Google is enhancing smartphone security with a new feature that automatically restarts Android devices if they remain locked and unused for three consecutive days. This security measure is aimed at preventing unauthorized access to user data, especially in cases where a device is lost or stolen.
Android Phones Will Auto-Restart After 72 Hours of Inactivity
The feature, included in the Google Play Services v25.14 update, will trigger an automatic reboot if an Android phone has not been unlocked for 72 hours. Once rebooted, the device will require a passcode before any data or features can be accessed, even if biometric unlocking is set up.
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This is because the phone enters a security state called Before First Unlock (BFU), which encrypts all user data and disables biometrics until the correct passcode is entered. Once authenticated, the device transitions back to After First Unlock (AFU), allowing full access.
Inspired by Apple’s iOS 18.1 Inactivity Reboot
This new feature mirrors Apple’s Inactivity Reboot introduced in iOS 18.1 back in October 2024, where iPhones reboot automatically if left unattended for the same 72-hour window. Both implementations aim to secure personal data from unauthorised access during extended periods of inactivity.
Android Tablets May Receive the Feature Soon
While the update currently specifies Android phones, the feature is also expected to roll out to Android tablets in future updates. Notably, Google has designed this as an optional setting, giving users the choice to enable or disable the auto-restart function based on personal preference.
With this move, Google continues to strengthen the security framework of Android devices, giving users more peace of mind in case their device is misplaced or falls into the wrong hands.
