Google deploys an update of Android smartphones and tablets which implements a safety functionality that Apple brought to the iPhone last year.
As indicated in Google's assistance documentation, the latest version of Google Play Services is defined to add a safety measure that will restart your Android device (smartphone or tablet) if it remains locked for three days in a row.
Apple added a similar restart system of 72 hours (called “restart of inactivity”) with iOS 18.1 towards the end of 2024, shortly after the launch of the iPhone 16.
Why restart after three days is more secure
This restart system after three days of inactivity is a solid safety measure. This makes life more delicate for phone thieves who are looking to make their way on a stolen phone.
Like the 9TO5GOOGLE NOTE, when a telephone restarts, it comes back to a more secure state known as First First Uplock (BFU), which encrypts even more from your data and deactivates biometric authentication methods.
You will probably have noticed that you are forced to enter your code whenever you restart your phone.
Chris Martin / Foundry
When will this Android safety update arrive?
Google Play Services' 25.14 version will start to deploy in the coming weeks. It should apply to the vast majority of Android phones and tablets, as technically, it will not be linked to the Android version on which the device works.
However, Google has not yet revealed details on functionality with regard to compatibility or level of user control. Will you be able to switch it to the settings menu, or is it hard in the system?
It should also be noted that the Auto, TV and Wearos system will not be included in this update.
