New Android security update forces automatic reboot after a period of inactivity
Android phones will now auto-reboot after three days of inactivity, locking down data and making it tougher to crack.
Android just got a quiet but important security upgrade that’s worth paying attention to. With its latest update to Google Play services, Android devices will now automatically reboot if they’ve been locked for three days straight. This isn’t your regular system restart for performance, it’s a deliberate move to tighten device security when phones are left unused or inaccessible for a while.
The point of the whole reboot is, quite simply, data encryption. You may have noticed this too, but when a phone restarts, it enters what’s called the "Before First Unlock" (BFU) state. In this mode, all user data is fully encrypted and can’t be accessed without the passcode, not even with biometric methods like fingerprint or face unlock. That makes it way harder for anyone, including law enforcement or hackers using forensic tools like Cellebrite or Magnet Forensics, to break into your phone, with or without your knowledge.
The benefits go without saying; it’s a smart way to protect your data if your phone goes missing or gets stolen, and someone tries to crack into it after a few days. But it can also be a bit of a headache if you get locked out of your own phone. Once rebooted, accessing your data becomes nearly impossible without that passcode. Still, the pros arguably outweigh the cons.
Of course, Google isn’t the first to implement this. Apple rolled out a similar feature for iPhones last year with iOS 18.1, though theirs kicks in after four days instead of three. It’s clear both tech giants are responding to growing concerns over privacy and the evolving capabilities of digital forensic tools. Reboots might seem simple, but they raise the bar for unauthorised access in a meaningful way.
This update applies to Android phones and tablets but skips other platforms like Android TV, Auto, and WearOS. Google hasn’t said exactly when the update will reach all devices, but it’s rolling out through Play services version 25.14, so it should land within the next couple of weeks.
It's also automatic, so you don’t have to do anything to enable it. It just works in the background. It's a subtle but smart step forward in Android’s ongoing efforts to keep your data locked down, even when you’re not using your phone.
Louis Eriakha
