Google has released a brand-new April system update for Android in an effort to increase the operating system’s security. In the event that your Android device has been locked for three consecutive days, a new security feature will cause it to restart automatically.

In other words, Android will restart your phone automatically if you don’t use it for three days and it’s still locked. The intriguing thing about this functionality, though, is that a major operating system has already incorporated a similar capability. In November of last year, Apple released iOS 18.1, which included a similar functionality. Notably, this makes things challenging for any would-be robbers who might be out there. In November of last year, 404 Media published the first report on this.

What precisely does this feature offer, then?

Google says this feature, which is a part of the Security and Privacy update, will restart your device automatically if it has been locked for three days in a row. It’s unclear exactly how Google is managing this, though, in contrast to Apple’s solution.

As for why it matters, it is said to be more difficult to unlock a phone right after a reboot, which makes things challenging for both law enforcement and thieves.

What causes that? Before First Unlock (BFU) and After First Unlock (AFU) are the two encryption states in which data is kept on Apple phones. You may have realized that there isn’t much you can do before unlocking your phone. Since the device is more secure in this state, only certain actions are permitted.

Your smartphone will stay in the Before First Unlock state, which is more secure than the AFU mode, until you unlock it with a passcode or biometrics. This is why a reboot works so well: according to this reasoning, it puts the phone in the BFU state, which is much more safe.

Nevertheless, Google has not disclosed the specifics of its procedure. However, we are aware of how Apple operates.

With the April system update, what other updates has Google released?

Google Play Services version 25.14, dated April 14, 2025, and Private Compute Services version 25, dated April 15, 2025, make up the April 2025 upgrade. It offers bug fixes for services linked to account management, according to Google. Receivers can now preview content being transferred with the Quick Transfer feature, which also enhances device communication. Services related to device connections have also been fixed.

The on-device location history settings page has been aesthetically updated with Google Material components, among other location-related changes.

The Usage and Diagnostics screen’s user interface has also been changed, as have system administration services, especially the location time zone provider.

The Wallet app now allows users to nickname their wallet passes as part of the Google Play Services upgrade. Additionally, there are enhancements in device communication and battery life. Lastly, a brand-new Ask a Question function for videos has been included.