This update, part of the latest Google Play services release, aims to protect user data by requiring a passcode for access after the reboot.

According to 9to5Google, this feature will apply to both Android phones and tablets, while excluding categories such as Auto, TV, and WearOS.

The reboot function places devices in a Before First Unlock (BFU) state, which encrypts data files and disables biometric login options until the correct PIN is entered.

This initiative mirrors a similar “Inactivity Reboot” feature introduced by Apple in iOS 18.1, which restarts iPhones after four days of inactivity.

Google has been contacted for clarification on the rollout schedule for the Google Play services 25.14 update and which specific Android devices will support the new auto-reboot feature. Typically, these updates take one to two weeks to reach users.

It remains uncertain whether devices will notify users of the automatic reboot, although Android already displays a message on the PIN screen indicating that a passcode is required to fully unlock the device post-reboot.

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