Google is quietly introducing a new security feature that will automatically reboot Android phones and tablets if they remain locked for three straight days. Rolled out through the latest Google Play Services update (version 25.14), the change requires no user action and aims to better protect personal data. After 72 hours of inactivity, the device will restart and enter the “Before First Unlock” (BFU) state — a high-security mode where all user data remains encrypted and inaccessible without the correct passcode.
Google is preparing to roll out a new feature that auto reboots your Android phone after it’s been locked for 3 days!
This feature is activated when Advanced Protection Mode is enabled in Android 16. There is currently no user-facing way to enable APM.https://t.co/iP1G71aHWq
— Mishaal Rahman (@MishaalRahman) April 15, 2025
Google’s new automatic reboot feature enhances Android’s security by protecting devices from forensic tools like Cellebrite and Magnet Forensics, which attempt to access data once a phone has been unlocked. By rebooting into the ultra-secure “Before First Unlock” (BFU) state after 72 hours of inactivity, Android closes the brief window during which decrypted data could be vulnerable.
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Notably, this security update isn’t part of a full Android OS upgrade—it’s being delivered through Google Play Services. This allows Google to push critical features more quickly and broadly without relying on phone makers or carriers. Similar rollout strategies were used for features like “Circle to Search.” However, the auto-reboot feature won’t extend to Wear OS devices.
Google pushed new services updates to Android that will auto restart a device if it is inactive for 3 days.
Restarting a device, returns it to a BFU state where data is encrypted and harder to access until you enter your passcode. pic.twitter.com/ZIRyHheaaO
— Saadh Jawwadh (@SaadhJawwadh) April 16, 2025
Apple rolled out a similar security feature called “Inactivity Reboot” in iOS 18.1 last year, and Google’s new auto-reboot function for Android aligns with a broader shift toward passive, behind-the-scenes security enhancements. These features operate silently, offering a layer of protection without requiring user input—reflecting the growing emphasis on seamless, user-friendly security in mobile devices.
Though the change may seem minor, it’s a significant safeguard for scenarios where phones are left untouched for extended periods, such as during vacations or work breaks. As cyber threats evolve, it’s often these quiet, automatic defenses that make the biggest impact in keeping users’ data safe.
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