San Francisco, CA – Android users will soon see a new security feature with the latest Google Play services update. This feature will automatically restart devices that have been locked for 3 consecutive days. The update is expected to offer more security to Android phones and tablets by ensuring that they are regularly refreshed.
Google has made an update to the initial release notes, stating that the auto-reboot feature will be optional in the future. This change comes in response to concerns from users who operate continuous Android devices, such as tablets. By making the auto-reboot optional, users will have more control over this security feature.
Version 25.14 of Google Play services will include this auto-reboot feature under the Security & Privacy settings. This means that devices will automatically restart if they have been left locked for 72 hours. The purpose of this feature is to return the device to a secure state known as Before First Unlock (BFU), where data is encrypted and protected.
On Pixel devices, users will be prompted to “Unlock for all features and data” after the device restarts. This ensures that users take the necessary steps to secure their information, especially if biometric logins are not yet enabled. It is important to note that this feature will not apply to all types of devices, with categories like Auto, PC, TV, and Wear being exempt.
While Google Play services 25.14 will be gradually rolling out, it may take some time before the new auto-reboot feature is fully operational on all Android devices. Despite this, users can expect their devices to receive the necessary updates without requiring a complete operating system update. Further details, such as supported Android versions and user-facing settings, have not been provided by Google at this time.
Overall, the introduction of the auto-reboot feature in the latest Google Play services update aims to enhance the security of Android devices. By automatically restarting devices that have been inactive for an extended period, users can ensure that their data remains encrypted and protected. This feature adds an extra layer of security to Android devices without the need for manual intervention.