Samsung started rolling out One UI 5 this week, and the company also announced the global rollout of a new privacy-focused feature called Maintenance Mode. This growth comes after a successful pilot programme in Korea and an initial launch in China.
Samsung Maintenance Mode: Features
When you return your device for repair, users will be able to create a separate user account in order to perform core functions without accessing personal data. When Maintenance Mode is enabled, the person in charge of the device is unable to access personal information such as photos, messages, contacts, or user-installed apps. Any data or accounts created by the owner are automatically deleted when the owner exits Maintenance Mode. They will be able to download apps from the Galaxy Store, but any data or accounts they make will be deleted as soon as the owner gets out of Maintenance Mode.
How do you activate Maintenance Mode on Samsung devices?
- Step 1: Go to Settings
- Step 2: Click here for battery and device care.
- Step 3: Then “Maintenance Mode” to turn this mode on.
The smartphone must be restarted after enabling the mode. Samsung says that Knox, the company’s defense-grade security platform with multiple layers of protection, is behind this feature.
Availability
This new feature will be gradually rolled out on select One UI 5 models over the next few months. The rollout will continue until 2023, when more Galaxy devices will be available.
Seungwon Shin, VP and Head of Security Team at Samsung Electronics’ Mobile eXperience Business, said this about the rollout around the world:
Our whole lives are on our phones, from credit card information to family photos. With Maintenance Mode, we are giving extra reassurance that Galaxy users can keep their privacy, even if they hand their phone to someone.
This is just the latest example of our constant efforts to introduce new ways to make people feel safe and in control, so they can explore new mobile experiences with peace of mind, knowing we have their back.
