Samsung began rolling out the beta version of their One UI 5 Android interface in August for some of their higher profile Android phones, including the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra and Galaxy Z Flip 4. Updates ranged from various color themes based on a user’s current wallpaper to camera software improvements. Once the second and third beta hit, users could use “Smart Suggestions” alongside UX improvements. Most recently, updates in late October added new features like the ability to turn a Samsung TV into an alarm clock with One UI 5 and new emoji.
The beta status of the current One UI 5 software will be filled with bugs alongside other problems. Most of these issues can be fixed with a workaround until an update or patch is released. For those using the One UI 5 beta as more Samsung devices began to get the official stable version, the list below features common problems and solutions when using the Android interface.
If you don’t have a backup device or are uncomfortable tinkering with the settings, do not download the One UI 5 beta.
1. One UI 5’s Focus Mode accidentally restricts important apps
One of the first bugs we discovered in One UI 5’s beta involved Focus Mode. The function that allows you to block out distracting apps based on triggers like location and time is reintroduced within the Bixby Routines app as Modes. If you use Focus Mode with the One UI 5 beta, you may notice unexpected and essential apps are blocked. During our time with the beta, Focus mode blocked apps, including Phone, Telegram, Galaxy Wearable, and Settings.
Workaround: There are two ways to fix this issue. You use the remote factory reset option from your browser or another Samsung device. If going that route, it’s best to make sure everything is backed up on Samsung Cloud. The other option is to avoid Focus Mode.
Update: Samsung has officially removed the Focus Mode feature from updates.
2. One UI 5 crashes intermittently
Some Samsung One UI 5 beta users have reported intermittent crashes. This can happen anytime, such as when using various apps, changing settings, using Air Command, or acknowledging notifications.
Fix: The best way to solve this is to wipe the cache partition. Doing this removes temporary files that could cause issues with devices. Here are the steps:
- Turn off your phone.
- Press and hold the Volume Up key and the Side key.
- When the Android logo displays, release both keys.
- An Installing system update message may show briefly before the Android Recovery menu options appear.
- Press the Volume down key several times to highlight the Wipe cache partition.
- Press the Side key to select.
- Press the Volume down key to highlight Yes, then press the Side key to select.
- When the process is complete, Reboot system now is highlighted.
- Press the Side key to restart the device.
Update: Though occasional crashes are common in both the beta and stable versions of One UI 5, Samsung Community members have directions on how to back up and factory reset devices.
3. Samsung Pay and Google Pay apps may not work
As the roll-out for the One UI 5 beta began, Samsung gave notices that Samsung Pay or Google Pay would not work. Google Pay not working made sense as the beta program software wasn’t certified by Google. Meanwhile, there have been bugs reported about Samsung Pay during the first run of the beta.
Possible workaround: A device reboot is your best option. If that doesn’t work, uninstall and reinstall Samsung Pay. If that fails, avoid using contactless payments until the feature is fixed.
Update: For phones with the One UI 5 stable version, Samsung Pay and Google Pay should work fine. Those still in beta may have problems.
4. You may have problems uploading your data to Google Drive
Android’s most popular cloud storage solution is Google Drive. You can upload and download photos and videos from anywhere. Google Drive is also compatible with other Google Workspace apps, including Docs, Sheets, and Slides. Many One UI 5 beta users have complained about slow uploads and downloads in addition to being unable to do either.
Possible workaround: There isn’t a great solution for this issue. You can wipe the cache partition, but it’s not a guaranteed fix. If the problem continues, downgrade to OneUI 4.
5. One UI 5 has lots of strange notification bugs
One UI 5 beta introduced improvements to the quick toggle/notification area. This includes new notification permissions that require apps to ask before sending notifications, new media player notifications, and clipboard functionality updates. So far, multiple bugs have been reported regarding the new notification system. Users have been discussing flickering issues, slow display of notifications, and the notification panel not appearing.
Workarounds: You’ll find several solutions on the Samsung One 5 discussion boards. The first thing is to make sure notification reminders are on through the settings. If that doesn’t work, reboot the device. If none of these solutions work, wipe the cache partition.
Update: This problem has been resolved in later updates alongside One UI 5 stable.
6. Battery life isn’t great
If you’ve ever downloaded a beta, you may not be surprised that One UI 5 chews through battery life. Samsung’s discussion boards have various conversations around the issue, but here’s the gist: some Samsung One UI 5 beta users report poor battery life.
Possible workaround: Your best bet is to open the Settings app, select Battery and device care, and work through the options to find opportunities to improve your battery life. It may take a charge cycle or so for things to improve, and we don’t think you’ll see amazing improvements from tweaking the settings. You may have to use your phone more conservatively, top off your battery during the day, or carry a good power bank in your bag.
Update: This problem has been resolved in later updates alongside One UI 5 stable.
7. Notifications disappearing due to Lockdown mode
If you’re looking for an extra layer of security when not using your device with One UI 5, consider using Lockdown Mode. This mode blocks all biometric security and voice recognition outside of only being able to be unlocked through a PIN, pattern, or password. Notifications are hidden and can only be viewed once the device is unlocked.
Enough users are facing an issue where Lockdown Mode has notifications disappear from their devices when enabled or disabled. Despite hearing sounds and vibrations, the notifications are nowhere to be found. Though no update or workaround has been developed, Samsung community managers advise users to report the bug through the Samsung Members app.
If you have a Samsung Galaxy 22 or Galaxy 21 device running the One UI 5 beta, you may have encountered problems with auto-rotation. The main problem is the phone running in landscape when the phone is held in portrait. This is disruptive when you want to look at photos, websites, and different apps. Even when auto-rotation is off, devices sometimes display the wrong screen orientation.
Samsung Community Managers have mentioned that the latest software version update has prevented the devices’ acceleration sensors from operating normally in certain situations. If you encounter this problem, check the device regularly for updates or reboot the device.
Expect to see Samsung One UI 5 soon
Depending on the device, a variety of problems can spring up with the latest One UI 5 beta. If you’re a beta user, you probably know that some issues can be fixed with a system reboot or cache partition wipe, while others aren’t going away until you receive the next update.
If you own a Samsung device with One UI 5 stable, you shouldn’t be affected by these issues. If you have problems, report the issues.
