If you have an Android phone, get ready for one of the biggest security developments in recent years. Google has begun progressively rolling out a feature in Android that will restart phones and tablets if they remain blocked and inactive for three consecutive daysIt may seem like a simple technical change, but the truth is, it has enormous implications for the protection of your data and the way you interact with your device.
Esta The update is part of Google Play Services version 25.14., which means you don't need to install a new version of the operating system or buy a new device: any compatible device that receives this update will benefit from the measure. If you're one of those who leaves their phone in a drawer for days, or if you're afraid of losing it or having it stolen by mistake, you'll be interested to know how this mechanism works and why it's become a trend in the world of cybersecurity. Let's break down all the details: reasons, how it works, limitations, and consequences for the average user.
What is the Android feature that will reset locked phones?
The new functionality that Google has deployed for the Android ecosystem It consists of the ability of the phone or tablet to automatically restart if it remains locked (without being unlocked) for at least 72 hours in a row.According to the official release notes, this measure is specifically targeted at mobile devices and tablets, so neither smart TVs, watches, Android computers, nor even Android Auto are affected (for now).
The idea behind this movement is as simple as it is effective: strengthen the protection of data stored on the device In cases of theft, loss, or simply prolonged non-use. After three full days without interaction or unlocking the device, the system activates a reset.
Why does restarting a locked phone increase security?
Google's main argument, and that of mobile security experts, is that after a reboot, the device enters the so-called 'Before First Unlock' (BFU) state. What does this mean in practice? It's simple: all personal data and sensitive information stored on the phone is retained. encrypted and absolutely inaccessible without the key, the owner's PIN, password or corresponding biometric authentication.
This state is the safest that an Android mobile can reach.. Unlike the usual state (when you simply lock the screen), where the encryption keys remain stored in the device's memory and could be vulnerable to specialized forensic attacks, BFU mode makes it impossible to extract almost all private dataNeither brute force methods, nor advanced hacking tools, nor the extraction techniques used by companies like Cellebrite allow easy access to information if the device hasn't been unlocked after the reset.
Upon returning to this state of maximum security after three consecutive days of inactivity, The window of opportunity for those trying to illegally access your data is drastically reduced.Physical access to the device is no longer enough: without the original password, your privacy remains protected.
Inspiration and precedents: Is this Google's original idea?
Although for Android it represents a considerable advance, This measure is not exclusive to GoogleApple has been implementing a similar system on its iPhone and iPad for some time now. Specifically, Starting with iOS 18.1, a feature was introduced that forces devices to restart after 96 hours of inactivity., with the same objective of returning them to that “zero state” of maximum cryptographic protection.
Even some alternative Android ROMs, such as GrapheneOS, have long included user-configurable automatic reboots every certain period (in this case, every 18 hours by default, although it can be adjusted between 10 minutes and 72 hours). Google, however, You have decided to set the period to 3 days and it does not allow you to change it natively., at least for now.
Who is affected by the new feature that will reset locked phones?
Not all Android devices will be affected by this update. Google has limited its reach to smartphones and tablets. that are compatible with the latest versions of Google Play Services. Smart TVs, consoles, car devices, smartwatches (Wear OS), or any other Android device are completely exempt from this feature.
Additionally, some manufacturers and operators may take longer to implement the update, although The big advantage is that it does not depend on a specific version of the Android operating system. but rather the update of Google Play services.
What happens during an automatic restart? Is data lost?
One of the main concerns users have is whether this type of automatic restart involves wiping data, performing a factory reset, or deleting important files. The answer is a definit no. A reset does not delete any data, photos, apps, or personal settings. It simply restarts the operating system and returns the device to the state in which it asks for the unlock key or PIN after turning it on.
Furthermore, data remains encrypted and protected until you enter the authentication method. Until this happens, even biometric systems won't work: the phone can't be unlocked with a fingerprint or facial recognition after a reboot, always requiring the password or PIN. This provides an additional level of protection against unauthorized access attempts.
Advantages of this measure: protection, privacy and maintenance
The advantages of this reinforcement in automated security are notable:
- Privacy Enhancement: If your phone is stolen, lost, or simply unused for a while, your data will be protected against forensic techniques or opportunistic hackers.
- Terminal maintenance: Restarting your phone periodically cleans up background processes, frees up resources, and can improve performance somewhat over time.
- Avoid exploiting vulnerabilities: Many attacks take advantage of the fact that a phone has been on for days; a restart eliminates temporary processes and data that could serve as an entry point for attackers.
Numerous safety reports recommend not keeping devices on continuously for weeks or months.This small automated gesture contributes to the health and safety of most Android phones in circulation.
Implications for users with multiple devices or secondary phones
There are many cases in which a cell phone can remain locked for several days: work phones, spare devices, phones used as GPS devices, or simply those we keep just in case. If you are one of those who has lost the PIN or does not remember the unlock code, this change could catch you off guard.After the automatic reset, you'll need to enter the correct information. If you forget it, you'll only have to use your SIM's PUK code or contact your carrier's support team.
Therefore, It is essential to ensure that you have your credentials and unlocking methods on hand. If you tend to leave a device unused for a few days. Otherwise, you could end up locked out and unable to access the device's content.
Is automatic restart mandatory? Can I prevent or configure it?
According to the information currently available, the function will be optionalGoogle itself describes this tool as a "future optional security feature" that can be activated at the user's discretion. Therefore, if you prefer to prevent your phone from restarting automatically after those three days of inactivity, you can simply disable the option.
Which devices and versions will receive the feature?
The distribution of this function It does not depend on the version of Android you have installed. (Android 12, 13, 14, etc.), but also from the fact that your device receives Google Play Services updates (version 25.14 or higher). This means that coverage will be very broad, covering virtually all modern phones and tablets that aren't too old or from very rare brands.
The rollout is progressive: the feature started arriving from mid-April 2025, but It could take several weeks from launch until you have it available on your device.. Just keep your device up to date to benefit from this added security.
What happens if the phone is turned off or runs out of battery?
In case the device runs out of battery during those three days or you turn it off manually, the inactivity timer simply resetsIn other words, it only counts the time the phone is on and locked, so if it turns off, everything starts over again when you restore power or turn it back on.
Thus, it's not a miracle solution for every possible scenario, but it does introduce a much stronger barrier to sophisticated unauthorized access techniques that exploit mobile phones that have been switched on for days.
Limitations and differences with other systems
Google has decided not to apply this feature, for the time being, to devices such as Android TV, Wear OS watches, Android Auto, or the PC gaming platform. The measure focuses exclusively on mobile phones and tablets., prioritizing those devices where especially sensitive personal data is stored.
While Apple currently offers a 96-hour period before automatic restart, Google has opted for a threshold of 72 hours (three days)This difference may be due to a strategy to find a balance between security for users and avoiding the inconvenience of unexpected reboots for those who rarely use the device.
Frequently Asked Questions About Auto Restart on Android
- Will I lose my photos or apps? No, everything will remain intact after the automatic restart. You'll just need to enter your initial PIN.
- Is it the same as a factory reset? No, not at all. The phone just turns off and on automatically, without touching the user's data.
- Can I disable the feature if I don't want it? According to official information, it will be an optional feature configurable in the security options.
- When will it be available? It was launched in April 2025, but will be rolled out over the following weeks depending on the model and brand.
Android represents a step forward in security after this decision that will restart locked phones.This measure, inherited from iOS systems and advanced ROMs for privacy-conscious users, drastically reduces the risk of third parties accessing your personal data if your device is stolen, lost, or left unused for a long time.
While it may require a slight adjustment in the habits of those who leave their phones unused for long periods of time, the benefits in terms of data protection and peace of mind far outweigh any drawbacks. Keeping your information encrypted and inaccessible to strangers, even if your phone falls into the wrong hands, is now a reality for millions of Android users around the world. Share the information so that other users know about the topic.