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Broken Galaxy S10 Update Requires Factory Reset to Fix

The latest update released for the Galaxy S10 and S10+ is locking users out of their phones and the only fix so far is a factory reset.

 & Matthew Humphries Former Senior Editor

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If you own a Samsung Galaxy S10 or S10+ and it still works, count yourself lucky. The latest update is managing to lock some owners out of their handsets, and the only fix is to perform a factory reset.

As ZDNet reports, the problem occurs with the latest update being pushed to the S10 line. Once installed, some users are being asked for a PIN code to be entered, in some cases where a PIN was never created by the user. Even if you enter a PIN the phone simply restarts and requests the PIN again.

Complaints have appeared on both Reddit and the Samsung community site. A fix does exist, but unfortunately it's one that nobody wants to use. That's because it involves performing a factory reset meaning losing everything and starting with a fresh phone. Rydah, a Samsung care ambassador, confirmed as much on the Samsung support forums and tagged the issue as solved.

For now, the reset seems to be the only solution provided by Samsung. So if you have an update pending for your Galaxy S10 or S10+, then it's probably best to wait before deciding to install it. Until Samsung gets to the bottom of why it's demanding a PIN after install, fixes the update, and stops requiring a factory reset for those who have installed it, there really is no point taking the risk.

About Our Expert

Matthew Humphries

Matthew Humphries

Former Senior Editor

My Experience

I started working at PCMag in November 2016, covering all areas of technology and video game news. Before that I spent nearly 15 years working at Geek.com as a writer and editor. I also spent the first six years after leaving university as a professional game designer working with Disney, Games Workshop, 20th Century Fox, and Vivendi.

I hold two degrees: a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and a Master's degree in Games Development. My first book, Make Your Own Pixel Art, is available from all good book shops.

My Areas of Expertise

  • PC components and system building
  • Raspberry Pi
  • Software development
  • Storage technology
  • Video games and gaming hardware

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