Samsung phones left inoperable after update: ‘Don’t update your phone until the glitch is fixed’
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Routinely updating your smartphone’s software is part of the ways you can keep it in its tip-top shape. Or so we thought…
Updates commonly introduce so-called ‘security patches’, which help protect your precious data from being accessed and manipulated by cybercriminals who are always on the lookout for ways they can exploit vulnerabilities in devices such as smartphones.
Every now and then, updates also introduce (or conversely, get rid of) features to phones through aptly named feature updates.
But what if updating your phone leaves your phone unusable?
Australian Samsung customers are being warned to avoid the latest update to their phones as some users have reported coming out the other side with nothing but an unresponsive screen.
Many users have been left with an unresponsive phone, stuck displaying the Samsung logo. The result is a phone that is essentially rendered useless.
Curiously, initial information as confirmed by Samsung Australia reveals that only users from South Australia are affected by the odd glitch.
Details are sparse as to what version of the software update is involved — it is only said that ‘the latest’ software update is behind the error — and what specific devices are affected.
Adelaide-based repair services took to social media earlier this week to warn customers of the devastating consequences of hitting ' go' on the update.
‘Tell your Samsung friends not to update their phones,’ one store warned. ‘The recommendation is don’t update your phone until the glitch is fixed.’
Samsung Australia is strongly advising affected customers to get in contact with their local service centre and said they are investigating the matter.
Needing no cues, many users went to Samsung outlets in the past days hoping for the issue to be resolved, but only to be told the only solution to their problem is a factory reset.
One heartbreaking consequence is that they risk permanently losing access to files they weren’t able to back up.
‘Not being super tech savvy, unfortunately — I haven’t backed anything up,’ one woman said.
‘So I’m losing all my 2022 photos because I take everything on my phone nowadays. I’ll have to track down all my contacts again.’
Another woman said on Facebook: ‘(The) phone shop said it is only phones older than 2 years. I was advised to wait a couple of weeks as Samsung is trying to find a fix. I have everything on that phone!’
Many users disputed the shop’s claim though as they said their phones were newer models under two years old.
One user who owns a Samsung S20 5G unit claimed his phone was among those affected by the update glitch.
‘(I) was running all current software and security patches, (Over-The-Air) update of around 2GB for (Samsung) UI 5, and it (remained stuck) on the Samsung logo afterwards,’ he shared on Reddit.
‘I live in (South Australia)... and Googling it, (it) only seems to happen in SA, so I’m assuming it’s the +9.5 time offset which is the issue with the … update.’
‘I’ve lost a few months of photos. I am yet to do a factory reset as I am hoping to somehow recover my phones from the device.’
For Samsung users looking to avoid a potential wipe, the update is reportedly still available, however, it pays to exercise caution and back up your phone in case the worst were to happen.
Concerned customers can reach Samsung Australia’s support hotline at 1300 362 603 and 1300 425 299 (GALAXY) or search for their nearest authorised service centre at this link.
Have you been affected by this software update? Tell us about it in the comments.
Source: Facebook/7News Adelaide
Updates commonly introduce so-called ‘security patches’, which help protect your precious data from being accessed and manipulated by cybercriminals who are always on the lookout for ways they can exploit vulnerabilities in devices such as smartphones.
Every now and then, updates also introduce (or conversely, get rid of) features to phones through aptly named feature updates.
But what if updating your phone leaves your phone unusable?
Australian Samsung customers are being warned to avoid the latest update to their phones as some users have reported coming out the other side with nothing but an unresponsive screen.
Many users have been left with an unresponsive phone, stuck displaying the Samsung logo. The result is a phone that is essentially rendered useless.
Curiously, initial information as confirmed by Samsung Australia reveals that only users from South Australia are affected by the odd glitch.
Some users reported having their phones stuck on Samsung’s logo screen after a software update. Image Credit: Samsung Australia
Details are sparse as to what version of the software update is involved — it is only said that ‘the latest’ software update is behind the error — and what specific devices are affected.
Adelaide-based repair services took to social media earlier this week to warn customers of the devastating consequences of hitting ' go' on the update.
‘Tell your Samsung friends not to update their phones,’ one store warned. ‘The recommendation is don’t update your phone until the glitch is fixed.’
Samsung Australia is strongly advising affected customers to get in contact with their local service centre and said they are investigating the matter.
Needing no cues, many users went to Samsung outlets in the past days hoping for the issue to be resolved, but only to be told the only solution to their problem is a factory reset.
One heartbreaking consequence is that they risk permanently losing access to files they weren’t able to back up.
‘Not being super tech savvy, unfortunately — I haven’t backed anything up,’ one woman said.
More than the unusable phones, some have expressed their sadness at potentially losing access to irreplaceable files like photos. Screengrab Credit: Pexels/RODNAE Productions
‘So I’m losing all my 2022 photos because I take everything on my phone nowadays. I’ll have to track down all my contacts again.’
Another woman said on Facebook: ‘(The) phone shop said it is only phones older than 2 years. I was advised to wait a couple of weeks as Samsung is trying to find a fix. I have everything on that phone!’
Many users disputed the shop’s claim though as they said their phones were newer models under two years old.
One user who owns a Samsung S20 5G unit claimed his phone was among those affected by the update glitch.
‘(I) was running all current software and security patches, (Over-The-Air) update of around 2GB for (Samsung) UI 5, and it (remained stuck) on the Samsung logo afterwards,’ he shared on Reddit.
‘I live in (South Australia)... and Googling it, (it) only seems to happen in SA, so I’m assuming it’s the +9.5 time offset which is the issue with the … update.’
‘I’ve lost a few months of photos. I am yet to do a factory reset as I am hoping to somehow recover my phones from the device.’
Concerned customers can reach Samsung Australia’s support hotline at 1300 362 603 and 1300 425 299 (GALAXY) or search for their nearest authorised service centre at this link.
Have you been affected by this software update? Tell us about it in the comments.
Source: Facebook/7News Adelaide
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