Google rolls out 'inactivity reboot' security feature to Android phones

Google has begun rolling out a new security update for Android phones, which will make them reliable and protect them against illegal access.

If the Android phone is idle and has not been unlocked for over three consecutive days, it will automatically reboot and enter the Before First Unlock (BFU) state.

It should be noted that the BFU state will not erase the storage or factory reset the device, but a security measure to protect the information stored in the Android phone. All the data in the phone gets fully encrypted, and other security features such as FaceID/fingerprint ID get disabled.

To unlock the Android phone, the user must have a security passcode/pattern and Gmail ID password.

It is similar to the iPhone security feature 'inactivity reboot'. Apple introduced it with iOS 18.1 update in November 2024.

This feature is introduced to primarily deter thieves from stealing personal and financial details from phones.

However, it will affect law enforcement agencies, as they seize the phones of criminals as an important piece of material evidence to press charges against them. If it gets locked and felon don't co-operate, police will not be able open the device to collect digital evidence such as photos or videos.

The new Android security feature will be delivered through a Google Play app update (v25.14 (2025-04-14). It will take a week or two to reach all the devices worldwide.

It is said that this security feature is for Android phones and tablets; it won't be available on other platforms such as Android Auto for vehicles, Android TV/ Google TV and WearOS for watches.

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