USERS of a range of popular mobile phones have been urged to switch on a new setting that prevents thieves from emptying their bank accounts.
Google's new Identity Check feature has been rolled out to the tech giant's Pixel devices that have the latest updates.
The company had announced the system back in October last year, which aims to add extra protection to your phone when you're not in a trusted location.
It does this by ensuring "critical account and device settings" are not easily accessible.
In order to access these certain settings, including the ability to change your pin or disable theft protection, you'll need to provide "explicit biometric authentication".
This way, if someone has snatched your phone, they will won't be able to change these settings without the use of your fingerprint or other identifying method.
To use the feature, head to your device's settings and look for Google services.
Once there, look under "all services" and head to the theft protection tab, in which you can then toggle the Identity Check feature on.
You'll also have the ability to add trusted locations where you don't want biometric authentication to be enabled.
Google said the protections extend to your Google account as well, making it more difficult for someone to change your password from your mobile device.
The feature is rolling out now to Google Pixel devices running on Android 15 and will also be available to Samsung Galaxy devices capable of running One UI 7 "in the coming weeks".
When it rolls out to Samsung devices, users will also have their Samsung accounts protected by the system.
Other Android phones are expected to get this security feature later on in the year.
Google also recommended the use of its Theft Detection Lock feature, which uses AI to lock your screen when it detects your device has been forcibly taken from you.
By locking your screen, the feature helps to prevent thieves from being able to drain your bank accounts as they lose access to the device.
This system is available on all devices running Android 10 and up.
To make sure your phone has the latest updates, head to your device's settings and look for tags like "system" or "about phone".
There, you should be able to find if any updates are available for your phone.
This comes ahead of the imminent release of Samsung's new flagship phone, the Galaxy S25, which will have the latest UI capable of using Google's Identity Check feature.
The device was unveiled at the tech company's Galaxy Unpacked event in San Jose on January 22 where it boasted its sleek new design and the latest AI smarts.
The S25 is set to hit shelves and start shipping on February 6, with a range of UK providers offering pre-order specials.
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