What to know

  • Android phones will now automatically reboot if locked for three consecutive days.
  • This security feature is delivered through a Google Play Services update, not a full OS upgrade.
  • After reboot, the phone enters a highly secure state, requiring a PIN or pattern to unlock.
  • The change aims to protect user data from unauthorized access during prolonged inactivity.

Google is introducing a new security measure for Android devices that will automatically restart your phone if it remains locked for three consecutive days. This update is being rolled out through Google Play Services, specifically version 25.14, and applies to a wide range of Android phones and tablets. The feature is designed to enhance device security, especially if your phone is lost, stolen, or left unused for an extended period.

Once your device has been locked and unused for 72 hours, it will automatically reboot. After this restart, the phone enters what is known as the "Before First Unlock" (BFU) state. In this state, all data on the device remains encrypted and cannot be accessed until you manually unlock the phone using your PIN, password, or pattern. Biometric unlock methods, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, are disabled until the device is unlocked with the passcode.

This security approach makes it significantly harder for unauthorized parties, including those using forensic tools, to access your data. The BFU state ensures that sensitive information remains protected, as the device's encryption is only lifted after a successful manual unlock. This feature mirrors similar security enhancements introduced by Apple in iOS 18.1, which also auto-restarts devices after a period of inactivity.

The update is being distributed via Google Play Services, so users do not need to wait for a full operating system update from their device manufacturer. There is currently no user-facing setting to adjust or disable this feature, and it is unclear whether all Android devices will receive the update simultaneously. However, users can check for the latest Google Play system update in their device settings to see if the feature is active.

By automatically rebooting after three days of inactivity, Android devices will provide an extra layer of protection for user data, reducing the risk of unauthorized access during periods when the device is not in use.