Google to Auto-Reboot Inactive Android Phones After Three Days for Added Security
Google is introducing a new security feature that will automatically reboot Android devices that remain locked and unused for three consecutive days – a move that mirrors a similar update rolled out by Apple in late 2024.
The feature, part of the latest Google Play Services update (version 25.14), is designed to enhance data protection by triggering a system restart after extended inactivity. When a device reboots, users are typically required to enter a PIN or passcode before biometric or location-based unlocking methods are re-enabled, which keeps data in a highly encrypted state until the initial unlock.
This change, already in effect for some users since the update began rolling out on April 14, is part of a broader industry shift toward tougher smartphone security. Apple introduced a comparable feature with iOS 18.1 last year, prompting concerns from law enforcement over the increasing difficulty of accessing locked devices during investigations.
Security experts say the reboot feature can discourage theft, as criminals may be unable to access sensitive data within the limited time before a device restarts. The automatic reboot effectively increases the window during which the device’s data remains encrypted and inaccessible without proper credentials.
In addition to the new security measure, the Play Services update includes improvements to system management and stability, along with enhanced tools for setting up new devices and transferring data from old ones.
While the tech industry often faces criticism for copying competitors, this feature appears to be a welcome addition in the eyes of privacy advocates. With both Apple and Google now embracing automatic reboots for idle devices, smartphone security is taking a significant step forward.
