Android’s Identity Check feature is rolling out to Pixel and Samsung Galaxy devices

Google is releasing its previously announced Identity Verification feature today, adding extra security to “sensitive account and device settings” when you’re not in a trusted location.

If Identity Verification is enabled, you will need to provide “clear biometric authentication” to access certain account and phone settings, such as changing your PIN or disabling crime protection. You’ll need to turn the feature on in settings and add trusted locations where you don’t want biometric authentication enabled before using it. Google says the protections extend to your Google Account or Samsung account as well, making it harder for someone to change your password just because they have your phone.

Identity Check is available on Google Pixel devices running Android 15 now, and is coming to Samsung Galaxy devices capable of running One UI 7 “in the coming weeks,” which could coincide with the February 7 launch of the Galaxy S25. Other Android phone makers should get this feature later this year.

Along with the rollout of Identity Check, Google says its Theft Detection feature, which uses AI to detect that your phone has been forcibly taken from you and locks your screen, is now fully rolled out to devices running Android 10 and above. Both settings are worth enabling if you have a phone that supports them.