Samsung’s latest software update is stirring controversy among Galaxy users. The company is currently testing One UI 8.5 for older devices, but the update has already launched on the new Samsung Galaxy S26 series — and it brings a major change that could frustrate advanced users.
Reports suggest Samsung has removed several important tools from the Android recovery menu, making it significantly harder to manually sideload updates.
One UI 8.5 Recovery Menu Tools Changes Explained
Every Android smartphone comes with a recovery menu that allows users to perform advanced system functions such as:
- Resetting the device
- Wiping cache partition
- Viewing recovery logs
- Applying updates from ADB
- Applying updates from SD card
However, according to reports from GalaxyClub and 9to5Google, Samsung has started removing several of these options in One UI 8.5.
Removed Recovery Options:
- Apply update from ADB
- Apply update from SD card
- Wipe cache partition
- View recovery logs
- Run graphics test
- Run locale test
Remaining Options:
- Reboot system now
- Wipe data/factory reset
- Power off
With these changes, manually sideloading updates through recovery may no longer be possible.
Affects Galaxy S26 Series (For Now)
Currently, only Galaxy S26 series devices running the February 2026 security patch appear to be affected. Users on the January 2026 patch reportedly still have access to the full recovery menu.
Once updated to the February patch, however, the removed tools disappear — and sideloading becomes nearly impossible.
Samsung has also added a warning message stating:
“You will not be able to downgrade to the old software due to changes in security policy.”
This suggests Samsung is enforcing stricter anti-downgrade protections as part of its broader security strategy.
Why Is Samsung Removing Recovery Menu Tools?
Samsung has been tightening its software security in recent years. There have also been reports of the company taking legal action to prevent One UI build leaks.
Removing recovery-based sideloading could be part of a larger effort to:
- Prevent firmware leaks
- Block unauthorized downgrades
- Improve device security
- Reduce modification of system software
However, this move may disappoint power users who enjoy early access to updates and manual firmware installation — a long-standing advantage of Android devices.
Is This Change Permanent?
Samsung has not officially confirmed whether the recovery menu changes are permanent. Similar restrictions have appeared in the past but were later reversed. With One UI 8.5 expected to roll out more widely in the coming weeks, more clarity should emerge soon. For now, Galaxy S26 users should think carefully before installing the February 2026 security update if they rely on recovery-based sideloading tools.
What Do You Think?
Is Samsung improving security, or limiting Android’s flexibility? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
