Android 15 lets you turn off your network connection and wifi when your screen is locked! – Security problem /u/IlBuonTommy Android

After updating to Android 15, I realized that when the screen is locked, it’s possible to turn on or off the data connection, Wi-Fi, and even airplane mode. This could be a serious security issue because, in case of theft, the first thing a thief would do is try to disable the phone’s connection, making it impossible to locate the device.

Talking about this with some friends who own Pixel 7 and 8, we noticed that in previous versions, this was not allowed. For instance, if you tried to turn off the mobile network, the system would request fingerprint authentication, just as it still does today when attempting to disable GPS.

Similarly, with previous versions, you had to unlock the device to turn it off. Unfortunately, this is no longer the case in the latest version.

I understand that a thief could still hold down the power and volume button to force a shutdown, achieving the same result. However, in my opinion, Android should discourage unauthorized users from accessing sensitive settings as much as possible.

My dream is to have an OS that either prevents or allows users to choose which settings can be changed while the screen is locked. Additionally, a system that blocks shutdowns (even forced ones) when the screen is locked would be ideal. This way, if the smartphone is stolen, it would be much harder to stop the device from being located, especially when using an eSIM.

My version: AP4A.250105.002.A1

After updating to Android 15, I realized that when the screen is locked, it’s possible to turn on or off the data connection, Wi-Fi, and even airplane mode. This could be a serious security issue because, in case of theft, the first thing a thief would do is try to disable the phone’s connection, making it impossible to locate the device.

Talking about this with some friends who own Pixel 7 and 8, we noticed that in previous versions, this was not allowed. For instance, if you tried to turn off the mobile network, the system would request fingerprint authentication, just as it still does today when attempting to disable GPS.

Similarly, with previous versions, you had to unlock the device to turn it off. Unfortunately, this is no longer the case in the latest version.

I understand that a thief could still hold down the power and volume button to force a shutdown, achieving the same result. However, in my opinion, Android should discourage unauthorized users from accessing sensitive settings as much as possible.

My dream is to have an OS that either prevents or allows users to choose which settings can be changed while the screen is locked. Additionally, a system that blocks shutdowns (even forced ones) when the screen is locked would be ideal. This way, if the smartphone is stolen, it would be much harder to stop the device from being located, especially when using an eSIM.

My version: AP4A.250105.002.A1