Android is adding another layer of protection for your personal data with a new auto-reboot security feature that automatically restarts devices if they haven’t been unlocked for three consecutive days. The update is part of the latest Google Play services release (v25.14) and aims to make it harder for unauthorized users to access sensitive information.
What Is Android’s Auto-Reboot Security Feature?
The new feature will automatically reboot Android phones and tablets after 72 hours of inactivity specifically, if the device hasn’t been unlocked within that period. Once the device restarts, it enters a Before First Unlock (BFU) state. This state encrypts all user data and disables biometric logins like fingerprint or face unlock, requiring a PIN or password to access anything.
This is not a factory reset, so your apps, photos, and settings stay intact. But without the correct PIN, none of it can be accessed—making it a strong deterrent for data theft.
Why Is This Important?
This auto-reboot security feature is designed to:
- Prevent unauthorized access if a device is lost or stolen.
- Enhance data protection by forcing a secure reboot.
- Reduce reliance on biometrics, which can sometimes be bypassed.
If your phone goes missing or is taken, it will reboot automatically after three days, locking it in a more secure state that even advanced users can’t easily break into without your PIN.
Which Devices Will Support It?
According to Google, this update applies to:
- Android phones and tablets
- Excludes Android Auto, TV, and WearOS devices
The update is tied to Google Play services 25.14, so once your device receives that version, the feature should activate automatically.
Will You Be Notified of the Auto-Reboot?
It’s not yet confirmed whether users will get a warning or notification before the reboot happens. However, Android already shows a PIN unlock screen message when your device reboots, stating that a passcode is required to unlock it after restarting.
Similar Feature on iPhones
Interestingly, Apple has introduced a similar feature called Inactivity Reboot in iOS 18.1. It restarts iPhones after four days of inactivity, also pushing devices into a locked state until the PIN is entered. Android’s version is just a bit more aggressive, kicking in after only three days.
Android’s auto-reboot security feature is a subtle but powerful upgrade aimed at protecting your personal data. By rebooting after a few days of inactivity, it ensures your phone can’t be silently accessed without your knowledge. It’s yet another reminder that security is becoming a bigger priority in mobile OS design.