Samsung releases function that protects private files during repair worldwide

Samsung is releasing Maintenance Mode worldwide, a feature that allows users to protect their private files when they take their phone for repair, for example. The mode creates a separate user account that is emptied on reboot.

The Maintenance Mode creates a new user account that can perform the ‘core functions’ of a phone, but cannot access photos, messages or contacts. That new account also won’t be able to use apps the phone’s owner has installed, but can install new apps through the Galaxy Store if needed. Those apps will be removed if the phone owner disables Maintenance Mode, as well as any data collected and stored by the phone since then.

Samsung developed the feature to protect the privacy of users when they send their phone in for repair. The function can be switched on at Battery and device care within the settings menu. After a reboot, the phone is in Maintenance Mode.

The feature was tested on Galaxy S21 phones in South Korea earlier this year. The feature became available in China last month. Over the coming months, this feature will be phased out to all users worldwide, provided they have a supported phone. For now, it concerns “certain One UI 5 phones, including the Galaxy S21 and S22 smartphones.” Samsung does recommend that users backup their data before using Maintenance Mode as a precaution.