How do I activate device protection on my Xperia device?

Information / Solution

You have to meet three requirements to use device protection on your phone:

1. Your device supports the device protection features. Tap or click here for a list of supported devices.
2. You have added and signed in to a Google account on your device.
3. You use a secure screen lock (PIN, pattern or password).

Signing in to a Google account

Device protection will be activated as soon as you sign in to a Google account on your Xperia device. This means that every reset of the device other than a factory data reset using the Settings menu will require you to verify your identity by entering the username and password of a Google account stored on the device before the reset.

If you haven't already signed in to a Google account while setting up the device in the setup guide, you can create or sign in to a Google account using the Settings menu.

To create or sign in to a Google account

Android 9.0 or higher

1. Find and tap Settings > Accounts/ /Passwords and accounts
2. Tap Add account.
3. Select Google from the list.
4. Select if you want to create a new account or sign in to an existing account.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Android 8.x

1. Find and tap Settings > Users & accounts.
2. Tap Add account.
3. Select Google from the list.
4. Select if you want to create a new account or sign in to an existing account.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Android 6.0 or 7.x

1. Find and tap Settings > Accounts & sync.
2. Tap Add account.
3. Select Google from the list.
4. Select if you want to create a new account or sign in to an existing account.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Setting a secure screen lock

A secure screen lock is defined as one of the following screen lock methods:

• PIN
• Password
• Lock pattern

You can also use other screen locks that require setting a PIN, password or pattern as a backup option to unlock your device:

• Fingerprint unlock (if available on your device)
• Smart Lock (trusted devices or places, face, voice or on-body detection)

To set a screen lock

Note! It is very important that you remember your screen lock when using a pattern, PIN or password. If you forget this information, it may not be possible to restore important data such as contacts and messages.

Android 11 or higher

1. Find and tap Settings > Security > Screen lock.
2. If requested, confirm your current screen lock.
3. Choose Pattern, PIN or Password and follow the on-screen instructions.

Android 6.0, 7.0, 8.0, 9.0 or 10 

1. Find and tap Settings > Lock screen & security > Screen lock.
2. If requested, confirm your current screen lock.
3. Choose Pattern, PIN or Password and follow the on-screen instructions.

Note! Device protection will only require you to verify your identity after an untrusted factory reset, which is basically every reset method other than a factory data reset using the Settings menu. If you do not set a secure screen lock, a thief is able to unlock your device and perform a factory data reset without having to verify your identity using your Google username and password.