‘Really?’: Samsung update issue causes Chaos across Australia

Aussies have reported “botched” Samsung software updates in at least three different states, despite the tech giant claiming it is limited to just one.

An issue Samsung claims only to be affecting its South Australian customers could be more widespread than first thought as reports emerge of a bungled software update in other parts of the country.

Thousands of South Australians have reported a prompted Android software update rendering their Samsung devices unusable – the only fix being a factory reset.

For those without the foresight or know-how to back up their device, precious memories, contacts, and other important data can be lost for good.

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Samsung users from states outside South Australia have reported issues with the latest software update. Picture: Getty Images

On Wednesday, Samsung Australia says reports of the issue are limited to South Australia, but people from other states have since told news.com.au the issue was impacting them too.

Melbourne man Frank Massimino was left fuming when his recent update left his phone “inoperable”.

“It just died despite being fully charged, despite being in pristine condition, and it certainly wasn’t dropped or immersed in water,” he said.

“I took it to Samsung service centre at Chadstone, and they told me they couldn’t really do anything about it.

“Now, that was so disappointing as I had several years of contacts that I just lost, not to mention the other data and pictures I lost.”

“No restitution, no make good, sad really because I was very happy with the device until it died.”

Fed-up customers went to Samsung stores for a fix, only to learn they would likely need to perform a factory reset on their devices. Picture: 7 News Adelaide

Paul, from New South Wales, said the timing couldn’t have been worse, with instore support all but unreachable over the Christmas, New Year break.

With their main line of communication, their smartphone, rendered useless, other affected customers reported being unable to contact a support line or online portals.

“I spent two very frustrating long days trying to undo the changes that Samsung made,” Paul said.

“Fortunately, I now have everything back, except my Fitbit still won’t sync to my phone.

“Hopefully, Samsung has learnt not to roll out an update before a public holiday with no support.”

At ground zero, according to Samsung Australia, part-time Adelaide Uber Driver Richard Arnoldt’s phone is essential to earn his extra income.

He joked he was “one of the lucky South Australian winners of this booby prize”.

“After religiously installing every update since I bought my phone, to end up with the infamous “bluescreen” was something I didn’t need,” he said.

“Apart from losing comms, photos, contacts – I also drive for Uber part-time, and obviously no phone equals no work in the busiest period of the year.”

Samsung users have been warned against completing the latest software update. Picture: 7 News Adelaide

He said he had to go to JB Hifi at the Adelaide Airport on Christmas Day to replace his phone, as he and thousands of others were left without their vital line of communication.

“$750 later and I was on my way,” said.

“No doubt the lawyers would love to get a hold of this and start a class action.”

“I would love to be a part of this action, given the stress and inconvenience of this event, not to mention spending the best part of $800 on a new phone and case that I didn’t need to.”

Bruce, also from Adelaide, is yet to have his phone fixed but said he was told to expect a $65 “assessment fee” and possible additional repair costs.

“(They said) the phone would be sent away for a couple of weeks,” he said.

“Really? and what do we do in the meantime? Go travelling with no phone?”

“It’s an unrealistic response for a problem of their causing.”

He also claimed he had to buy a new phone to get by.

Phone repair services have taken it upon themselves to warn customers to avoid hitting go on the latest prompted Android software update.

“Tell your Samsung friends not to update their phones,” one store told its customers on social media.

Samsung Australia says its investigating the issue. Picture: Getty Images

“The recommendation is don’t update your phone until the glitch is fixed,” another said.

Frank, Paul, Richard and Bruce are among potentially thousands affect by the issue after it was reported on Wednesday that masses flocked to South Australian service centres.

Tech experts recommend all smartphone phone users regularly back up their devices to avoid such catastrophes.

As of December, Android and Samsung operating systems had 42.82 per cent market share, with the lion’s share, 57.08 per cent, remaining with Apple’s iOS.

Samsung Australia has confirmed it is aware and is investigating the issue.

The company is yet to confirm what models in its range are affected, nor have they confirmed the version of the software, though news.com.au understands it is the One UI 5.0 (Android 13) update.

Samung Australia has been contacted for further comment.