Google is adding a powerful new layer of protection to Android phones. If a device stays locked for three days straight, it will now automatically reboot. This update is part of recent changes to Google Play services, which support both apps and the Android system.
The new Android auto-reboot security feature is listed under the “Security & Privacy” section. While it may seem like a small tweak, it brings major benefits for device security—especially when a phone is lost, stolen, or in someone else’s hands.
Apple added a similar feature to iPhones last year. Now, Google is following suit to make it harder for anyone trying to break into an Android device. This includes efforts by law enforcement using forensic tools made by firms like Cellebrite or Magnet Forensics.
Here’s why this matters: when a phone hasn’t been unlocked since it was last restarted, it stays in a safer mode. This is known as the “Before First Unlock” state. At this point, most sensitive data remains fully encrypted. Without your passcode, it’s extremely difficult for anyone to access anything.
However, once the phone is unlocked—even once—it enters the “After First Unlock” state. In this mode, some data becomes easier to access. Hackers or forensic tools may try to exploit this by cracking the passcode or finding weaknesses in the system.
With this new feature, Android will now restart automatically after three days of no unlock activity. That puts the phone back into the fully secure state, protecting user data from any prying eyes.
Google hasn’t explained its full motivation behind this update. But the change clearly shows a growing focus on user privacy and strong device encryption. By resetting the phone to a locked and encrypted state, Google is making sure that sensitive data stays protected—even during long periods of inactivity.
