Android phones are set to receive a new security feature that will automatically restart devices after three days of inactivity. This update, delivered through Google Play Services version 25.14, aims to enhance data protection by ensuring devices revert to a fully encrypted state, a move mirroring Apple's "Inactivity Reboot" feature introduced in iOS 18.1.

The core concept behind this auto-reboot function is to return the device to a more secure state known as Before First Unlock (BFU). When an Android device restarts, it enters this BFU state where all user data remains encrypted and largely inaccessible until the primary passcode, PIN, or pattern is entered. Biometric methods like fingerprint or face unlock are disabled at this stage, adding an extra layer of security. This contrasts with the After First Unlock (AFU) state, which is the normal condition when your device is actively being used and has been unlocked at least once since its last reboot. While convenient, the AFU state potentially leaves data slightly more accessible than the heavily encrypted BFU state. By forcing a reboot after 72 hours of inactivity, Android ensures the device reverts to the more secure BFU state, significantly hardening it against unauthorized access attempts if the device is lost or stolen while locked.

This new feature addresses a key vulnerability in smartphone security. By automatically rebooting after three days of inactivity, Android devices reduce the window of opportunity for unauthorized data extraction attempts. Security researchers note this creates an additional barrier against advanced forensic techniques that rely on the device remaining in its unlocked state. The update applies to Android phones and tablets but not Wear OS devices.

The rollout of Google Play Services version 25.14 is underway, but the activation of the auto-reboot feature itself might follow over the subsequent weeks. A significant advantage of delivering this via Play Services is its broad reach; most Android devices currently in use should receive this security enhancement without requiring a full operating system update.

While the feature is expected to be widely implemented, Google hasn't yet specified which Android versions will support it or if users will have any control over its settings, such as disabling it or adjusting the inactivity timer. It remains to be seen whether a toggle will be available to enable or disable this feature or if it will be automatically applied to all devices.

To check if the update is available on your device, navigate to Settings > Security & Privacy > System & updates > Google Play system update. It's important to note that even after receiving the Google Play Services update, the auto-reboot feature might not be immediately active. It could take several weeks for the feature to be fully enabled on all devices.

This new auto-reboot feature can help keep your Android device secure from hackers and may help protect against malware and zero-day exploits.