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09:24 AM UTC · SATURDAY, MAY 2, 2026 LA ERA · México
May 2, 2026 · Updated 09:24 AM UTC
Technology

Security experts and tech giants urge weekly smartphone restarts to prevent malware and battery drain

The NSA and major manufacturers like Apple and Samsung recommend rebooting mobile devices once a week to clear volatile memory and block zero-click attacks.

Tomás Herrera

2 min read

Security experts and tech giants urge weekly smartphone restarts to prevent malware and battery drain
Smartphone security and maintenance

Security agencies and major hardware manufacturers are advising smartphone users to power down their devices at least once a week to maintain performance and security. According to a report by fayerwayer.com, this simple 60-second habit serves as a primary defense against modern cyber threats and hardware inefficiencies.

The U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) has integrated weekly restarts into its official 'Mobile Device Hygiene' guide. The agency notes that many modern 'zero-click' malware attacks reside exclusively in volatile RAM. Restarting the device terminates these invisible malicious processes, forcing attackers to attempt a new infection from scratch.

Hardware optimization and battery life

Tech manufacturers are also promoting the practice to manage system resources. Samsung has integrated an 'Auto Restart' feature into its Galaxy device care settings. The South Korean company maintains that this prevents interface errors and optimizes energy management.

Apple's support protocols similarly recommend restarting to force system re-indexing and recalibrate battery sensors. This is particularly vital after heavy software updates that often leave residual processes draining power.

Network experts from Cisco Talos add that the cellular modem—responsible for 4G and 5G connectivity—can accumulate signal errors after continuous use. A reboot forces the hardware to reconnect with the strongest available cell tower. This reduces processor strain and lowers device temperature, which helps prevent significant battery drain in high-traffic urban areas.

Experts clarify that restarting is not the same as simply closing all open app tabs. While closing apps only hides them, a full restart shuts down background services that apps often fail to release. This process cleans temporary RAM without deleting any personal files or configurations.

Fayerwayer.com notes that 'turning it off for one minute is not a technological step backward; it is allowing the hardware and software to come into agreement once again.'

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