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.
Google is working to make Circle to Search functional with messaging bubbles in Android 15. Currently, the unique way to search doesn’t function when a messaging bubble is active, but that will change in a future Android 15 release.
MishaalRahman spotted code in the Android 15 source code that enables Circle to Search to be run when messaging bubbles have been expanded. This development indicates that Google is aware of the limitations and working to address them soon.
Circle to Search won’t activate if you have a messaging bubble active on the screen. It renders the user opt for an alternate way to search like opening Chrome. It becomes frustrating if you have to search for something right from the chat bubble.
It’s worth noting that the required code debuted in Android 15 Beta 4. The company has not used it in Android 15 nor the latest Android 15 QPR1 Beta 2 release. Mishaal activated the feature manually by making some changes in the code.
Android currently doesn’t allow the home button or navigation handle to be long-pressed if a messaging bubble is active. Google would simply make improvements in this aspect so the handle/home button to be long-pressed.
Messaging bubbles
Google introduced the messaging bubbles feature in Android 11. This feature allows Android smartphone users to have active conversations floating as bubbles on top of other apps, making it easier to multitask while chatting.
Circle to Search is reportedly coming to more Android devices next month. In an exciting development, Tecno announced that the Circle to Search will be available on its new foldable, the Phantom V Fold 2, starting October 2024.
Samsung debuted Circle to Search with the Galaxy S24 series. It’s developed by Google in close partnership with the Galaxy maker. Google also expanded the feature to all of its Tensor-powered Pixel smartphones with Feature Drop.
We knew Circle to Search wouldn’t be available on non-Galaxy and Pixel phones till this October. Samsung already announced the availability of this feature will remain limited to certain phones made by either Samsung or Google.
It seems Samsung may have reached an agreement with Google. In order to showcase Galaxies supreme in the Android ecosystem, both firms may have restricted the expansion of the Circle to Search for at least 10 months.
Google has been regularly working to optimize Circle to Search for all Android phones. As it’s coming to Tecno phone next month, we expect other leading vendors including Xiaomi, Vivo, OnePlus, and OPPO will also be joined.
Well, Google hasn’t officially announced the expansion of Circle to Search. As Tecno is also a Google partner, this spirited claim couldn’t be untrue. Pay attention, Google has an ambitious plan to fuel 200 million Androids with Circle to Search.
One UI could add an iOS-like Stolen Device Protection feature through Android. Google is developing an Identity Check feature, forcing you to use your biometrics to unlock apps. This addition will significantly reduce the privacy breach concerns.
Samsung brings all Android security and privacy features to One UI. The iOS-inspired Stolen Device Protection is highly likely to come to your Galaxy. As the feature is under development, few details about its functioning have appeared.
Findings suggest that Android could soon implement an Identity Check feature. It will force you to use your biometrics to unlock apps. However, biometrics will only be mandatory if the device is outside of a trusted location.
MishaalRahman discovered a new string within the Settings app. The addition suggests “Identity Check is on.” The Settings app has code to show this “Identity Check is on” string when it invokes Android’s biometric prompt dialog.
It is assumed that the Pixel maker is setting up Android to ignore when apps invoke the biometric prompt dialog with a PIN/password/pattern fallback. The feature is expected to be triggered when you are out of trusted locations such as your home.
It could be added through the Trusted Places feature upgrade. This Android tool keeps your phone unlocked when it’s at a trusted location. Using it, the trusted locations will determine when to trigger biometric authentication of apps.
Google is currently running Android 15’s QPR Beta Program. The company will test various new features and improvements across the OS. The changes will likely be distributed through Feature Drop updates in the future.