A recent Samsung change leaves some Galaxy phones stuck after updating

Major Android updates are supposed to end with a tour of what’s new, not leave you wondering whether your phone has just become an expensive paperweight. Unfortunately, that is exactly the scare some Galaxy owners are getting after installing One UI 9, with reports of devices becoming effectively stuck during Samsung’s post-update welcome process.

According to reports we’ve seen on Reddit, the problem appears after the update installs successfully and the phone boots into the One UI 9 setup screens. Instead of finishing, the device displays an XML “Access Denied” error and won’t let users reach the home screen. Reports so far include devices from the Galaxy S26 series, Galaxy S25 series, Galaxy S24 series, and even foldable model. The full extent of affected models isn’t entirely clear, but the impact looks reasonably widespread.

Tipster Fahad Ali Javed claims the error could stem from a Samsung server-side change intended to curb firmware leaks, but Samsung has not confirmed that explanation. Affected phones are still booting, and users have even found ways around the error without wiping their data. One commonly reported workaround is to force-restart the phone with by holding the volume-down button and power at the same time, boot into safe mode by holding volume down when the Samsung logo appears, disabling Wi-Fi and mobile data, and then restarting normally while remaining offline.

Some users who couldn’t access network controls simply turned off their Wi-Fi router, removed their SIM, or moved out of Wi-Fi range. Others say a later restart worked without further intervention, suggesting the underlying issue may already be changing server-side.

So, despite appearances, this doesn’t seem to be a true brick — just very annoying. For now, the safest precaution may be to disconnect from the internet before completing One UI 9’s post-update setup. We’ve reached out to Samsung to see if the company has any comment on the issue, or word about a slightly more permanent fix. We’ll update you with anything we’re able to learn.