Samsung launched Maintenance Mode, a new feature to hide your personal information from prying eyes – Samsung Newsroom Malaysia

The new privacy feature will be rolling out gradually to Galaxy devices starting with the Galaxy S22 and will allow users to block access to their data while their device is being repaired.

Samsung made the launch^[1] Maintenance Mode, a new privacy feature coming to select Samsung Galaxy devices, follows a successful beta program in Korea and initial rollout in China. This mode can help reduce user anxiety about handing over their personal device to someone for repair by allowing users to block access to their personal information, such as photos, messages or contacts.

“Our whole life is on our phones, from credit card information to family photos. With Maintenance Mode, we provide additional security so Galaxy users can maintain their privacy, even if they hand their phone over to someone else,” said Seungwon Shin, Vice President and Head of Mobile eXperience Team Business Security at Samsung Electronics. “This is just another example of our ongoing efforts to offer new ways for people to feel safe and in control, where they can explore new mobile experiences with peace of mind, knowing that we stand behind them.”

Maintenance mode allows a parallel user account to be created when the device is handed over for repair, so that they can run the main functions without allowing access to private information. All the user needs is to select the maintenance mode in the “Battery and Device Care” menu under “Settings” and restart the phone. Once it restarts, it will be restricted^[2] All personal information, including your photos, documents and messages.

Once maintenance mode is activated, the person who entrusted the device will also not be able to restore the applications that the user installed. Data or accounts created with this mode are automatically deleted once the owner exits maintenance mode. They will be able to download apps on the Galaxy Store, but they will be automatically deleted along with any data or account created once the owner exits maintenance mode.

Samsung Galaxy devices are protected by Knox, Samsung’s defensive security platform, which provides a multi-layered approach to protection. Through open collaboration with trusted industry partners, potential threats can be identified and neutralized faster. Integrated hardware and software security protects every area of ​​the device, from the chips inside it to the apps users download. Real-time protection ensures security is consistently applied day and night. With this industry-leading security, users can be assured of their privacy. Samsung Galaxy devices allow for control and transparency, with features like a security and privacy dashboard and permission manager, so users can easily decide what happens to their data.

Samsung is constantly evaluating and promoting new ways to keep users safe. In 2021, Samsung introduced the Knox Vault, which isolates the most important information from the rest of the device. This month the company introduced the Knox Matrix, its vision for the next level of security across multiple devices. By continuously innovating to deliver the most secure and private experiences customers can trust, Samsung is committed to leading the industry in mobile security.

Availability

In July, the maintenance mode was successfully tested on the Galaxy S21 series in Korea, and in September this year it was launched in China. It’s launching globally today and will be rolled out gradually over the next few months for Single UI 5 models. The rollout will continue throughout 2023, with availability expanding to more Galaxy devices.

Stay tuned for more information on local availability.

For more information you can visit the following Link.

^[1] Availability may vary by market and model. Maintenance mode is available on select Samsung Galaxy devices running One UI 5 or later, including the Galaxy S21 and S22 series. Availability time may vary by market, model and network provider.

^[2] As a precaution, users are advised to backup their personal data before activating maintenance mode.