April 22, 2026, 12:25 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
Samsung has added a security feature to its Galaxy S26 series. If a smartphone remains unused and locked for a certain period, it automatically restarts. This is intended to better protect sensitive data from unauthorized access and make stolen devices significantly harder for criminals to use.
Samsung rolled out the new feature called “Inactivity restart” at the end of March for the Galaxy S26 series models. It works as follows: If owners do not unlock their smartphone at least once within 72 hours, or three days, it automatically restarts. The device then switches to the so-called “Before First Unlock” state, where data encryption reaches its highest level.
Samsung Smartphone Locks Itself After 72 Hours
According to the website “Sammy Fans,” all critical access keys are deleted from the memory. IT experts consider this security barrier to be nearly insurmountable. After the restart, unlocking is mandatory via PIN, password, or pattern. Only then are features like the fingerprint scanner, notifications, or the display of incoming calls fully available again. If the SIM card is also locked, users must unlock it first to receive calls.
The feature is located in the security settings and is disabled by default. Users must activate it manually. It can be found under “Settings,” “Security and Privacy,” and “More Security Settings.”
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Enhanced Biometrics and AI Theft Detection
In addition to the 72-hour lock, Samsung is also expanding the biometric security of sensitive areas within the smartphone system. Outside familiar places like home or work, entering the display PIN is no longer sufficient for certain security-relevant settings. In these cases, the system requires additional biometric verification.
This includes, among other things, the transfer of the Samsung account via Smart Switch. Access to the secure folder or private gallery albums is also more strongly protected. Even disabling the so-called “Auto Blocker,” which prevents unauthorized app installations, now requires identity confirmation. Multiple incorrect entries lead to a temporary screen lock.
The update is another step in a series of measures Samsung has already introduced to protect its devices. This also includes AI-supported theft detection that analyzes movement patterns. If the system detects a typical snatching followed by a fleeing movement, the display is immediately locked. Additionally, an offline device lock is activated if the smartphone has no network connection for an extended period.
Owners can also lock a stolen device remotely via a verified phone number, even without a Google account.
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Update Possibly Also for Older Models
With the automatic 72-hour restart, Samsung is responding to current developments in the industry. Apple and alternative Android systems like GrapheneOS have introduced similar mechanisms. According to security experts, the combination of hardware encryption, biometrics, and automated responses would significantly reduce the incentive for thefts.
Currently, the update is only available for the S26 series models. However, Samsung plans to extend the new security features to older devices as well.