Google is making it easier to keep the data on your phone safe from thieves, even after a reset. The September 2025 Google Play Services update (v25.34) adds automatic backup and restore for Android’s Theft Protection settings. As Android Authority points out, your security preferences will now follow you when you set up a new device, or return in the exact same state after a factory reset.
Streamlined setup of a critical safety net
A welcome addition to a relatively new feature
Until now, Theft Protection settings — like Theft Detection Lock, Offline Device Lock, and Remote Lock — were excluded from Android’s standard cloud backup. That meant every time you set up a phone from scratch, you had to manually reconfigure these safeguards. For features designed to secure your Android device the second it’s stolen, that was a pretty glaring oversight.
The new update quietly closes that gap. From now on, if you restore your device from a backup, Android will bring back your Theft Protection configuration automatically. That includes both enabled and disabled states; if you had certain protections turned off before, they’ll stay off when you restore. It’s a small but helpful change that makes your device behave exactly as you expect, without giving bad actors any chances to exploit a gap.
Why automatic backup matters
Theft Protection itself is still relatively new to Android. Rolled out roughly a year ago, it adds multiple layers of defense for stolen devices. For example, Theft Detection Lock can automatically lock your phone if it detects it’s been snatched out of your hands. Offline Device Lock prevents unauthorized access even if it isn’t connected to the internet. And if you notice your device is missing, Remote Lock gives you the option to lock it down from another location.
By adding cloud backups to Theft Protection, Google is making it persistent like other essentials such as app data, Wi-Fi passwords, and system settings. It’s a background update most people won’t think about, but it eliminates a key pain point for anyone who’s ever gone through the setup process on a new device.
The change is rolling out now. As usual, expect gradual distribution, which means you might not see it right away. You can check your Play services version under Settings > Apps > Google Play Services to know if it’s live on your phone.
