Modes are pre-defined settings designed for specific activities (like Sleep or Work), while Routines allow you to create custom automations. For theft prevention, you can create routines that automatically:
Lock your device.
Share its location.
Disable critical features like mobile data or Wi-Fi.
2. Enable Lock Screen Security
Before creating routines, ensure your phone is secured with a strong lock screen password:
Go to Settings > Lock Screen > Screen Lock Type.
Use a PIN, password, or biometric security like fingerprint or face recognition.
3. Create a Theft Prevention Routine
Here’s how to set up a routine that acts when your phone is moved or disconnected from a trusted network:
Open Modes and Routines
Go to Settings > Modes and Routines and tap Routines.
Set a Trigger
Choose when the routine should activate:
Condition 1: Wi-Fi Disconnection
Select Wi-Fi Network > Disconnected from [Home/Work Wi-Fi].
Condition 2: Location Change
Set Place > Not in Home Zone.
Add Actions
Choose actions to perform when the conditions are met:
Lock Device Immediately:
Select Lock Device to prevent unauthorized access.
Send Location Automatically:
Tap Send Message and add emergency contacts to share your live location.
Activate Power Saving Mode:
Enable Battery > Power Saving Mode to extend battery life for tracking.
Disable Network Connections:
Turn off Mobile Data, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth to make the phone less usable.
Save the Routine
Name it (e.g., "Theft Prevention") and enable it.
4. Set Up Emergency Location Sharing
In case your phone is stolen, ensure location sharing is always enabled:
Go to Settings > Safety and Emergency > Send SOS Messages.
Add emergency contacts to receive an automatic alert with your location if needed.
5. Enable Find My Mobile
This is a Samsung-exclusive feature that helps you track and control your phone remotely:
Navigate to Settings > Biometrics and Security > Find My Mobile.
Turn on:
Remote Unlock: To lock/unlock the device remotely.
Send Last Location: To automatically share your phone’s location when the battery is low.
6. Create Public Place Theft Routine
Activate this routine when you’re in crowded areas like markets or public transport:
Trigger: Location or Time-Based (e.g., Market Area)
Actions:
Enable Do Not Disturb to stay alert.
Disable NFC and Bluetooth to prevent unauthorized access to your phone.
7. In Case of Theft
Use the Find My Mobile tool to locate, lock, or erase your phone:
Visit Find My Mobile from another device.
Log in with your Samsung account.
Track, lock, or wipe your device.
Bonus - You can create custom routine and add specific keywords for messages, which you can send via message if your device stolen.
