GoKawiilGoogle rolls out lock-screen IMEI display via Play Services update
Google is rolling out a Play Services update that lets a phone's IMEI number appear in emergency info accessible from the lock screen, without unlocking the device. The feature targets devices running Android 12 or newer and is meant to help identify a phone's owner if it's lost or found. Users can disable it through Settings under Security & Privacy, Lost Device Protection, and Theft Protection.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
Displaying IMEI on the lock screen could speed up returning lost phones since finders can verify ownership instantly, but it also exposes a unique identifier that bad actors could misuse for cloning or tracking, making the opt-out toggle an important privacy safeguard. The staggered rollout shows Google balancing convenience against security risks rather than forcing the change on all eligible devices at once.
- IMEI numbers are now viewable from the lock screen via emergency info on eligible devices.
- The feature requires Android 12 or newer and is rolling out gradually through Play Services.
- Users can disable the display through Settings > Security & Privacy > Lost Device Protection > Theft Protection.
Google Pixel 8 — If you're diving into Android's latest security features like Theft Protection, a Pixel 8 gives you the fastest access to these updates straight from Google. It's a great way to experience new Android safety tools like lock screen IMEI access and theft detection as they roll out first.
See Google Pixel 8 on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: androidauthority.com, 2026-09-15
Published there as: “What to know about Android’s new Theft Protection tool for your lock screen”
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