Google is quietly rolling out a handy new security feature for Android devices, and it’s all happening through a Google Play services update with no OS upgrade required. Here’s what you need to know.
Auto-Reboot After 3 Days of Inactivity
With version 25.14 of Google Play services, Android devices will soon be able to automatically restart if they’ve been locked and unused for three consecutive days. If your phone or tablet sits idle, it’ll give itself a fresh reboot.
When a device restarts, it enters what’s called the Before First Unlock (BFU) state. In this state, all your data remains encrypted until you enter your passcode. Biometric unlock methods like fingerprint or face recognition won’t work until then, making it harder for anyone to access your data if they get ahold of your phone.
This feature could complicate data access for law enforcement agencies.
Optional and Rolling Out Gradually
Google says the feature will be optional when it becomes available more broadly in the future. That’s reassuring for users running Android devices in kiosk mode or as smart home displays. Unexpected restarts in such scenarios could be disruptive.
This security feature applies to phones and tablets only for now. Devices like Android Auto, TV, Wear OS, and the Play Games app on Windows are not included.
The update is rolling out over the next week, but the auto-reboot feature itself might take a little longer to actually appear. Since it’s bundled into Play services, most users won’t need a full system update, and it’ll just quietly arrive behind the scenes.
Not a First, But Still a Smart Move
While this is new for stock Android, it’s not a brand-new concept. Privacy-focused platforms like GrapheneOS already offer auto-reboot features (with more customizable timeframes), and Apple introduced something similar with iOS 18.1’s Inactivity Reboot.
Bottom line: It’s a simple feature that adds a layer of security without demanding much from the user and can be introduced to most phones without requiring any action from the phone-manufacturer’s side.
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