Inactivity Restart security feature is reaching more Galaxy phones, including the S26

Samsung is rolling out a new security feature originally introduced by Google last year. Called Inactivity Restart, it is now reaching Galaxy S26 users in Korea, possibly through the February 2026 patch Samsung just started rolling out.

The feature isn’t entirely new for Google or Samsung fans. Galaxy Z Fold 7 users running One UI 8 with the February 2026 patch already have it, and Galaxy S25 series devices on One UI 8.5 beta firmware and the November 2025 patch also include it.

This suggests that the February 2026 update may enable the feature on some, but not all, Galaxy phones. It could also be enabled via Google Play service updates. Either way, Galaxy S26 users in Korea are now seeing this option after receiving their first firmware update. The latter should extend to more devices soon.

Once available, Inactivity Restart can be toggled ON or OFF under Settings > Security and Privacy > More security settings > Inactivity Restart toggle ON.

Abhijeet Mishra / SamMobile

Abhijeet Mishra / SamMobile

If you don't see this security option on your Galaxy phone, check for new One UI and Google Play system updates. If there are no new updates, or the feature is still missing after updating, the only option is to wait and check for new releases regularly.

How Inactivity Restart works

The feature is simple. When enabled, your phone will automatically reboot after 72 hours of inactivity. The countdown starts when you lock the phone and resets each time you unlock it. If 72 hours pass without unlocking, the device reboots.

Rebooting pushes the phone into the BFU (Before First Unlock) state, disabling fingerprint access until the correct PIN, pattern, or password is entered.

As others have stated, this is not a massive security upgrade, but it can help protect your data if your phone is misplaced. It won’t locate your device, but it can stop strangers from accessing your personal information.

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Mihai Matei - Senior Editor

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First Samsung device: SGH-A800

Mihai is a blogger and column writer at SamMobile. His first Samsung phone was an A800 which took a lot of beating, and a part of him still misses the novelty of the clamshell design. In his free time, he enjoys watching shows, documentaries, and stand-up comedy; listening to music, taking walks, and occasionally playing old(er) video games.

Firmware Android 16 Galaxy S25 Galaxy S25 Plus Galaxy S25 Ultra Galaxy S26 Galaxy S26 Plus Galaxy S26 Ultra Galaxy Z Fold 7 One UI One UI 8.0 One UI 8.5