New Android security feature: Auto-Restart for Safety

Google is introducing a handy security update for Android phones and tablets with its latest Google Play services release, version 25.14. This new feature makes devices restart automatically if they stay locked for three days straight. Why does this matter?

When your device restarts, it enters a “Before First Unlock” state, where data is locked tight with encryption. This makes it much harder for anyone to access your information without your passcode, as biometric options like fingerprints aren’t active yet.

This auto-restart feature is rolling out to Android phones and tablets but won’t apply to Android Auto, TVs, PCs, or Wear OS devices. It’s part of Google’s effort to keep your device secure, even if you haven’t used it for a while.

The update is coming through Google Play services, so most Android devices should get it soon without needing a full system upgrade. However, it might take a few weeks for everyone to see it in action. Google hasn’t shared if there’s a way to turn this off or if you’ll get a notification when it happens. For now, it’s a quiet but smart way to protect your data. Alongside this, Google’s April 2025 system updates also improve battery life and connection stability across phones, tablets, and other Android devices.