Android 17 is still missing a vital security feature that Samsung has had for years
Google's closest fix sits in a Pixel-only beta
Smartphone theft is a prevalent issue across the globe. In London alone, around 71,867 phones were stolen in 2025, equating to approximately 220 phones being taken each day. Although precise figures for US cities are lacking, it is safe to assume that the daily rate of stolen phones exceeds 220 units.
The author expresses concern over the absence of a crucial security feature in Android 17 devices compared to Samsung's offerings for years. This missing feature aims to prevent thieves from rendering stolen phones untraceable.
During testing, the author attempted to track a switched-off Galaxy phone using Samsung Find and Google Find Hub. While these platforms typically display the last known location of a device, a deactivated Galaxy phone only reveals its most recent location. However, Pixel phones offer a different experience, as they can be located for several hours post-shutoff, provided Bluetooth and Location services are active.
The issue becomes even more pressing when thieves can effortlessly power off devices from their lock screens. Many Android phones running Android 17 have this vulnerability due to a setting called Lock network and security. This feature, present on Samsung devices since 2017, compels thieves to input a passcode to switch off a phone or modify settings like mobile data, Wi-Fi, and Airplane modes from the lock screen.
Although Samsung has long provided this remedy, the setting remains deactivated by default. Android 17, launched with features such as Theft Detection Lock, Remote Lock, and Find Hub's Mark as Lost, does not include the latter by default. While Find Hub's Mark as Lost proves beneficial by concealing Quick Settings and obstructing thieves from turning off internet connections or enabling Airplane mode, it necessitates manual activation after theft.
This limitation makes the feature less effective than Samsung's Lock network and security or Google's pending Lock Quick Settings connectivity setting on Pixels.
Written by urgent.news from Android Police's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
