Samsung halts buggy Galaxy Watch 4 update that’s been bricking watches
Samsung’sGalaxy Watch 4is still a pretty popular smartwatch today, even following the release of theGalaxy Watch 5andWatch 5 Pro. The Watch 4 has the same SoC, very similar software, and even many of the same features, so Watch 4 users aren’t hard-pressed to upgrade — and users looking to save a buck on a Samsung wearable can snag it as well. It’s still one of thebest smartwatches you can get, but right now, you should be aware of a new update that could cause your watch to cease functioning altogether.
Multiple user report (viaSamMobile) that the new R8xxXXU1GVI3 update for the Galaxy Watch 4 is bricking units. If you happen to install this update, you wouldn’t notice anything wrong at first, but upon rebooting your smartwatch, it might never back turn on again, rendered seemingly useless.
It’s unclear if this is happening toeverywatch getting the update, but it doesn’t look like that’s the case, given a few users have reportedly power-cycled their smartwatches with no issues whatsoever after getting the update. Then again, the number of reports suggests that there’s at least the possibility that this could happen to you as well.
Samsung is already responding to the issue and has halted the problematic update’s rollout (viaSamMobile). Samsung UAE and Samsung Netherlands have reportedly confirmed that the software is no longer showing up on customers' devices. Samsung will soon be releasing a revised update which eliminates the issue, but hasn’t yet said how long the wait could be.
If your smartwatch already has the update, make sure tonotlet it run out of battery, and don’t shut it down or reboot it until Samsung rolls out a fix. Otherwise, it might get bricked, and you might not be able to turn it on again. And if you haven’t updated the watch yet, make sure not do so until this new update is issued.
Unfortunately, if your watch is already updated, and it’s not turning on anymore, there’s not a lot you can do other than get in touch with Samsung’s support to try and process a replacement. Even the new software Samsung has promised won’t be of much use to you. In South Korea, at least, the company iscurrently offering free repairsfor affected users. Your mileage may vary in other regions, though.
UPDATE: 2022/11/08 12:13 EST BY CHANDRAVEER MATHUR
Samsung halts distribution of the problem update
This post has been updated with new information.
Broader branding hints at wider paid-tier ambitions
The note-taking app I should have used all along
A hefty discount makes this a no-brainer
Free screen and battery repairs inbound
It’s time to sniff out the culprit
An advanced, compact, purpose-built device
