Android 16 Adds 4 Key Phone Security Checks, Including 2FA and SIM Lock
Updated
Updated · Android Authority · Jun 10
Android 16 Adds 4 Key Phone Security Checks, Including 2FA and SIM Lock
2 articles · Updated · Android Authority · Jun 10
Summary
Four settings top the checklist for a new Android phone: verify Find Hub, turn on optional theft-protection locks, enable Advanced Protection, and add a SIM lock plus two-factor authentication.
Find Hub is usually on once a Google account is signed in, but checking it matters because it can still locate an offline phone through Google’s crowdsourced Android network and lets users ring, lock, or erase it remotely.
Theft Protection also comes pre-enabled, while optional tools like Identity Check, Offline Device Lock, and Failed Authentication Lock add barriers if a thief cuts connectivity or repeatedly fails to unlock the device.
Android 16’s Advanced Protection is off by default and bundles stronger defenses such as a reboot after 3 days locked, 2G blocking, safer browsing and phishing detection, though it also blocks sideloading until temporarily disabled.
A SIM PIN and 2FA extend protection beyond the handset itself by stopping SIM-swaps and making it harder for attackers to seize the Google account that can track or remotely wipe the phone.