Samsung releases Maintenance Mode, a new feature to hide your personal information from prying eyes

The new privacy feature will be rolled out gradually to Galaxy devices starting with the Galaxy S22, allowing users to block access to their data while their devices undergo maintenance

Samsung Electronics today the global rollout begins¹ of maintenance mode, a new privacy feature to choose from Samsung Galaxy devices following a successful pilot program in Korea and initial launch in China. Maintenance mode can alleviate user anxiety that comes with giving a personally Give the device to someone for repair by allowing users to block access to their personal data such as photos, messages or contacts.

“All of our lives play out on our phones, from credit card information to family photos. With maintenance mode, we are giving additional assurance that Galaxy users can maintain their privacy even if they give their phone to someone else,” said Seungwon Shin, VP and Head of Security Team at Mobile eXperience Business, Samsung Electronics. “This is just the latest example of our ongoing efforts to innovate new ways to make people feel safe and in control, so they can enjoy new mobile experiences with peace of mind, knowing we have got their back.”

Maintenance mode is a way to create a separate user account when you send your device in for repair, so it can perform core functions without being able to access your private information. All the user has to do is select maintenance mode in the “Battery and device care” menu in “Settings” and restart their smartphone. Once it restarts, all of their personal information including their photos, documents, and messages will be restricted.²

Also, once maintenance mode is turned on, the person entrusted with the device cannot retrieve any apps installed by the user. Data or accounts generated in maintenance mode will be automatically deleted once the owner exits the mode Mmaintenance mode. You can download apps from the Galaxy Store, but they will be automatically deleted along with any data or accounts created once the owner exits maintenance mode.

Samsung Galaxy devices are protected by Knox, Samsung’s defensible security platform that offers a multi-layered approach to protection. By working openly with trusted industry partners, potential threats can be discovered and neutralized faster. Built-in hardware and software security measures in all areas of the device, from the chips inside to the apps users download. Real-time protection ensures security is continuously enforced day and night. With this industry-leading security, users can rest assured of their privacy. Samsung Galaxy devices allow for control and transparency with features like the security and privacy dashboard and the permissions manager, so users can easily direct what happens to their data.

Samsung is constantly evaluating and pushing new ways to keep users safe. 2021 introduced Samsung Knox vault, isolating the most critical information from the rest of the device. This month, the company unveiled Knox Matrix, its vision for the next layer of security across multiple devices. Through continuous innovation to provide the most secure and private experiences customers can trust, Samsung is committed to leading the industry in mobile security.

Availability

Maintenance mode was successfully tested on the Galaxy S21 series in Korea in July and then launched in China in September 2022. It’s launching globally today and gradually rolling out to select models running One UI 5 over the next few months. Rollout will continue through 2023, with availability expanding to more Galaxy devices. Stay tuned for more information on local availability.

For more information, please visit news.samsung.com/galaxy and www.samsungmobilepress.com.

¹ Availability may vary by market and model. Maintenance mode is available on select Samsung Galaxy devices running One UI 5 or later versions, including the Galaxy S21 and S22 series. Availability timing may vary by market, model and carrier.
² As a precaution, users are advised to back up all personal data before enabling maintenance mode.