Using an Old Samsung Galaxy Phone? Turn Off Auto Updates ASAP

If you’re on an old Samsung Galaxy phone, hold off on updating it for now and double-check if auto updates are off, too. 9to5Mac (via Engadget) reports that Samsung is rolling out an update to its older Galaxy lineup, which has been bricking a number of its devices. Unfortunately, the only way to fix it seems to be by factory resetting the phones, which would erase all your data.

9to5Mac explains that instead of a system-wide issue, the culprit might be a specific SmartThings Framework update. The update is messing with the boot loop while being installed and not allowing the phones to turn on. The publication spotted the issue when multiple users took to Reddit to voice their complaints.

The affected devices include the Galaxy S10 series (S10, S10+, S10e, S10 Lite, S10 5G) and the Galaxy Note 10 series (Note 10, Note 10+, Note 10 5G). Some users are also facing this issue on the Samsung Galaxy M51 and the Galaxy A90. The problem isn’t geographically limited, with users from Korea, the US, Singapore, Australia, Belgium, France, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Germany reporting on it.

However, the same Reddit thread now includes an update that reads, “The update has been replaced with a new one, so no further phones should be affected.” However, it adds that it’s a good idea to keep auto updates off for now. It’s also recommended that all your data be backed up just to be safe. To turn auto updates off, head to your Settings app, navigate to “Apps,” and select “Galaxy Store,” press “Galaxy Store settings,” and set “Auto update apps” to Never.

If you find yourself in the unfortunate position of having your device bricked, it’s best to seek professional assistance. Apparently, Samsung Service Centers can fix this issue without incurring the data loss that would occur if you were to factory reset it yourself.

If you wish to restore your phone ASAP and don’t mind the data loss, here’s how you’d do it. On the Galaxy S10 Series, press and hold the Bixby and volume up buttons, then long-press the power button and release when you see a Samsung logo on your screen. On the Galaxy Note 10 Series, press and hold the power and volume up buttons simultaneously. Doing so will put the phones in recovery mode. Then, use the volume buttons to scroll to “Wipe data” and the power button to make a selection. Confirm the reset and then click on “Reboot system now.”