Over the past few years, Google has significantly enhanced privacy and security on Android. Features like Find My Network (now Find Hub), Scam Detection, Theft Lock, and Remote Lock offer greater peace of mind. One crucial upgrade introduced in Android 15 was improved Factory Reset Protection, which blocks thieves from using your device after a forced reset. Now, Android 16 is set to take Factory Reset Protection even further.
Android Authority’s Mishaal Rahman spotted a screenshot hinting at improvements to the current Factory Reset Protection. While the existing system can be bypassed by some bad actors though the phone remains unusable Google is working to make FRP even more secure.
Factory Reset Protection in Android 16 will activate if a phone is force reset and the setup wizard is bypassed. It will then prompt for another factory reset, and if the original owner’s credentials are not entered, FRP will be triggered again.
Once triggered, the phone displays the message: “This device was reset, but authentication failed during setup. Reset again and enter the device’s previous screen lock or Google Account credentials,” effectively putting thieves out of business for good.
This feature not only deters theft but also improves the chances of users recovering their stolen devices through Find My Network provided the device supports power-off finding to act as a beacon for the network.
There’s no confirmed timeline for when this feature will roll out it might come with Android 16 or be part of the Quarterly Platform releases. Hopefully, Google includes it in the Android 16 stable update.
What do you think about the enhanced Factory Reset Protection in Android 16? Let us know in the comments below!
