Android phones will soon reboot if they’re locked for a few days
New Auto-Reboot Feature Rolling Out via Google Play Services
Android is introducing a powerful new security feature that automatically reboots devices if locked and unused for three consecutive days. The update, part of Google Play Services version 25.14, aims to enhance data protection by making devices more secure, even when left untouched.
This new auto-reboot mechanism works silently in the background and will begin rolling out gradually to supported Android phones and tablets over the coming weeks.
This article will explore how this new feature works, what it means for Android users, and how it compares to Apple’s similar security approach.
What Triggers the Reboot?
According to the official feature description, Android devices will automatically restart if locked for three consecutive days. Once rebooted, the phone enters the Before First Unlock (BFU) state. In this mode, biometrics such as fingerprint and facial recognition are disabled, and the user must enter their device passcode or PIN to regain access.
This reboot is not to be confused with a factory reset, as no personal data is wiped, but the encryption and access protection are significantly tightened.
How This Improves Security
The BFU state is the most secure mode for Android devices. It ensures that critical personal data remains encrypted until a user manually unlocks the device. This feature is particularly useful in preventing unauthorized access, especially in cases of theft or seizure.
Experts say this security move limits the exposure window for sensitive data, which would otherwise remain accessible in a less secure “After First Unlock” (AFU) state, a mode where some system vulnerabilities or forensic tools could be used to extract data.
Inspired by Apple’s “Inactivity Reboot”
Google’s move mirrors Apple’s similar approach in iOS 18.1, where iPhones are configured to reboot automatically after 72 hours of inactivity. Apple’s feature, “Inactivity Reboot,” has already faced criticism from law enforcement agencies that rely on prolonged device access for investigations.
Similarly, Android’s implementation will make it harder for forensic teams or threat actors to exploit devices that have been idle for several days.
Will All Android Devices Get It?
The feature is part of the Google Play Services 25.14 update, which was first released on April 14, 2025. However, as with all Play Services updates, it may take a week or more to roll out fully across all Android smartphones and tablets. The update does not apply to other WearOS, Android Auto, or Android TV platforms.
If your device is certified for Google Mobile Services, the update will eventually be installed automatically; no manual action is required.
Google Play Services: Quiet Yet Powerful Updates
This new security feature highlights the strategic value of Google Play Services — a behind-the-scenes component that Google uses to update core Android functions without waiting for full OS version rollouts. Through Play Services, Google can quickly enhance security and privacy across the Android ecosystem.
This also marks another step in Google’s effort to reduce reliance on slower OEM firmware updates and increase user protection without significant delays.
Stronger Device Security Measures
The upcoming auto-reboot feature for Android devices is a welcome move for users concerned about data privacy and mobile security. Google is proactively reinforcing device encryption by reducing the risk of unauthorized data access during inactivity.
This update is especially relevant as smartphones store increasingly sensitive information, from banking apps to private messages. It also sets a new standard for how mobile operating systems should manage security passively. Users can feel more confident that their phones remain protected, even during inactivity.
Stay tuned to our blog for more updates on Android features, security tools, and everything in the mobile tech world.
