Google is introducing a new security feature for Android devices that will automatically restart phones and tablets if locked and unused for three consecutive days.
This update, included in Google Play Services version 25.14, protects user data if the device gets lost or stolen.
The phone will reboot automatically after three days of inactivity (meaning the device remains locked and untouched). After restarting, the device enters a more secure "Before First Unlock" (BFU) mode. All data is encrypted in this state, and biometric methods like fingerprint and face unlock are disabled. To regain access, the user must enter either their PIN, password, or pattern.
This security enhancement mirrors Apple's "Inactivity Reboot," introduced in iOS 18.1, which reboots devices after they are inactive for four days. It also aligns with behaviors on privacy-focused systems such as GrapheneOS, indicating an overall industry shift towards proactive data protection.
Unlike traditional Android OS upgrades, this feature is being rolled out via Google Play Services, which allows it to reach a wide range of devices without requiring a full system update. The auto-reboot functionality is available on both Android phones and tablets, but it doesn't affect devices running Wear OS, Android TV, or Android Auto.
Importantly, the feature won't impact users who frequently unlock their devices. Daily use, like locking and unlocking the screen, inhibits the reboot trigger. However, if you have a secondary phone powered on but don't use it, the device could restart after three days of inactivity.
One detail that remains unknown is whether Android will notify customers why their phone rebooted. While the lock screen already asks for a passcode after the restart, there isn't any confirmation yet about new warning messages related to the auto-reboot.
This update will roll out gradually over the coming weeks. Once active, it offers an extra layer of protection to keep sensitive information safe, ensuring that only the rightful owner can access the device following a reboot.