Android is introducing a new security feature that will automatically reboot devices if they remain locked for three consecutive days, making it harder for unauthorized users to access stored data. This update, part of the latest Google Play services release, requires users to enter their PIN the next time they unlock their device.
According to 9to5Google, this feature will apply to both Android phones and tablets, but will not affect devices like Auto, TV, or WearOS. The reboot action—distinct from a factory reset—places phones and tablets into a Before First Unlock (BFU) state, encrypting data files and disabling biometric login until the correct PIN is entered.
Apple recently implemented a similar “Inactivity Reboot” feature in iOS 18.1, which restarts iPhones after four days of inactivity.
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We’ve reached out to Google for details on when the Google Play services 25.14 update will be released and which Android devices will support the new auto-reboot feature. Typically, these updates roll out over one to two weeks.
It remains unclear whether devices will notify users about the automatic reboot, although Android phones currently display a message instructing users to enter their passcode to unlock the device after a reboot.
