Google is rolling out a new security trick for Android phones and tablets with the latest Google Play Services update. If your device stays locked for three days straight, it’ll automatically restart, and yes, it keeps your data extra safe. This feature, tucked into version 25.14, is all about making sure your info stays locked down, no matter where your device ends up.
A feature that reboots your Android phone or tablet after 72 hours of being locked
As noted in the changelog under Security & Privacy, “With this feature, your device automatically restarts if locked for 3 consecutive days.” It applies to both smartphones and tablets but skips other form factors like TVs and Wear OS devices, at least for now.
But how does it actually benefit? Well, a reboot puts your device into a Before First Unlock (BFU) state, where your data is encrypted and tough to crack until you unlock it for the first time. This processing load could also explain the brief lag you experience as you unlock the device after a reboot.
Your device does not accept biometric login methods like fingerprint or face unlock, which also adds an extra layer of security. Pixel users might notice the lockscreen nudge: “Unlock for all features and data.” It’s a bit like Apple’s Inactivity Reboot in iOS 18.1.
The best part? Since it’s through Play Services, most Android devices will get this feature, and they require neither a full OS update (since a significant portion of active Android devices are out of support) nor any action from the user.
Even if your device has reached its end-of-support, it may still get this new security feature, as it’s part of a Google Play Services update. Now, this feature can interfere with certain use cases, like always-on tablets. That’s why Google is making it optional—so users who need to can turn it off. The rollout is happening now, but it might take a few weeks to reach your device.
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