Galaxy S26 Ultra Users Should Avoid Factory Reset After One UI 9 Update

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra owners may want to hold off on performing a factory reset after installing the latest One UI 9 software update. Reports indicate that a software-related problem can prevent some affected devices from completing the initial setup process after a reset, potentially leaving users unable to access their phones normally.

The issue has reportedly been discussed in the Samsung Community, where a Samsung representative acknowledged the problem. Until a confirmed fix becomes available, users should take precautions before attempting major troubleshooting steps.

What Is the Galaxy S26 Ultra Factory Reset Bug?

According to recent reports, the problem can occur when a Galaxy S26 Ultra running One UI 9 is reset to factory settings. During the subsequent setup process, the phone may fail to connect to Samsung's servers under certain circumstances.

This can prevent users from completing device setup and accessing the normal home screen. The issue appears to be associated with the setup process after a reset rather than necessarily affecting every Galaxy S26 Ultra that installs One UI 9.

The reports do not establish that every updated device is affected, so users should avoid assuming their phones will experience the same problem.

Why You Should Avoid a Factory Reset for Now

A factory reset erases personal data, applications, and device settings. Although it is commonly used to troubleshoot persistent software problems, it may create an additional complication for Galaxy S26 Ultra owners affected by this particular bug.

If your phone is working normally after the One UI 9 update, there is little reason to perform a factory reset simply as a precaution. Back up important information regularly and wait for further information about the reported issue before taking this step.

If your device is already experiencing problems, consider contacting Samsung Support before choosing a reset that could leave you unable to complete setup.

Possible Workarounds If Your Galaxy S26 Ultra Cannot Complete Setup

If you have already reset your phone and are stuck during setup, the following steps have been reported as possible workarounds:

1. Switch to Wi-Fi: If you are using mobile data, connect to a reliable Wi-Fi network and try the setup process again.
2. Sign out of your Samsung account: If you can access the relevant account settings, try signing out and then restarting the setup process.
3. Check Samsung account terms: On another device, sign in to your Samsung account and check whether you need to accept updated terms and conditions.
4. Contact Samsung Support: If the problem continues, ask Samsung Support for guidance rather than repeatedly resetting the phone.

These steps may not resolve every case, and their effectiveness has not been confirmed for all affected devices. Avoid repeating a factory reset in the hope that it will automatically solve the problem.

Has Samsung Released a Fix?

As of the latest reports available on October 23, 2026, a confirmed firmware fix or definitive resolution for this particular setup problem has not been established by the cited reporting. The situation may change as Samsung investigates the issue or provides further guidance.

Galaxy S26 Ultra owners should check official Samsung support channels and software-update notifications for reliable information about any corrective update.

What Should Galaxy S26 Ultra Owners Do Now?

If your Galaxy S26 Ultra is operating normally after the One UI 9 update, continue using it as usual and avoid an unnecessary factory reset. Keep a current backup of your data and install software updates only after reviewing the information available for your device and region.

If you are already stuck on the setup screen, try the suggested connectivity and account-related workarounds, then contact Samsung Support if the problem persists.

Bottom line: The reported One UI 9 setup issue is a reason to be cautious, not a guarantee that every Galaxy S26 Ultra will be affected. Waiting for a confirmed solution before performing an unnecessary factory reset is the safer approach.

Source context: Recent reporting by Notebookcheck, referencing Samsung Community discussions. The issue and possible workarounds may vary by device and software version.