In an atttempt to bolster user data protection, Google has introduced a new security feature for Android devices: automatic reboot after prolonged inactivity, as spotted by 9to5Google.
The feature, detailed in the release notes for Google Play Services version 25.14, specifies that Android phones and tablets will automatically restart if they remain locked for three consecutive days.
Upon reboot, the device enters the “Before First Unlock” (BFU) state, wherein all user data remains encrypted and inaccessible until the correct passcode is entered. This state also disables biometric authentication methods, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, adding an extra layer of security.
This proactive measure ensures that even if a device is lost or stolen while inactive, unauthorized access to personal data becomes significantly more challenging. By reverting to the BFU state, the device minimizes potential vulnerabilities that could be exploited during periods of inactivity.
The auto-restart feature is being deployed through Google Play Services, allowing for a broad distribution without necessitating a full operating system update. This means that most Android devices running recent versions should receive the update seamlessly.
The new feature currently excludes certain device categories, including Android Auto, Wear OS, Android TV, and the Play Games for PC platform.
While the update is rolling out, Google has yet to provide specific details regarding the exact timeline for full deployment or whether users will have the option to customize or disable this feature.
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i need this on all my apple devices. reset once a year LOL
Apple already has this apparently on iPhone since Nov 2024.
In fact, iOS has had a similar implementation since at least 2015, maybe a couple years earlier.
From 2016 security guidelines, iOS will prompt for passcode if:
• The device has just been turned on or restarted.
• The device has not been unlocked for more than 48 hours.
•The passcode has not been used to unlock the device in the last six days and TouchID has not unlocked the device in the last eight hours.
•The device has received a remote lock command.
•After five unsuccessful attempts to match a fingerprint.
•When setting up or enrolling new fingers with Touch ID.
It was the same in 2015, except in 2016 they added the 3rd point above.
~10 years later, Android catches up.
Ohh wow thanks for the extra info. I appreciate it
Apple already has this apparently on iPhone since Nov 2024.
I’m not sure that Apple’s security feature of prompting for passcode after certain conditions is a result of the actual reboot but I suspect it’s not. I wouldn’t mind a forced reboot (with an option to cancel or delay it) after a period of inactivity to kill potentially unwanted or harmful processes and release resources.