Google is preparing a new security feature for Pixel devices that could leave other Android phones behind. A recent leak suggests Pixel phones will soon lock themselves automatically when they are left behind by their owners.
According to a report from Android Authority, Google is working on a feature for the Pixel Watch that alerts users when their connected Pixel phone is no longer nearby. The feature will also automatically lock the phone when separation is detected.
This puts Pixel closer to Apple and Samsung, which already offer similar alerts through Apple Watch and Galaxy Watch. However, Google’s added step of locking the phone gives Pixel an extra security advantage.
The feature is designed to help protect users from phone theft, which is rising in many parts of the world. If a phone is forgotten or stolen, automatic locking could prevent unauthorized access.
The leak suggests users will have control over the alerts. Notifications may be disabled in trusted locations, such as home. The phone could also lock automatically if Airplane Mode is turned on, which cuts Bluetooth and triggers the separation alert.
Earlier reports hinted that Google was working on automatic phone locking. This new information suggests the feature is now closer to release, at least for Pixel users.
As with all leaked features found in pre-release software, there is no guarantee it will launch. Still, similar tools already exist on Apple and Samsung devices, making this update likely.
For now, Samsung still has broader ecosystem coverage. But as Pixel continues to grow, Google’s lead in early updates and security features may increase pressure on its biggest Android rival in 2026.
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