Trusted Reviews is supported by its audience. If you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Learn more.
Samsung halts update as Galaxy Watch 4 models bricked – here’s what to do
In This Article
Samsung has halted the rollout of aGalaxy Watch 4update after the new firmware bricked the smartwatch for some users.
After installing the R8xxXXU1GVI3 firmware update, many users have reported the Wear OS watch would become unusable if it was powered off after the update. Users simply cannot turn them on again after they’ve shut down.
In correspondence sent to owners of the Galaxy Watch 4 andGalaxy Watch 4 Classic, Samsung confirmed it had paused the rollout and has promised to re-release the firmware update once the issue has been resolved.
However, the company has not explained why the update bricked the wearable devices, and is simply telling affected users to contact customer support. The key advice from outside the company, appears to be preventing the device from powering off at all, at least until Samsung fixes the problem and releases another firmware update.
It’s also not clear whether there’s any way back for the devices that have been bricked by the update, other than replacing the hardware completely. What’s also unclear is whether all devices that have the faulty firmware installed are doomed if powered off.
In theemail to customers(viaSamMobile), Samsung said: “We are aware that a limited number of Galaxy Watch 4 Series models are not turning on following a recent software update (VI3) update. We have halted the update and will release a new software [version] shortly.
“We recommend consumers experiencing this issue with their Galaxy Watch 4 Series to visit their nearest Samsung service centre or call a contact centre.”
If Samsung tries to offer you another Galaxy Watch 4 as a replacement, tell it you want theGalaxy Watch 5for your troubles. It’s only fair, right?
You might like…
Chris Smith is a freelance technology journalist for a host of UK tech publications, including Trusted Reviews. He’s based in South Florida, USA. …
Founded in 2003, Trusted Reviews exists to give our readers thorough, unbiased and independent advice on what to buy.
Today, we have millions of users a month from around the world, and assess more than 1,000 products a year.
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Why trust our journalism?
Founded in 2003, Trusted Reviews exists to give our readers thorough, unbiased and independent advice on what to buy.
Today, we have millions of users a month from around the world, and assess more than 1,000 products a year.
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
