Android Enhances User Security with New Feature!

Abdullah Mustapha

April 17, 2025

Google has added a new security feature to Android. It comes with Google Play Services version 25.14. The feature will automatically reboot a phone if it has been locked and inactive for 72 hours.

Google Adds Auto-Reboot Security Feature to Android Phones

If you don’t use your Android phone for three days, it automatically reboots. After the restart, the phone enters BFU mode (Before First Unlock). In this mode, the system locks and encrypts your data, including passwords, fingerprints, and account information.

This makes it much more difficult for anyone to gain access to your own personal information. Even if somebody steals your phone, they won’t be able to bypass this locked mode without your unlock code.

Why This Matters

Typically, once you unlock your phone, it stays in AFU mode (After First Unlock). In that mode, applications and data are easily accessible. But when in BFU mode, all is locked down. This offers greater security in the event that your phone falls into the wrong hands.

The reboot doesn’t delete your data. It simply re-encrypts it, storing it safely behind only you can get to with your password or your fingerprint or face.

Automatic and Always On

Google has turned on this feature by default. You don’t need to do anything. As of now, there is no setting to turn it off. Google also hasn’t made any comment on whether phone makers can change how it functions or offer users control over it.

Apple Did Something Similar

Apple brought a similar feature to iPhones with the iOS 18.1 update. On iPhones, the phone restarts when it has been locked for four days. Google is now offering the same degree of security to Android users.

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Final Thoughts

This new feature adds another layer of protection for Android. It secures your data even if your phone gets lost or stolen. What do you think about this update? Is it helpful to you or oppressive? Let us know in the comments.

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