Samsung fixes the “lock screen” issue on the Galaxy S21 / S22 series

Samsung has recently rolled out the One UI 6.1 update to address a significant bug affecting the lock screen functionality on the Galaxy S21 and S22 series. This update aims to resolve the “lock screen unresponsive” problem that users have been experiencing, enhancing the overall user experience on these flagship devices. Despite the positive impact of this update, it is essential to note that it does not include the May security updates, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance regarding device security.

Firmware Updates and Galaxy AI Integration

The firmware version numbers for the European market’s Samsung Galaxy S22 series are identified as S90*BXXU9EXE1, while the Galaxy S21 series bears the firmware version number G99*BXXUAGXDA, with a substantial size of 2.4GB. Notably, the Galaxy Community in China has yet to receive these updates, indicating regional variations in the rollout process. Samsung’s integration of Galaxy AI capabilities into the Galaxy S21, S22, Z Flip 3, Z Fold 3, Z Flip 4, and Z Fold 4 through the One UI 6.1 version marks a significant advancement in enhancing the devices’ functionality and user experience.

Samsung Galaxy S21 / S22 series lock screen issue

The lock screen feature on the Samsung Galaxy S21 / S22 series has been a topic of discussion among users, with some experiencing issues related to its functionality. The lock screen serves as the initial barrier to access the phone’s content, providing security and quick access to essential information. However, users have reported various concerns and experiences with this feature.

Some users have encountered issues with the lock screen not responding as expected, leading to frustrations and inconvenience. These problems may include delays in unlocking the device, unresponsiveness to touch or biometric inputs, or even instances of the screen freezing on the lock screen interface. Such issues can disrupt the user experience and impact the overall usability of the device.

Additionally, there have been reports of specific features related to the lock screen, such as screen recording, split view, Air class, and eye care mode, not functioning correctly or causing conflicts with the lock screen’s primary functions. These discrepancies can affect the user’s ability to utilize these features seamlessly and may require troubleshooting or software updates to resolve.

Furthermore, the lock screen issue on the Galaxy S21 / S22 series has prompted users to seek solutions through community forums, technical support channels, and software updates provided by Samsung. Addressing these concerns is crucial for enhancing user satisfaction and ensuring the smooth operation of the device’s lock screen functionality.

Addressing Lock Screen Issues

The One UI 6.1 update specifically targets the lock screen bug that has plagued users, causing unresponsiveness and hindering the seamless unlocking of devices. Reports from several users claim that the first swipe to unlock the device is usually inactive. This means that the user needs to swipe the screen several times before it unlocks. This issue is due to an active gesture for bringing down the notification shade from any part of the screen on the lock screen, particularly affecting unlock attempts with the fingerprint reader.

The lock screen bug has led to widespread user dissatisfaction, with many expressing annoyance at the inconvenience caused by the unresponsive lock screen. Reports indicate that even after factory resets and various settings adjustments, the issue persists, highlighting the need for a comprehensive software fix.

Samsung swiftly acknowledged the problem and assured users that a software update would be released to rectify the issue promptly, demonstrating the company’s commitment to addressing user concerns and enhancing device performance.

Community Feedback and Temporary Workarounds

Community forums and platforms like Reddit and Samsung Members have been instrumental in highlighting the lock screen bug and enabling users to share their experiences and frustrations. Users have resorted to temporary solutions such as disabling Secure Folder from the Quick Settings panel or downgrading to an older build to mitigate the impact of the bug until a permanent fix is implemented. The active engagement of users in reporting bugs and issues underscores the importance of community feedback in driving software improvements and ensuring a seamless user experience.

Thankfully, the fix for this issue is now here with the One UI 6.1 update. Some users have taken to Reddit to confirm that the issue goes away after completing the update. However, the update seems to be rolling out in batches. So, you may have to be patient for the update to arrive on your device.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy S21 and S22 series have recently received the One UI 6.1 update, which aims to address a significant bug affecting the lock screen functionality on these flagship devices. This update is designed to resolve the “lock screen unresponsive” problem that users have been experiencing, enhancing the overall user experience on these devices. Despite the positive impact of this update, it does not include the May security updates, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance regarding device security.

The lock screen issue on these devices has been a topic of discussion among users, with some experiencing issues related to its functionality. Users have reported various concerns and experiences with the lock screen, including delays in unlocking the device, unresponsiveness to touch or biometric inputs, or even instances of the screen freezing on the lock screen interface. These issues can disrupt the user experience and impact the overall usability of the device.

Samsung’s swift response to the Galaxy S21 and S22 series lock screen bug through the One UI 6.1 update reflects the company’s dedication to delivering optimal user experiences and promptly addressing software issues. While bugs are an inevitable part of software updates, Samsung’s commitment to resolving these issues and enhancing device functionality is commendable. The integration of Galaxy AI capabilities further enriches the user experience, showcasing Samsung’s continuous efforts to innovate and improve its flagship devices.