password, the system will continue to request biometric verification such as fingerprints or facial recognition to access important data, such as a code stored in the Google Password Manager.

But at that time, this feature was still limited and did not cover all applications that used Android biometric authentication. Many applications still allow the use of screen passwords as a backup option if biometric verification fails, for example because of wet fingers or faces covered with masks. This gap can still be exploited by thieves who know the device's PIN.

With the presence of Android 16 QPR2, Google is overcoming these loopholes by expanding the Identity Check reach to all applications that use a biometric authentication API. Now, when this feature is enabled, these applications will no longer receive PIN, pattern, or password as an alternative verification method.

Only biometrics will be allowed, and this will only apply if the device is outside a location deemed safe. That way, even if someone knows your PIN, they still can't open sensitive apps without your fingerprints or faces.

After installing the Android 16 QPR2 beta version, Pixel users can find this feature in the settings section through the track: Settings > Security & privacy > Device Key > theft Protection > Identity Check.

In this setting, users will see a notification that Identity Check now supports more applications and can provide stronger identity protection without requiring additional configurations.

Interestingly, Google also plans to expand the function of this feature to other connected devices. In the near future, users will be able to use smartwatches that are connected as trusted devices.

That is, when the phone is on an unknown location but remains connected to trusted smartwatches, users no longer need to perform biometric authentication. While this feature is not yet available in today's beta version, Google will most likely launch it in the next update.

This update shows Google's serious steps in tightening Android device security, especially in the face of increasingly widespread phone theft scenarios. By removing the fallback option which has been a weak point, Identity Check offers additional protection that can prevent thieves from accessing important apps, even when they know your screen key.