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Part of the latest Google Play Services update (version 25.14), this change is applied silently in the background without user action.
In a major Google security update, the tech giant is now rolling out an Android auto reboot feature aimed at enhancing user data protection. As part of Google Play Services version 25.14, Android devices will automatically restart if left locked for 72 hours, entering the highly secure "Before First Unlock (BFU)" state. In this state, all data remains encrypted and inaccessible without the passcode, significantly reducing risks from unauthorized access.
This new mobile OS feature is applied silently through Android background updates, requiring no user action. By triggering an idle phone reboot, Google is strengthening Android’s defense against forensic tools, often used by law enforcement or malicious actors to bypass security on locked Android phones. The move aligns with Google’s ongoing efforts to prioritize user privacy and security across its ecosystem.
This new mobile OS feature is applied silently through Android background updates, requiring no user action. By triggering an idle phone reboot, Google is strengthening Android’s defense against forensic tools, often used by law enforcement or malicious actors to bypass security on locked Android phones. The move aligns with Google’s ongoing efforts to prioritize user privacy and security across its ecosystem.
Apple introduced a similar feature called "Inactivity Reboot" in iOS 18.1 last year, and now Google is adding the feature to its android devices. This new feature will work on Android phones and tablets, but not on Wear OS smartwatches.
However, user reactions have been mixed. Some appreciate the added layer of security, while others find it inconvenient. For instance, one user pointed out that they own phones—like an LG device used mainly as a digital audio player (DAP) and an HTC 10 used solely as an alarm clock—that stay on standby most of the time. In such cases, the automatic reboot feature feels more disruptive than helpful.
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