5 ms·

It's not great news for my old phone used for wifi at our guesthouse (let's a few security cams and our smart lock get online)

wizzwizz4 1y ago
You should be able to switch this off, if you notice it being enabled, so (now you know about it) it should be a one-time downtime.
- devrandoom 1y ago
  I skimmed through the docs, couldn't see anything about soaking disabling it.
  - wizzwizz4 1y ago
    It's right there in the Google System Release Notes. Quoting https://support.google.com/product-documentation/answer/14343500?hl=en https://support.google.com/product-documentation/answer/1434... : --- ### Google Play services v25.14 (2025-04-14) #### Security & Privacy • [Phone] Enables a future optional security feature, which will automatically restart your device if locked for 3 consecutive days.
    - devrandoom 1y ago
      Wow I'm blind. Thanks and apologies.
rixed 1y ago
Same here, using several old androids as hotspots here and there. They stopped receiving updates long ago though, so I'm not worried.
- clort 1y ago
  Its not an OS update, its a Google Play Services update .. so if they still apply you would get it I found it strange that things like 'prettier settings screens' and 'improved connection with cars and watches' would be included in Google Play Services. Surely those things are part of the OS not part of a thing which helps you access the Play store? I've been using a LineageOS (prev. Cyanogenmod) phone for years and have never installed any google stuff so I don't get these updates anyway.
  - aftbit 1y ago
    They've been moving more and more into Google Play Services because: 1. It's deployed to all devices and not subject to manufacturer approval for updates 2. It's easier to update without requiring user interaction or approval 3. It's closed source unlike Android so changes can't be incorporated by competitors
  - Rebelgecko 1y ago
    Its an anti fragmentation measure
  - wishfish 1y ago
    One possible option would be to install Netguard (open source Android firewall that doesn't require root) and block Play Services. I have that on a spare unrooted Android phone. Seems to be working so far. But I'm sure Google could bypass it if they really wanted to. I don't know if they've ever made an effort to bypass Netguard (or similar) in the past.
pengaru 1y ago
I used to do something similar for the security cams at my desert property. Picked up a gl.inet x300b off ebay and never looked back.
1832 1y ago
Also bad news for my megayacht (use's an old android phone to monitor location and detect movement)

wizzwizz4 1y ago

You should be able to switch this off, if you notice it being enabled, so (now you know about it) it should be a one-time downtime.

devrandoom 1y ago
I skimmed through the docs, couldn't see anything about soaking disabling it.
- wizzwizz4 1y ago
  It's right there in the Google System Release Notes. Quoting https://support.google.com/product-documentation/answer/14343500?hl=en https://support.google.com/product-documentation/answer/1434... : --- ### Google Play services v25.14 (2025-04-14) #### Security & Privacy • [Phone] Enables a future optional security feature, which will automatically restart your device if locked for 3 consecutive days.
  - devrandoom 1y ago
    Wow I'm blind. Thanks and apologies.

rixed 1y ago

Same here, using several old androids as hotspots here and there. They stopped receiving updates long ago though, so I'm not worried.

clort 1y ago
Its not an OS update, its a Google Play Services update .. so if they still apply you would get it I found it strange that things like 'prettier settings screens' and 'improved connection with cars and watches' would be included in Google Play Services. Surely those things are part of the OS not part of a thing which helps you access the Play store? I've been using a LineageOS (prev. Cyanogenmod) phone for years and have never installed any google stuff so I don't get these updates anyway.
- aftbit 1y ago
  They've been moving more and more into Google Play Services because: 1. It's deployed to all devices and not subject to manufacturer approval for updates 2. It's easier to update without requiring user interaction or approval 3. It's closed source unlike Android so changes can't be incorporated by competitors
- Rebelgecko 1y ago
  Its an anti fragmentation measure
- wishfish 1y ago
  One possible option would be to install Netguard (open source Android firewall that doesn't require root) and block Play Services. I have that on a spare unrooted Android phone. Seems to be working so far. But I'm sure Google could bypass it if they really wanted to. I don't know if they've ever made an effort to bypass Netguard (or similar) in the past.

pengaru 1y ago

I used to do something similar for the security cams at my desert property. Picked up a gl.inet x300b off ebay and never looked back.

1832 1y ago

Also bad news for my megayacht (use's an old android phone to monitor location and detect movement)