New Optional Security Feature Automatically Restarts Idle Android Devices

Overview of the New Android Security Feature

Google is rolling out an optional security feature through its latest Google Play services update on Android devices, which will automatically restart a device if it has been locked for 3 consecutive days. This new auto-restart function aims to enhance security by returning the device to a Before First Unlock (BFU) state, where data is more securely encrypted and harder to access.

Key Points:

• Optional Feature: The feature will be optional in the future, addressing concerns from users who run continuous Android devices like tablets.
• Device Scope: The feature applies to phones and tablets but excludes other categories such as Auto, PC (Play Games Windows app), TV, and Wear.
• Security Benefits: Restarting a device after 72 hours of inactivity returns it to a state where data is more securely encrypted, making it harder to access without the user's passcode or biometric authentication.
• Rollout Timeline: The Google Play services update (version 25.14) will roll out over the next week, but the auto-restart feature might take a few more weeks to be enabled.
• Compatibility: Most Android devices should receive this update without needing an OS update due to the nature of Google Play services.
• User Feedback: Positive feedback has been noted for the ability to bring important security features to virtually any Android device, though some users have expressed concerns about the messiness of app/system/Play/update situations on Android and Pixel devices.
• Existing Similar Features: GrapheneOS offers a similar auto-reboot feature (default 18 hours), and iOS introduced an Inactivity Reboot feature with iOS 18.1 last year.