Android
Big security issue: You can easily break security of any Samsung Galaxy device
Samsung always keeps security as a priority when it comes to Galaxy devices. Meanwhile, there are still some issues from the Android side, which are still compromising security. In a recent development, our team member found a YouTube video, showing that you can destroy any Samsung device’s security in just a minute, is it an issue?
A YouTube channel posted plenty of videos guiding users on how they can factory reset their Galaxy device in case of forgetting the password, pin, or pattern. Since a manual reset stops you to use your device without logging in with the same Google account the phone had before, the YouTuber even bypassed FRP.
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The video begins with a short introduction on breaking any form of security lock on all Galaxy devices. Seeing this video, we followed the same steps and found that the method is accurately working and we were able to factory reset Galaxy devices, including:
- Galaxy Z Fold 4
- Galaxy Z Flip 4
- Galaxy S22 Ultra
- Galaxy Z Fold 3
- Galaxy S21 and S21 FE
- Galaxy M31 and A30s
As shown in the video, you can break any Galaxy device’s lock (password, PIN or pattern) by resetting manually. To do so, just plug in the USB and connect it to a PC, and press all three physical buttons simultaneously. As soon as your device turns off, leave the volume down button, followed by the power button a few seconds later.
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Within seconds, you will be able to access the recovery mode of Android, letting you install the firmware manually, and wipe system data as well as cache. Using the Wipe data/factory reset option, you can hard reset any Galaxy device, while the FRP can also be bypassed with a handful of head-scratching steps.
I shocked seeing Samsung Knox also validated installation of a third-party root access apps!
While this method would not leave any kind of personal data or account logged in in the Galaxy device, but, you won’t be able to trace it through services like Find My Mobile. In case of misplacement or theft incidents, anyone can get access to use your Galaxy device as a first-hand user.
Users’ personal data won’t be accessible by gaining access to factory reset and FRP bypass methods. Still, we are disappointed to see that the user eventually used Samsung’s setup wizard as concluding the method of getting complete access to the Galaxy device.
Samsung should look into the matter and fix the issue/bugs that provide unauthorized access, destroying security promises. The company should also work with Google to make the FRP and factory reset more reliable as some are still compromising users’ privacy.
Recently, Google started to release the Android 13 QPR3 Beta 1 update to Pixel smartphone users. The company will continue to run the Android 13 QPR3 Beta program until the Android 14 Beta begins as part of testing features that would be released with the June 2023 Android Feature Drop.
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Courtesy of Esper.io’s Mishaal Rahman, we have a pretty clear idea of what new features are included in the latest Android 13 QPR3 Beta 1. It’s worth mentioning that the company brought various tweaks with the QPR3 Beta derived from the Android 14 DP2.
Android 13 QPR Beta is a Pixel-exclusive software development plan, which Google initiated to test features prior to its quarterly feature drops. Similarly, Samsung brings new features and enhancements to Galaxy devices, but there’s no pre-defined distribution program.
Here is the Android 13 QPR3 Beta 1 stuff:
- Device Controls can show a custom embedded activity from providers, but only to developers in Android 14 DP2’s release.
- The transient taskbar is now available when gesture navigation is enabled, while the persistent taskbar appears with 3-button navigation.
- Users now have the option to display weather on the lock screen separately from smartspace.
- The font scaling Quick Setting tile is now available when enabled.
- A new “emoji wallpaper” generator is available in Android 14 DP2, but not enabled by default.
- Three new keyguard quick affordances are supported: Mute, notetaking, and video camera.
- Watch Unlock feature can now be accessed through Settings integration.
- A “show only new notifications on lock screen” option is available under Settings Notifications, but only if the lock_screen_show_only_unseen_notifications is set to ‘1’.
- Share menu is more consistent with an unbundled chooser.
After two developer previews, the Mountain View company is expected to release the Android 14 Public Beta 1 for Pixel devices next month. As reported, there will be a single Beta update in QPR3 Beta as Google says the preview will “continue until Android 14 Beta kicks off.”
“If you’re participating in QPR3 beta, you will automatically receive an over-the-air (OTA) update to Android 14 Beta 1 when it becomes available. No separate program opt-in is required. We’ll provide more information as we get closer to the Android 14 beta release.”
In late October, Samsung released Android 13-based One UI 5.0, and expansion started on November 7. Later, the company brought One UI 5.1, which started to land on Galaxy devices on February 13. However, here’s a list of Samsung Galaxy devices that won’t receive the Android 14 (One UI 6.0) update.
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Back in February, Google released the Android 14 Developer Preview 1 (DP2 on Mar. 8) to eligible Pixel phones. However, Samsung’s One UI 6 Beta testing is expected to start by the end of July or early August, followed by a Stable release later this year. Read more → Everything about One UI 6.0
The Galaxy flagships debuted after the S21 series are eligible for four major OS upgrades. At the same time, select mid-range phones, starting with Galaxy A53 and Galaxy A73, are also eligible to get up to four generations of Android upgrades and five years of patches.
The Galaxy S20 series and Note 20 series smartphones are no longer eligible for any major firmware upgrade. The same case is for the Galaxy Z Flip (LTE/5G), S20 FE (LTE/5G), Z Fold 2 5G, Note 10 Lite, S10 Lite, A51, and A71 devices.
It’s worth mentioning that all of the devices have received the Android 13-based One UI 5 as their third major update. As per the company’s software update policy, Samsung devices mentioned above (below in list format) won’t be receiving the next big Android update – Android 14.
- Galaxy S20, S20+ and S20 Ultra
- Galaxy Z Flip – LTE/5G
- Galaxy S20 FE – LTE/5G
- Galaxy Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra
- Galaxy Z Fold 2 5G
- Galaxy Note 10 Lite
- Galaxy S10 Lite
- Galaxy A51 and A71
If you want to experience the upcoming Android 14-based One UI 6 software, upgrading to the Galaxy S23 is the best option for now. In the second half, Samsung will release the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Flip 5 devices, which will also be getting One UI 6 in priority.
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Samsung amazed Galaxy consumers with the Android 13 rollout and now there are high hopes for the Android 14 update this year. Based on Android 14, the One UI 6.0 version is expected to be available on the Beta channel by August and on the Stable channel by October.
Android 14’s development had begun in early February and the OEM hopes to bring the official version in July this year. This Samsung Android 14 update page will keep you updated with the latest inputs, developments, and early information.
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Note: We will add/remove content following the latest and authentic inputs.
Android 14 Beta News
//March 8
- Google pushed the Developer Preview 2 build to Pixel phones with new security and privacy focussed features.
//March 4
- Samsung might announce the One UI 6 Beta program earlier than last year.
//February 8
- Google released Developer Preview 1 build for devices ranging from Pixel 4a 5G to Pixel 7 Pro.
Android 14 Stable News
//March 14
- Google released the March 2023 Android Feature Drop ahead of the Android 14 announcement at I/O 2023.
//March 4
- One UI 6.0 could launch at Samsung Developer Conference 2023 later this year.
//February 8
- Google could release the Stable update to Pixel smartphones by the end of July this year.
Android 14 Features List
- Predictive back gesture
- Vibrant “Basic colours” in Color Palette
- Apps installed in the background
- Fast Pair
- Integrated Health Connect
- Prevention to install old apps
- Tweaked “Security & privacy” section
- Battery Saver UI
- Screen time in Battery usage section
- Taskbar text labels on larger displays
- Advanced memory protection
- Hearing devices
- One UI-inspired Cloned Apps
Features as of Developer Preview 1 for Google phones, source.
Samsung Android 14 Eligible Devices
Galaxy Z series
- Galaxy Z Fold 4 (2nd)
- Galaxy Z Flip 4
- Galaxy Z Fold 3 (3rd)
- Galaxy Z Flip 3
Galaxy S series
- Galaxy S23 Ultra (1st)
- Galaxy S23+
- Galaxy S23
- Galaxy S22 Ultra (2nd)
- Galaxy S22+
- Galaxy S22
- Galaxy S21 FE (2nd)
- Galaxy S21 Ultra (3rd)
- Galaxy S21+
- Galaxy S21
Galaxy A series
- Galaxy A14 (1st)
- Galaxy A04s
- Galaxy A73 (2nd)
- Galaxy A53 (2nd)
- Galaxy A33
- Galaxy A23
- Galaxy A13
- Galaxy A72 (3rd)
- Galaxy A52s 5G (3rd)
- Galaxy A52 LTE/5G (3rd)
Galaxy M series
- Galaxy M53 5G
- Galaxy M33 5G
- Galaxy M23
Galaxy Tab series
- Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra
- Galaxy Tab S8+
- Galaxy Tab S8
This is not an official One UI 6 device list.