Your Android phone is getting a new security secret weapon - how it works

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A caller information diagnostic from Google means that Android devices mightiness soon commencement rebooting automatically -- and that's not a atrocious thing.

In a caller Google Play Services update, Google details however your Android phone volition soon reboot if you haven't utilized it for 3 consecutive days. 

How reboots help

This is important for 2 reasons. The archetypal is because, to unfastened a telephone aft a reboot, you indispensable participate a PIN -- nary biometrics oregon different method of unlocking. PIN-only entree means the phone, and the information connected it, is harder to entree for anyone with atrocious intentions. If you're 1 of the radical utilizing a telephone without any benignant of unlock protection, this is simply a important furniture of security.

Also: Why rebooting your telephone regular is your champion defence against zero-click attacks

The 2nd crushed is simply a small much technical, but conscionable arsenic important. Mobile phones person two fastener states: Before archetypal fastener (BFU) and aft archetypal fastener (AFU). In BFU, accusation and files connected a telephone are securely encrypted and wholly inaccessible, adjacent with analyzable extraction programs.

This besides means that authorities who person seized a telephone arsenic evidence, specified arsenic section instrumentality enforcement oregon the FBI, volition person a shorter model of clip to entree the instrumentality earlier it becomes overmuch much difficult.

Also: Biometrics vs. passcodes: What lawyers urge if you're disquieted astir warrantless telephone searches

A BFU telephone remains connected to Wi-Fi oregon mobile data, meaning that if you suffer your telephone and it reboots, you'll inactive beryllium capable to usage location-finding services.

Apple introduced a akin diagnostic for iPhones past year.

Rolling out

This caller diagnostic is portion of the April 2025 Google System merchandise notes. It would seemingly use to tablets, too, but volition not use to wearables similar the Pixel Watch, televisions, or Android Auto devices. 

Also: How to mill reset your Android telephone without unlocking it first

Google hasn't said if you'll beryllium capable to toggle this diagnostic oregon alteration the clip bounds for rebooting.

Since this diagnostic is portion of Google Play Services, you'll spot it without your telephone going done a afloat strategy update.

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