Stay Put is a free and open-source Android application designed to deter casual theft of devices left charging in public spaces. Developed to address the common concern of leaving phones unattended while charging in places like libraries, airports, or hostels, Stay Put sounds a loud alarm if someone unplugs your device without authorization.
The app offers several core features to enhance security:
- Loud Alarm Activation: Triggers a piercing alarm immediately upon the device being unplugged, alerting you and deterring potential thieves.
- Secure Disarm Mechanism: The alarm can only be deactivated using your biometric authentication (such as fingerprint or facial recognition) or device credentials, ensuring that only you can silence it.
- Re-plugging Option: An optional setting allows the alarm to be disarmed by simply plugging the device back into a power source, providing flexibility in how the alarm is managed.
- Privacy Assurance: Stay Put operates without any form of tracking or data collection, ensuring user privacy.
The application is particularly useful in various public settings where charging stations are shared among multiple users. By emitting a loud alarm upon unauthorized unplugging, it serves as an effective deterrent against opportunistic thefts. It’s important to note, however, that while Stay Put acts as a deterrent, it is not a foolproof theft prevention system.
Stay Put is distributed under the MIT License, underscoring its commitment to open-source development. The latest version, 0.8.1, was released on January 13, 2025, and includes minor improvements such as the removal of an unneeded signing block from the APK. The app requires Android 8.1 or newer to operate.
In summary, Stay Put provides a practical solution for individuals concerned about the security of their devices while charging in public areas. Its straightforward functionality, combined with robust security features and a commitment to user privacy, makes it a valuable tool for safeguarding your device against casual theft.
