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Google Will Auto-Restart Android Phones After 3 Days of Inactivity
Google is adding a new security feature to Android phones and tablets that will automatically restart your device if it stays locked and unused for 72 hours. This update is being rolled out through Google Play Services version 25.14.
Why Google Is Adding Auto-Reboot to Android Devices
The main reason for this new feature is to protect users’ data. If a phone is left untouched for three days, Google will automatically reboot it. Once the phone restarts, it enters a highly secure state known as "Before First Unlock" (BFU). In this state, your personal data is protected with strong encryption, and nobody can access it unless they know your password or passcode.
What Is the "Before First Unlock" (BFU) State?
After an Android device reboots, it stays in the BFU state until the user unlocks it for the first time. During this time:
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All sensitive data remains encrypted.
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Biometric logins like fingerprints or facial recognition are disabled.
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The device can’t be accessed without manually entering the screen lock PIN, password, or pattern.
This is a key step in protecting data if a phone is lost or stolen.
When Will the Auto-Restart Feature Be Available?
Google hasn’t shared an exact release date, but the auto-reboot feature will roll out gradually in the coming weeks through updates to Google Play Services. Most Android smartphones and tablets will receive this feature.
However, some devices are excluded from this update. These include:
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Android Auto systems
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Android TV devices
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Wear OS smartwatches
Google Follows Apple’s Lead on Device Inactivity
Apple already has a similar feature. With the iOS 18.1 update, Apple introduced an "Inactivity Reboot" function that restarts iPhones automatically after four days of no use. Now, Google is doing something similar, but with a three-day limit instead of four.
Can You Turn Off the Auto-Reboot?
As of now, there’s no option for users to disable this feature. It’s a system-level function designed to improve Android’s security. That means once the update rolls out to your device, it will work in the background without requiring any action from you.
