How to Use Identity Check to Protect Your Mobile Device and Data

What would you do if you ever lost your phone—or worse, it was stolen? Mobile devices play an important role in most modern-day workplaces, so you’d probably be in for a rough go of it. Data loss, privacy, and security are all risks when you lose access to a mobile device, and often the only way to address these issues is to simply wipe the device and hope for the best… until now, that is.

If you use an Apple product or a device running Android 15, you can use Identity Check to aid you in the event you lose your device. Let’s examine how it works and how you can set it up.

First, we should mention that this feature is only on Pixel devices and Samsung Galaxy devices running One UI7—at this time of writing, anyway. Other device manufacturers might have added this feature, especially if you’re reading this in the future. These instructions only apply for the devices mentioned above.

Understanding Identity Check

Identity Check basically blocks any Android account settings from being changed unless the user is in an approved location and passes a biometric test. It adds additional layers of security that keep any would-be scammers from doing too much to your device. Here are some of the functions that are blocked by this setting:

• Adjusting the screen lock
• Adding a new fingerprint
• Adding a new Google account to the device
• Disabling Find My Device
• Accessing the Password Manager and the data therein
• Accessing developer tools and options

…and finally…

• Resetting the device.

The Steps to Activate Identity Check

 All you have to do to activate Identity Check is follow these directions:

• Access your Settings
• Navigate to Google account
• Select All services
• Find Theft Protection
• Enable Use Identity Check

You can also add trusted locations using the Manage option. If you want to deactivate Identity Check, you either need to authenticate using your biometrics or log in using your Google Account, making it a secure way to keep your device safe, even if it’s lost.

Check back to our blog for even more great security tips and tricks in the future.