Updating to Android 14 with a proprietary shell One UI 6 is one of the most expected events for device owners Samsung in 2026. The new version of the operating system brings not only improved performance and security, but also a host of visual changes: from redesigned animations to expanded personalization features. However, not all of the brand’s gadgets will receive an upgrade - the company traditionally limits support for older models.

In this article we have collected current list of Samsung smartphones and tablets officially confirmed for updating to Android 14and also revealed nuances that are silent about in press releases. You'll learn how to check your device's compatibility, when to expect a firmware release in your region, and what to do if an update gets stuck in the download phase. We paid special attention hidden selection criteria models to why some flagships of 2021 were left without an upgrade, while budget new products of 2023 received it.

Official list of Samsung devices supporting Android 14

The company Samsung traditionally divides devices into three waves of updates: flagships (first in line), middle segment (2-3 months after release) and budget models (last, sometimes with a delay of up to six months). Below is a complete list of gadgets that guaranteed will be One UI 6 based Android 14, according to the official website and internal documents of the company.

Flagship smartphones (update is already available or will be released before March 2026)

  • 📱 Galaxy S23 Ultra, Galaxy S23+, Galaxy S23
  • 📱 Galaxy S22 Ultra, Galaxy S22+, Galaxy S22
  • 📱 Galaxy S21 Ultra, Galaxy S21+, Galaxy S21 (only for some regions)
  • 📱 Galaxy Z Fold 5, Galaxy Z Flip 5
  • 📱 Galaxy Z Fold 4, Galaxy Z Flip 4
  • 📱 Galaxy Z Fold 3, Galaxy Z Flip 3 (delayed)

Middle segment and “premium light” (updated from April to June 2026)

  • 📱 Galaxy A54 5G, Galaxy A53 5G
  • 📱 Galaxy A34 5G, Galaxy A33 5G
  • 📱 Galaxy A73 5G, Galaxy A72 (not in all countries)
  • 📱 Galaxy M54 5G, Galaxy M53 5G
  • 📱 Galaxy XCover 6 Pro

Budget models and tablets (updated from July 2026)

  • 📱 Galaxy A24 4G/LTE, Galaxy A14 5G
  • 📱 Galaxy A04s, Galaxy A04 (only for Europe)
  • 📱 Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, Galaxy Tab S9+, Galaxy Tab S9
  • 📱 Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra, Galaxy Tab S8+, Galaxy Tab S8
  • 📱 Galaxy Tab Active 4 Pro
⚠️ Attention: The list may vary depending on the region. For example, Galaxy A52s 5G received Android 14 in Europe, but not in the USA. Check the information in the application Samsung Members or on the support website of your country.
📊 Has your Samsung model already received Android 14?
Yes, it was updated immediately after the release
Yes, but with delay
No, I'm still waiting
I don't know how to check
I have a different model

Why some Samsung models will NOT receive Android 14

Even if your smartphone was released in 2021–2022, this does not guarantee update. Samsung adheres to strict selection criteria, which depend on:

  1. Hardware platforms. Devices on chips Exynos 9611 (for example, Galaxy A51) and older do not support new versions of Android due to performance limitations.
  2. The amount of operational memory. Models with 3 GB RAM or less (for example, Galaxy A12) are excluded from the list - One UI 6 requires a minimum 4 GB for stable operation.
  3. Policies of regional distributors. In some countries (for example, Russia), updates may be blocked due to sanctions restrictions on Google services.
  4. Warranty support periods. Samsung promises 4 years of updates for flagships (series S and Z) and 3 years for the middle segment (series A and M). If your smartphone was Released in 2020, there is no chance for Android 14.

An example of “losers”: Galaxy Note 20 Ultra (2020) did not receive Android 14, despite its flagship status, since its support officially ended in 2023. But Galaxy S21 FE (2022) received the update - thanks to the later release date.

How to bypass restrictions and install Android 14 on unofficially supported models?

There are custom firmwares (for example, LineageOS 21), but they require unlocking the bootloader, which will void the warranty. In addition, Samsung proprietary functions may not work on such firmware: DeX, Knox, Secure Folder. Risks: data loss, unstable operation of the camera or fingerprint scanner.

When Android 14 will be released for your model: schedule by region

Update release dates depend not only on the model, but also on countries of residence. Samsung usually starts distribution from South Korea, then follows Europe, USA and last but not least - Russia, India and Latin America. Below is an indicative schedule (current at the beginning of 2026):

Region Flagships (S23, Z Fold 5) Mid-segment (A54, A34) Budget (A14, A24)
South Korea October–November 2023 December 2023 February 2026
Europe (Germany, France) November–December 2023 January 2026 March–April 2026
USA (versions for operators) December 2023 - January 2026 February-March 2026 April-May 2026
Russia/CIS January–February 2026 March–April 2026 May–June 2026
India/Southeast Asia December 2023 – January 2026 February–March 2026 April–June 2026

For operator versions of smartphones (for example Samsung Galaxy S22 from MTS), the update may be delayed by 1–2 months providers often test the firmware additionally. To speed up the process, you can:

  • 🔄 Reflash the device to unblocked software version via Odin (risk of loss of warranty!).
  • 🌍 Change the region in the settings (in Settings → General → Date and time → Region select Germany or South Korea).
  • 📥 Manually check the update via Settings → Software update → Download and install.
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If your smartphone does not see the update, try connecting to Wi-Fi and restarting the device. Sometimes Samsung servers temporarily limit the distribution of firmware for specific models due to high load.

How to prepare a Samsung smartphone for updating to Android 14

Installing new firmware is a responsible process, especially when it comes to major update (changing the Android version). Improper preparation can lead to bootloop (loop reboot) or data loss. Follow the checklist to avoid problems:

Make a backup via Samsung Cloud or Smart Switch|Charge the battery to at least 50%|Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network (not mobile data)|Free up at least 5 GB of memory|Disable VPN and antiviruses|Remember account passwords (after updating, you may need to re-enter)

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Pay special attention backup. B One UI 6 the data storage structure for some applications has changed (for example, Samsung Notes or Gallery), so after the upgrade some files may be “lost”. We recommend:

  • 📁 Copy photos and videos to a PC or external drive.
  • 🔑 Export passwords from Samsung Pass to a file (application settings → Export data).
  • 📱 Save the list of installed applications via Settings → Device care → Memory → Memory analysis → Applications (screenshot or export to CSV).
⚠️ Attention: If you use Secure Folderbe sure to back it up separately! After the update, the folder may be locked, and to restore access you will need to reset via Settings → Biometrics and security → Secure Folder → Backup copy and reset.

What's new in Android 14 for Samsung: key functions of One UI 6

One UI 6 —not just a “wrapper” for Android 14, but a deep redesign of the interface and functionality. Samsung added more than 20 unique features that are not present in “pure” Android from Google. Here are the most noticeable changes:

1. Design and animation

  • 🎨 New color palettes — the system automatically selects shades for the wallpaper (16 options instead of the previous 4).
  • 🔄 Smooth transitions between applications (animation now works at frequency 120 Hz even on budget models).
  • 📱 Compact mode —all interface elements move down for easy one-handed operation.

2. Performance and security

  • 🛡️ Improved Knox - protection against attacks via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi (now blocks connections to “suspicious” networks).
  • 🔋 Optimized power consumption - 10-15% longer battery life by limiting background activity of rarely used applications.
  • 🗑️ Auto clear cache —the system itself deletes unnecessary files when there is insufficient memory (configurable in Settings → Device care → Automation).

3. New features for camera and multimedia

  • 📸 Expert RAW mode now available on all flagships (previously only on Galaxy S22 Ultra+).
  • 🎥 Video recording in HDR10+ from the front camera (previously supported only by the main camera).
  • 🔊 Adaptive sound —automatically adjusts the equalizer to the type of headphones (works with Samsung Buds2 Pro and newer).

The full list of changes can be found in the official Samsung document (section One UI 6 User Manual). Please note: some functions (for example, Generative Edit in the gallery) require an Internet connection and may be paid in the future.

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The most useful innovation for most users — Maintenance Mode. It allows you to temporarily hide personal data when sending the phone for repair (enabled in Settings → Accounts and backup → Maintenance Mode).

Frequent problems after upgrading to Android 14 and how to fix them

Even stable firmware from Samsung sometimes cause crashes. Here are top 5 problemsthat users encounter after upgrading to One UI 6, and ways to solve them:

1. Rapid battery drain

Cause: Background optimization has not yet adapted to the new energy consumption algorithms.

Solution:

  • Go to Settings → Device care → Battery → Background use.
  • Disable deep optimization for critical applications (for example, instant messengers).
  • Enable Adaptive battery in the same menu.

2. Device overheating

Cause: New animations and background processes One UI 6 load the processor.

Solution:

  • Reset animation settings: Settings → Accessibility → Developer Settings → Animation scale window/transition (set 0.5x).
  • Disable Improved processing in the camera settings.

3. The fingerprint scanner does not work

Cause: Conflict with new drivers security.

Solution:

  • Delete all saved fingerprints and add them again.
  • Update biometric data in Settings → Biometrics and security → Fingerprints.

4. Mobile network disappears

Cause: Resetting APN settings after updating.

Solution:

  • Go to Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Access points (APN).
  • Click Reset to default values or enter the parameters of your operator manually.

5. Applications crash or do not open

Reason: Incompatibility with old versions of the API.

Solution:

  • Update all applications via Galaxy Store or Google Play.
  • Clear the cache of the problematic application: Settings → Applications → [Name applications] → Memory → Clear cache.
⚠️ Attention: If after updating the device constantly reboots (bootloop), try resetting via recovery mode:
  1. Turn off the phone.
  2. Hold Volume up + Power button until the logo appears.
  3. Select Wipe cache partitionthen Reboot system now.

If this does not help, you will need to flash it via Odin (contact the service center).

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about Android 14 on Samsung

Is it possible to install Android 14 unofficially?

Technically yes - through custom firmware like LineageOS 21 or Pixel Experience. However, there are risks:

  • Loss of warranty (you will have to unlock the bootloader).
  • Not working functions: Samsung Pay, DeX, Secure Folder.
  • Problems with the camera (drivers Exynos/Snapdragon often incompatible).

For experienced users: look for instructions on the forums XDA Developers (section of your model).

How to roll back from Android 14 back to Android 13?

Rollback is possible, but complicated:

  1. Download the official firmware Android 13 for your model from the site SamMobile or Frija.
  2. Install Odin on the PC and connect the phone in the mode Download Mode (Volume down + Power + USB).
  3. Flash the files in order: BL → AP → CP → CSC (for a complete reset, select CSCrather than HOME_CSC).

⚠️ Warning: a rollback will reset all data and may block Knox (a message will appear Knox Guard: 0x1).

Why did some functions disappear after the update (for example, Always On Display)?

Some settings were moved or renamed. For example: One UI 6 Some settings have been moved or renamed. For example:

  • Always On Display is now located in Settings → Screen → Always On Display (previously was in Screen lock).
  • Performance mode moved in Settings → Device care → Battery → Other battery settings.
  • Camera Settings is now divided into Photo and Video in separate tabs.

If the function is indeed removed (for example, Single Take in the camera), try resetting the camera application settings to default.

Is it possible to install Android 14 on Samsung with root access?

No. One UI 6 blocks installation on devices with:

  • Unlocked bootloader (OEM Unlock).
  • Installed Magisk or other root solutions.
  • Modified boot.img.

To get the update, you need to:

  1. Remove root (via MagiskUninstall).
  2. Return stock boot.img (flash via Odin).
  3. Reset counter Knox (possible only at a service center).
Will there be Android 14 on the Galaxy Note 20 or S20?

No. These models Released in 2020 and received the latest update up to Android 13 (One UI 5.1). Samsung provides 4 years of updates for flagships, starting from the release date:

  • Galaxy S20 (February 2020) → support until February 2026 (security fixes only).
  • Galaxy Note 20 (August 2020) → support until August 2026.

Exception: some carrier versions (for example, S20 Ultra from Verizon) may receive extended support, but this is unlikely.