Google is set to introduce an innovative security feature for Android users that mandates devices to automatically reboot if they remain locked for an extended period. This measure aims to enhance the protection of user data by making unauthorized access more difficult. The functionality, part of the latest update to Google Play services, specifies that Android devices will restart after being locked for three consecutive days, prompting the user to enter their passcode upon the next attempt to unlock the device.
According to reports from 9to5Google, this update is designed to affect both Android smartphones and tablets, although it will not extend to other categories such as automotive systems, televisions, or WearOS devices. The reboot feature is distinct from a factory reset; instead, it places phones and tablets into a Before First Unlock (BFU) mode, which secures data files and temporarily disables biometric logins until the user inputs their PIN.
In a similar move, Apple has implemented a feature in iOS 18.1 that restarts iPhones after four days of inactivity.
We have reached out to Google for information regarding the rollout schedule for the Google Play services 25.14 update and the specific Android devices that will support the new auto-reboot capability. Typically, these Android updates take one to two weeks to become widely available.
It remains uncertain whether users will receive notifications explaining the reason for any automatic reboots. Currently, Android devices do show an alert on the PIN entry screen if the user needs to input their passcode to fully unlock the device after a reboot.
