Android Phones to Auto-Reboot After 3 Days of Inactivity—Here’s Why

By Mehtab Ansari • Updated On Apr 16, 2025

Like
Comment
Share

TL; DR

Android phones will now automatically reboot if they stay locked for three full days, thanks to a quiet update rolled out via Google Play Services (v25.14).
This change is meant to boost security by reverting the device to a fully encrypted “Before First Unlock” state, making data inaccessible until the user manually unlocks it.
Wear OS devices are not affected by this update.

In a quiet but important move, Google has started rolling out a new security feature via Google Play Services (version 25.14). The update will trigger an automatic reboot on Android phones and tablets if they remain locked for three straight days—a shift aimed at enhancing device security.

This isn’t part of a traditional Android OS update. Instead, it’s being pushed through Play Services, which lets Google roll out features without waiting for full system upgrades. The Circle to Search update was also rolled out in a similar manner. Once installed, it operates silently, requiring no user action. Notably, Wear OS devices are excluded from this feature.

ALSO READ: Exclusive: OnePlus Nord CE 5 Full Specs Revealed—Major Upgrades

Why is Google doing this?

After three days of being locked, your phone will reboot into the “Before First Unlock” state. In this mode, your data remains encrypted and inaccessible until you manually unlock the device. It’s a much more secure state compared to the “After First Unlock” condition, which retains some decrypted data in memory.

ALSO READ: Apple 2025 Overview: Launches So Far & Expected Announcements for Rest of the Year

From where I see it, this update is part of a bigger shift—tech companies leaning more into silent, preemptive security. It’s not groundbreaking, but the auto-restart feature does make sense, especially for people who leave their phones untouched during trips or long breaks. And in a time where digital threats are always one step ahead, small tweaks like this go a long way in keeping users confident in their devices.

ALSO READ: OnePlus 13T Design Teased Ahead of April 24 Launch in China: New Colors and More Revealed

You can follow Smartprix on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Google News. Visit smartprix.com for the most recent tech and auto news, reviews, and guides.

Mehtab Ansari

Mehtab Ansari is the Assistant Editor – Features & Reviews at Smartprix, where he writes about smartphones, laptops, audio gear, and everything in between. A computer science student by degree but a tech nerd by heart, he’s been into consumer tech for years and started reviewing products professionally in February 2024. He’s especially into photography and audio, often spending more time testing a smartphone’s camera than he probably should. For him, tech isn’t just work, it’s what he’s always thinking about.

Expertise

Smartphones, laptops, tablets, monitors, smartwatches, photography, and audio gear. I’ve reviewed over 60 products across these categories on Smartprix in the past year and a half.

Education - Bachelor of Computer Applications – Nizam College, Hyderabad (2022–2025) | Joined Smartprix -February 2024 | Published Reviews & Stories - 723

The Smarter Diwali Gift: 4 Reasons We Love TCL TVs

This Durga Puja and Dussehra, your living room deserves an upgrade as dazzling as the festivities outside. TCL is rolling out three spectacular 4K smart TVs that blend cinematic power, vibrant colours, and immersive sound, all without breaking the bank. Whether you’re planning family movie marathons, bingeing festive specials, or gaming into the night, there’s …

Nothing Phone (3) Review: The Most Hyped and Divisive Android of 2025 — My Verdict

Nothing returned to roots – London this week with something to prove. At its 2025 showcase, the company unveiled its boldest flagship yet – the Nothing Phone (3). Alongside it, it also introduced its first pair of over-ear headphones, Nothing Headphones (1). Both clearly follow the brand’s signature bold and aesthetic philosophy, as both devices …

Nothing Phone 3 Price Slashed To Rs. 34,999 During Flipkart’s BBD 2025 Sale, But There’s A Catch

A couple of months ago, Nothing launched the Phone (3) for Rs. 79,999 in India for the 12GB RAM + 256GB storage variant, calling it its first “flagship.” Well, as part of Flipkart’s Big Billion Day 2025 sale, the handset’s effective price has come down to Rs. 35,000, making up for a whopping 50% discount …

What Will Android Copy From the iPhone 17? Look at These 10 Past Examples

The iPhone 17 is days away, and the ritual is familiar. Leaks, renders, and AI speculation dominate the feeds, while Android diehards roll their eyes as they accuse Apple of a lack of innovation. But history tells a different story. Apple makes a move, the internet mocks it, Android brands roast it in ads, and …

LIVE NOW: Best Motorola Phones To Buy During Flipkart Big Billion Days 2025

The Flipkart Big Billion Days 2025 sale is live, and now’s the time to get a new Motorola smartphone, especially if there’s one already added to your cart. From entry-level 5G handsets, affordable mid-rangers, to the most inexpensive flip-style phone on the market, you can purchase a desired handset right now, at excellent prices. So, …