Samsung debuts One UI 5 Maintenance Mode, a new privacy feature

Samsung officially debuted a new privacy feature – Maintenance Mode for devices running One UI 5. When enabled, this feature hides your personal information and data while your Galaxy device is being serviced.

The Galaxy S22 series is now eligible to upgrade to the One UI 5 version, which means, users, having S22, S22 Plus or S22 Ultra can use the Maintenance Mode while submitting their phone to the service center.

Not only service centers, but you can also use the Maintenance Mode while giving your Galaxy phone or tablet to anyone for repairing purposes by blocking access to photos, messages or contacts.

In addition to photos, contacts and messages, Maintenance Mode also blocks access to installed apps. However, the service agent will be able to install apps from Galaxy Store, which will be automatically deleted once you exit the mode.

Samsung MX Division Head said:

“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.”

How to enable Maintenance Mode

You can easily enable the Maintenance Mode feature by visiting your phone’s system Settings, followed by Battery and device care menu. Once enabled, your device requires a reboot so it can apply a separate user account.

Availability

Back in July, Samsung released the Beta program of Maintenance Mode for the Galaxy S21 series in South Korea, followed by China in September 2022. Today, the company announced its global availability, but it requires software version One UI 5, based on Android 13.