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| Android Phones to Auto-Reboot After 3 Days for Enhanced Security |
Google is rolling out a major new security feature for Android devices: automatic restarts after 72 hours of inactivity. The update, delivered via Google Play Services version 25.14, will force Android smartphones and tablets to reboot if they remain locked and unused for three consecutive days. When the device restarts, it enters the "Before First Unlock" (BFU) state, where all user data stays encrypted and inaccessible until the correct passcode is entered—biometric unlock methods like fingerprint or face recognition will not work at this stage.
This move aims to block unauthorized access and data extraction, especially in cases where devices are lost, stolen, or seized. The BFU state is considered highly secure because even if someone has physical access to the device, extracting meaningful data is nearly impossible without the user’s credentials. The feature mirrors a similar "Inactivity Reboot" protocol introduced by Apple in iOS 18.1 and reflects growing industry efforts to counter forensic and brute-force attacks.
The auto-restart function is enabled by default and does not require user intervention. While the rollout is focused on phones and tablets, other Android-powered devices like Android Auto, Wear OS, and Android TV are currently not included. Cybersecurity experts have praised the update as a significant step forward in protecting user privacy and preventing unauthorized data access. The update is expected to reach a wide range of Android devices over the coming weeks.