Google is introducing a new auto-restart feature for Android devices aimed at boosting user security and deterring potential theft. This update will automatically reboot a device if it remains locked for several consecutive days, adding an extra layer of protection.
The new security feature is part of a broader initiative by Google to strengthen Android’s defenses against unauthorized access. While not identical, the concept is similar to how online accounts are sometimes deactivated after prolonged inactivity.
According to reports, the auto-restart function is being rolled out via an update to Google Play Services. Its purpose is to reset the device’s security posture—essentially restoring it to the same level of protection it had when it was first powered on. Each time the device restarts, the user must enter their passcode to regain full access to the phone’s features.
Google’s move follows similar actions by other companies. For instance, Apple introduced a comparable feature with iOS 18.1 in 2024, and GrapheneOS already offers a reboot lock feature. Although the auto-restart capability isn’t live just yet, sources predict that Google will make it available soon.
Here’s how it works: If an Android phone remains locked for three consecutive days, it will automatically reboot. This timeline has been carefully chosen with device theft in mind, as a stolen phone is likely to stay locked and untouched for that duration. The idea is to frustrate potential thieves by rendering the device harder to access over time.
For regular users, the feature should cause no disruption. Most people naturally lock and unlock their phones multiple times throughout the day. However, Google suggests that users who own multiple devices—like a work phone or a backup phone—should be mindful of this change. Infrequently used devices may also trigger the auto-restart if left untouched for too long.
Ultimately, this new safeguard is designed to give Android users more peace of mind. By reinforcing security through inactivity-based reboots, Google aims to make lost or stolen phones significantly less valuable to thieves.
