Samsung rolls out Maintenance Mode to let users restrict personal data during repair

South Korean tech giant Samsung has introduced a new Maintenance Mode for select Galaxy devices running One UI 5 or later. Maintenance Mode is a privacy feature that allows users to block their personal information, including photos, messages, and contacts, when they give their device to someone for repair.

“Our whole lives are on our phones, from credit card information to family photos. With Maintenance Mode, we are giving extra reassurance that Galaxy users can keep their privacy, even if they hand their phone to someone,” said Seungwon Shin, VP and Head of Security Team at Mobile eXperience Business, Samsung Electronics, in a blog post.

To enable this privacy feature, go to Settings, tap on Battery and device care, and select Maintenance Mode. A reboot is required to finish setting up the mode. After that, all personal information will be restricted. Samsung also recommends backup personal data before activating the Maintenance Mode.

Maintenance Mode creates a separate user account so that when a user gives their phone for repair, they can use the core functions of the device without any access to the user’s private data. When a user exits the Maintenance Mode, all the Data or accounts created while using Maintenance Mode, including apps downloaded via Galaxy Store, will be automatically deleted.

According to Samsung, the Maintenance Mode was tested on the Galaxy S21 series in Korea in July 2022 and initially launched in China in September 2022. This privacy feature is gradually rolling out over the coming months to select Galaxy devices running One UI 5 (Android 13 operating system). The rollout is expected to continue throughout 2023 and will expand to more Galaxy devices soon.