Voices complaining about unlock errors after Samsung Electronics Galaxy smartphone and tablet operating system updates are gradually increasing. The Korea Consumer Agency has also begun consumer investigations.
According to the industry on the 14th, the Korea Consumer Agency is conducting a status investigation related to unlock errors that occurred after the Galaxy operating system update until the 18th. It is reported that such Galaxy unlock errors are occurring following the distribution of the Galaxy operating system 'One UI 6.1' update early last year.
After the update, when trying to unlock with a password, pattern, or PIN, a warning stating 'not matching' appears and the phone remains locked. The increase in people complaining about this issue since last year is also influenced by Google's strengthened security policies. Samsung Electronics has been providing remote unlocking features via registered PCs or other smartphones through the 'SmartThings Find' service.
However, due to Google's strengthened security policies, Samsung Electronics suspended the service in December 2023. Currently, the only option to unlock is to reset the smartphone. However, Samsung Electronics service centers can confirm the history of password, pattern, or PIN changes without unlocking through log analysis.
Currently, there are dozens of people complaining about the unlock errors of Galaxy smartphones and tablets in Samsung Members, a community for Samsung Electronics device users. The models that report issues include old models such as the Galaxy Note10 and various newer models like the Galaxy S23 and S24 series.
In this situation, the Korea Consumer Agency is also investigating users experiencing this problem, looking into the timing of the issue, actions taken by Samsung Electronics service centers, and whether data was reset. A spokesperson from the agency noted, 'It is true that we have begun consumer investigations regarding this matter,' but added, 'There is no information I can provide about the ongoing investigations.'
Samsung Electronics has not disclosed a specific position regarding this matter.