# Samsung Software Update Causes Issues for Older Galaxy Smartphones: Key Information
On October 2, 2023, Samsung released a software update that unintentionally led to serious problems for users of specific older Galaxy smartphones. The update, designed to enhance functionality in the SmartThings Framework app, ended up leaving numerous devices trapped in a bootloop, making them inoperable. Although Samsung has since stopped the distribution of the flawed update, many impacted users continue to face the repercussions.
## What Occurred?
The problem emerged when Samsung deployed an update to its **SmartThings Framework app**, which is utilized for managing smart devices in the Samsung ecosystem. The intended enhancement for app performance and compatibility instead caused numerous Galaxy smartphones to undergo a perpetual reboot cycle, commonly known as a **bootloop**. This malfunction predominantly affected devices operating on **Android 12**.
The models impacted include:
– **Galaxy S10 series**
– **Galaxy Note 10 series**
– **Galaxy M51**
– **Galaxy A90**
### User Feedback
Starting on Wednesday, October 4, users began overwhelming online forums like Reddit with grievances regarding their phones being immobilized in bootloops. Many users noted that their devices would continuously restart without ever getting to the home screen, rendering them practically unusable.
Instances of user complaints are visible in various Reddit discussions, for example:
– [Galaxy S10 bootloop issues](https://www.reddit.com/r/samsunggalaxy/comments/1fueq0i/s10_standard_plus_e_boot_loop/?sort=new)
– [Note 10 series devices impacted](https://www.reddit.com/r/Android/comments/1fummcz/multiple_galaxy_s10_and_note10_series_devices/?sort=new)
– [Recent reports of Galaxy S10 bootloop](https://www.reddit.com/r/samsunggalaxy/comments/11o3671/s10_stuck_in_boot_loop/)
### Samsung’s Reaction
Samsung promptly recognized the issue as users commenced reporting it. In a statement to **Ars Technica**, a spokesperson from Samsung confirmed that the update to the **SmartThings Framework app** was responsible for the bootloop dilemma:
> “We are aware that a limited number of Galaxy smartphones running on Android 12 are rebooting continuously during an update to the latest version of the SmartThings app.”
The company swiftly moved to **halt the update** to avert further devices from experiencing the problem. Samsung also mentioned that it is in the process of developing a fix to address the issue. According to user reports, a new update has been made available that can be downloaded without triggering additional problems. However, this remedy is only beneficial for those who have not yet encountered the bootloop.
## The Dilemma for Affected Users
Although Samsung has ceased the distribution of the troubling update, many users with older Galaxy phones that have already been rendered inoperable find themselves with few alternatives. The most alarming concern is that **affected devices cannot be powered on**, meaning users are incapable of reverting the update or obtaining the new fix.
### Affected Models
The complication mainly affects older models, including:
– **Galaxy S10 series**: Introduced in 2019, this flagship line contains the Galaxy S10, S10+, and S10e.
– **Galaxy Note 10 series**: Also launched in 2019, this line encompasses the Galaxy Note 10 and Note 10+.
– **Galaxy M51**: A mid-range smartphone celebrated for its large battery, launched in 2020.
– **Galaxy A90**: A mid-range device from 2019 featuring 5G capabilities.
### A Challenging Decision for Users
For those with bricked phones, the scenario is bleak. Many have been compelled to make a choice between managing without their phone or executing a **factory reset**, which would erase all information stored on the device. This is particularly distressing for users who haven’t recently backed up their data, risking the loss of valuable files, images, and app information.
Samsung’s official recommendation for affected users has been to **reach out to the Samsung Contact Center** for assistance. However, it remains uncertain if Samsung can provide a solution that does not involve erasing the device’s data. So far, no universal remedy has been made available that guarantees the preservation of data.
## A Hard Lesson for Users
This event serves as a powerful reminder of the potential risks tied to software updates, especially concerning older devices. Although updates are typically meant to enhance performance, security, and functionality, they can occasionally lead to unforeseen issues, particularly when compatibility problems arise with older hardware or software.
### Recommended Practices for Preventing Update Complications
For users wishing to steer clear of similar problems in the future, here are some recommended practices:
1. **Postpone Updates**: If you own an older device, it may be prudent to delay applying updates immediately upon release. Allowing a few days provides an opportunity for any potential issues to be identified and addressed.
