Google Launches Auto-Restart to Boost Android Security After 3 Days of Inactivity

• Google introduces auto-restart feature to enhance Android device security during prolonged inactivity
• Devices locked for over 72 hours will reboot automatically for better data encryption
• Optional feature rollout underway via Google Play Services version 25.14, affecting phones and tablets

Google is stepping up its security game with a fresh addition to Android. A new auto-restart feature is being gradually rolled out, aimed at boosting device protection when it remains inactive and locked for extended periods. This is part of the latest Google Play Services update (version 25.14) and applies to smartphones, with tablets expected to follow soon.

The update ensures Android devices automatically restart if left untouched and locked for 72 hours straight. After rebooting, the device stays in a highly secure state until it’s unlocked, safeguarding user data from potential threats or unauthorized access. For users who leave their devices idle for long stretches—like secondary phones or tablets—this new tool adds an extra layer of security without needing a manual restart.

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Android auto restart security

The new auto-restart feature adds a smart layer of protection to Android’s existing security setup. If a device is locked and remains unused for three consecutive days, it will reboot on its own. When it restarts, it enters a state called “Before First Unlock” (BFU), where data remains fully encrypted. In this condition, all biometric access options are inactive, and the device requires the primary passcode for entry.

This behavior is particularly useful in cases of theft or loss, where someone might attempt to bypass the lock. Since the phone never unlocks itself, the auto-reboot enhances the difficulty of accessing private content. A simple message will appear on Pixel devices reading, “Unlock for all features and data,” indicating that the phone is still locked tight in this state.

Currently, the feature targets Android phones, and tablets are expected to be included soon. Other platforms such as Android Auto, Wear OS, Android TV, and Windows PCs using Play Games are not part of this rollout.

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Customization in Future Updates

In an update posted on April 16, Google mentioned that the feature will become optional in upcoming versions. This decision likely comes from user feedback, especially from those who rely on Android tablets for always-on tasks like home dashboards or long-running apps. Allowing users to opt out will strike a balance between security and convenience.

While the update is being distributed with version 25.14 of Google Play Services, it might take several days to reach all compatible devices. Since the feature is embedded in Play Services, it doesn’t require a full system update and will work on most Android phones once the backend is ready.

At the moment, Google has not shared which Android versions will fully support the feature or whether a setting will be made available in the UI for managing it. Also, it’s still unknown if there will be any alert when the device restarts on its own.

Android is getting a thoughtful security enhancement with this auto-restart function, offering users added protection with zero effort. While it’s rolling out gradually, the option to make it customizable in future updates shows Google is listening to user needs while keeping safety a priority.