Samsung is calling on UK smartphone owners to enable and update the latest anti-theft tools available on Galaxy devices, supporting the UK Home Office’s nationwide initiative to address mobile phone theft.
Samsung has launched a public safety notice, reaching over 40 million UK Samsung Account holders this week via customer communication platforms and the Samsung Members app.
This effort is backed by a comprehensive marketing campaign, including social media promotions and a privacy-focused initiative showcasing the Samsung Knox Security Platform. The campaign will be displayed at Samsung’s Piccadilly Circus billboard, through advertisements in London’s tube and train stations, and across online video, connected TV, and broadcaster video-on-demand channels.
With the recent release of One UI 7, Samsung has introduced enhanced security features, including advanced theft-protection and anti-robbery safeguards. First available on the Galaxy S25 series launched in February, these features are now extending to additional Galaxy devices throughout 2025.
Annika Bizon, Vice President of Mobile Experience (MX) Product and Marketing, UK&I at Samsung, stated: “Samsung is fully committed to partnering with the Home Office and industry stakeholders to tackle phone theft. Our One UI 7 update strengthens existing protections with innovative features like identity verification, biometric security, and a security delay, now available across various Galaxy models, starting with the S25 series. We are dedicated to ensuring user safety and informing customers about the robust security options at their disposal.”
Samsung’s Theft Protection suite enhances Android’s baseline security, providing layered safeguards for personal data, even in high-risk theft scenarios. One UI 7 introduces advanced protections to address complex threats, such as situations where access credentials may be compromised.
Galaxy users can now activate features like Identity Check, which bolsters security in challenging theft situations by automatically responding to suspicious activity and keeping data secure.
Key Theft Protection Features:
Theft Detection Lock: Leverages machine learning to identify theft-related movements, such as snatching, and instantly secures the screen to block unauthorized access.
Offline Device Lock: Locks the device automatically if it remains disconnected from a network for an extended time, ensuring protection even offline.
Remote Lock: Enables users to remotely secure a stolen device using their phone number and a simple verification, with options to regain account control.
New Anti-Robbery Features in One UI 7:
Identity Check: In unfamiliar locations, the ‘Safe Places’ feature mandates biometric verification for changes to critical settings, adding protection if a PIN is exposed.
Security Delay: Triggers a one-hour delay if a thief attempts to reset biometric data, allowing users to remotely lock the device via a connected PC or tablet.
These features are now being rolled out to earlier flagship models, including the Galaxy S24, Z Fold6, Z Flip6, Z Fold5, Z Flip5, S23, and S22 series, with further expansions planned.
To activate these anti-theft tools, UK users can reach Samsung at:
Website: samsung.com/uk/support/contact
Phone: 0333 000 0333
Live Chat: samsung.com/uk/support/chat-members
For setup instructions, visit: How to secure your phone | Samsung UK
Actions to Take if Your Samsung Galaxy Device is Lost or Stolen
Remotely Secure Your Device:
Log into Samsung Find with your Samsung account.
Choose your device and select Lost Mode from the device details.
Set and confirm a PIN to unlock the device if recovered.
Optionally include an emergency contact or lock screen message (avoid this to protect personal details).
Click Lock and verify your account to enable Lost Mode.
If recovered, use the PIN to unlock the device.
Remotely Erase Data:
Access the Samsung Find website, select your device, and choose Erase Data.
Verify your Samsung account and confirm the action.
All data, including Samsung Pay details, will be permanently deleted, and the device will be reset, disabling Samsung Find tracking.
Back up data regularly to the cloud for restoration on a new device.
Update Account Passwords:
Change passwords for your Samsung and Google accounts via their respective websites.
Updating passwords logs you out of all connected devices except the one in use, preventing unauthorized access.
Locate Your Device:
Visit the Samsung Find website and sign in with your Samsung account.
Select your device to view its current or last known location on a map, provided it’s powered on and connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data.
Additional Remote Features:
Ring: Forces the device to ring, even if set to silent or vibrate.
Extend Battery Life: Enables power-saving mode to keep the device active longer.
Track Location: Updates the device’s location every 15 minutes until tracking is disabled.
Locate Other Galaxy Devices:
Using a Galaxy Watch (WearOS 5 or higher): Swipe down to Quick Settings, tap Find My Phone, and select Start to trigger the phone’s ringtone. Stop the search once found.
Using Galaxy Wearable App for Watch: Open the app, select Find My Watch, and tap Start to make the watch vibrate or play a sound. Stop when located.
Using Galaxy Wearable App for Buds: Open the app, select Find My Earbuds, and tap Start to make the earbuds beep for three minutes. Stop once found.
Using Google’s Find My Device:
Use Google’s Find My Device with a Google account to lock, wipe, ring, or display a message on the device.
Notify Authorities and Network Provider:
Report the theft to the police and obtain a crime incident report.
Contact your mobile network provider to suspend your contract and prevent unauthorized use.
For extra protection, consider insurance covering loss, theft, or accidental damage. Explore Samsung’s protection plans at Samsung.com.
