Device-based anti-theft and recovery system

Abstract

Device-based anti-theft and recovery techniques for computing devices are disclosed herein. An example system includes one or more processors that execute instructions to receive, from a transferor that intends to convey the computing device to a transferee, one or more signal parameters that, if satisfied, permit the computing device to deactivate a protected mode of operation; activate, during a normal mode of operation, the protected mode, wherein the computing device disables one or more functions that are enabled during the normal mode of operation while the protected mode is activated; receive, during the protected mode, a user input from a potential transferee corresponding to a wake function of the computing device; and responsive to receiving the user input, determine, based on a comparison between one or more signals associated with the computing device and the one or more signal parameters, whether the computing device is in possession of the transferee.