Devices will require users to enter their PIN after three days of inactivity.
In a move to tighten device security, Google is introducing a new Android feature that will automatically reboot your phone or tablet if it hasn’t been unlocked for several days. As part of the latest Google Play services update, Android devices will now automatically restart if they remain locked for three consecutive days. The goal? To better safeguard your personal data and make unauthorized access significantly more difficult.
Why This Feature Matters
This new feature isn’t just about rebooting your phone — it’s a deliberate security strategy. When an Android device reboots after being locked for three days, it enters what’s known as the Before First Unlock (BFU) state. In this state, all user data is fully encrypted, and the phone disables biometric authentication methods like fingerprint or facial recognition. To regain access, users must manually enter their device passcode.
In simple terms: if someone steals or gets hold of your device and can’t unlock it for three days, the phone will automatically reboot into a state where the data becomes even more secure and inaccessible — unless the passcode is entered.
Which Devices Will Support It?
According to 9to5Google, the feature is rolling out to Android phones and tablets. It won’t be applied to other Android-powered devices like those running Auto, TV, or WearOS, at least for now. The feature is tied to the Google Play services version 25.14, and like many Android feature updates, it may take a week or two to fully roll out across all supported devices.
We’ve reached out to Google for clarification on the exact rollout timeline and to confirm which manufacturers and models will support this automatic reboot function.
What Happens After the Reboot?
It’s important to note that this is not a factory reset — your apps, photos, messages, and settings remain intact. However, the device will be locked tighter than usual:
- Encrypted data: Until the passcode is entered, user data remains encrypted.
- Biometrics disabled: Face unlock and fingerprint login won’t work after this auto-reboot.
- Manual PIN required: Users will see a lock screen message prompting them to enter their passcode before accessing anything.
As of now, it’s unclear whether Android will notify users in advance or after a reboot triggered by inactivity. That said, Android devices already display a security message on the lock screen following a reboot, letting users know that biometric login is disabled until the PIN is entered.
Apple’s Similar Feature
Google isn’t the first to introduce such a measure. Apple announced a similar security feature called “Inactivity Reboot” in iOS 18.1, which forces iPhones to restart if they remain locked for four days. This shows a growing trend among major tech companies to prioritize physical device security in response to rising concerns over data theft, surveillance, and device loss.
Why This Could Be a Game-Changer
The automatic reboot feature adds a new layer of protection for people who often carry sensitive information on their phones — whether it’s personal, professional, or financial data. By placing the device into a more secure, encrypted state after a period of inactivity, Google is ensuring that even if your phone falls into the wrong hands, your information doesn’t.
This update is especially useful in scenarios where:
- A phone is lost or stolen and goes unused for days.
- Law enforcement or bad actors try to access data without your consent.
- You simply forget your phone at home or somewhere secure but don’t touch it for a few days.
When Can You Expect It?
As with many Play services updates, the feature might roll out gradually over the coming weeks. It won’t require a full OS upgrade, which means it could appear via a background update, depending on your device model and manufacturer.
To ensure you’re eligible for this feature:
- Keep your Google Play services updated.
- Use a secure screen lock (PIN, pattern, or password).
- Enable automatic updates when possible.
Bottom Line: Stronger Device Security with Minimal Effort
Android’s new auto-reboot feature is a subtle yet powerful step toward better device security. With no extra effort required from users, it enhances protection simply by taking action during prolonged inactivity. In a digital age where data is everything, this small tweak could make a big difference.
Stay tuned for more updates as Google rolls out this security enhancement — and be sure to check your Play services version to see when you get it!
