Google is updating Android’s Factory Reset Protection (FRP) feature to render stolen or lost devices practically unusable as a deterrent against thieves. The updated feature was showcased in a preview of Android 16 and Wear OS 6 earlier this week, and will block all functionalities on stolen devices.
FRP has been a feature for Android phones for a while and ensures that thieves cannot simply wipe or factory reset a device. Attempts to factory reset an Android phone using suspicious methods will trigger FRP, and the user will be required to verify ownership by either entering the device’s former lock screen PIN, password, or pattern, or signing into the previously connected Google account.
Google has continued to improve FRP as thieves keep discovering methods to circumvent the protections. While the company did not elaborate on how it intends on improving FRP for Android 16, it shared a screenshot that suggests how the updated tool will work. The screenshot displays a message prompting the user to factory reset the device again and enter either the linked Google Account credentials or previous passcode. It is likely that this message will appear whenever an attempt to force a factory reset is detected, and will only disappear once the user verifies ownership. This would mean that thieves can no longer access basic functions such as phone calls, unlike with the current version of FRP.
According to Google, the upgraded security feature will be rolled out later this year, although it likely won’t be released with the initial launch of Android 16. Of course, while the increased protection sounds good on paper, how effective it will actually be remains to be seen.
(Source: Android Authority)
