Android Introduces Auto-Reboot Security Feature to Protect Unattended Devices

Google is enhancing Android phone security with a new automatic reboot feature that locks down user data if the device remains unused for three days, adding another layer of protection against theft or unauthorized access.

Android smartphones are getting a significant boost in data protection with the rollout of a new security feature that automatically restarts the device after three days of inactivity. Introduced through Google Play services version 25.14, this functionality is designed to keep user data encrypted if a phone is left unattended for an extended period.

Once the device has been locked and idle for 72 hours, it will automatically reboot and enter what Google refers to as the “Before First Unlock” (BFU) mode. In this state, all stored data remains encrypted and inaccessible until the correct passcode is entered. Importantly, biometric unlock methods such as fingerprint or facial recognition are disabled until manual authentication is provided, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized access.

“Google system updates make your Android devices more secure and reliable, and give you new and useful features,” the company explained. “With this security feature, your device automatically restarts if locked for three consecutive days.”

This move by Google aligns Android’s security approach with Apple, which implemented a similar feature called “Inactivity Reboot” in iOS 18.1. Apple’s version also restarts idle devices after 72 hours to guard against theft and intrusion.

Following reboot, the Android device remains in a hardened security mode until the user enters their passcode, after which it transitions to the “After First Unlock” (AFU) state. Only then are biometric features and regular functionalities re-enabled.

The feature appears to be optional, giving users the ability to turn it on or off based on personal preferences. While currently available for smartphones, Google is expected to extend the feature to Android tablets in the near future.

This update is particularly valuable in situations involving lost or stolen phones. Even if the device is physically in someone else’s possession for days, access to personal data remains impossible without the correct passcode after the automatic reboot takes effect.

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