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Samsung Rolls Out Inactivity Restart Security Feature to Galaxy S26 Users in Korea

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Samsung Rolls Out Inactivity Restart Security Feature to Galaxy Devices

Samsung has begun the rollout of the Inactivity Restart security feature to Galaxy S26 users in Korea, potentially through the February 2026 software patch. This enhancement, designed to bolster device security, ensures data protection during extended periods of inactivity.

Availability Across Galaxy Devices

The Inactivity Restart feature, initially introduced by Google, is not entirely new to Samsung's ecosystem.

It has previously appeared on other Samsung devices:

  • Galaxy Z Fold 7 users running One UI 8 with the February 2026 patch already have it.
  • Galaxy S25 series devices on One UI 8.5 beta firmware with the November 2025 patch also include it.

The feature's availability may vary by device and could also be enabled via Google Play service updates, suggesting a broader integration strategy.

Managing the Feature

Once available on a device, users can manage the Inactivity Restart setting. Navigate to Settings > Security and Privacy > More security settings > Inactivity Restart to enable or disable it.

How Inactivity Restart Works

When enabled, the Inactivity Restart feature ensures that your phone automatically reboots after a specified period of continuous inactivity.

The phone automatically reboots after 72 hours of continuous inactivity.

Here’s a breakdown of its mechanics:

  • Countdown Initiation: The 72-hour countdown begins when the phone is locked.
  • Countdown Reset: Each time the device is unlocked, this 72-hour timer resets.
  • Automatic Reboot Trigger: If the full 72-hour period passes without the phone being unlocked, it will perform a restart.
  • Before First Unlock (BFU) State: This reboot places the phone into the Before First Unlock (BFU) state.
  • Authentication Requirement: In the BFU state, fingerprint access is disabled. To regain access to the device, the correct PIN, pattern, or password must be entered.

Enhanced Data Protection

The primary goal of this feature is to enhance data protection if a device is misplaced. By requiring stronger authentication after an extended period of inactivity, Inactivity Restart actively works to prevent unauthorized access to personal information.