Google is set to enhance the security of Android smartphones, rendering stolen devices nearly worthless to thieves. According to Android Authority, the upgraded Factory Reset Protection (FRP) will complicate the usage of stolen phones that have been reset to factory settings without the owner's consent.

Currently, FRP is triggered after a reset from the recovery menu or via the "Find My Device" service, requiring ownership verification through logging into a linked Google account or entering a PIN, password, or pattern from the previous lock screen. If this step is bypassed, the device becomes unusable.

However, criminals have learned to circumvent this security by skipping the setup wizard. During The Android Show: I/O Edition event, Google announced that the new FRP update will detect such attempts and forcibly reset the device until the owner verifies their ownership.

These enhancements are expected to roll out later this year as part of one of the quarterly Android 16 updates. This initiative could significantly reduce smartphone theft, as stolen devices will become practically unsellable.