Reports say Samsung’s One UI 8 update removes or hides the “OEM Unlocking” developer option on some Galaxy devices. The change has been observed on specific models and builds, but Samsung has not confirmed a device-by-device policy or explained the change. Check your exact model and firmware before assuming your phone is affected.
Did One UI 8 remove OEM Unlocking?
Some reports from July 2025 found the “OEM Unlocking” option missing on devices running One UI 8. Without that developer option, users cannot start the usual settings-based bootloader-unlock process. That finding does not establish that every Galaxy phone running One UI 8 has lost the option.
Samsung’s public One UI 8 rollout announcement describes features and rollout plans but does not mention OEM unlocking. Samsung’s cited firmware information also does not explain a bootloader change or give a reason for it. There is no basis in these sources to attribute the change to a particular security policy or to call it a confirmed universal Samsung policy. Samsung’s rollout announcement
Which Galaxy models have been reported to lose the option?
Early coverage named the Galaxy S25 Ultra running a One UI 8 beta, as well as the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7, which launched with One UI 8. A later report described the missing option on international devices as well as US models. These are reported observations, not an exhaustive list of affected models, regions, or carrier variants. 9to5Google’s July 26, 2025 report and Android Central’s July 29, 2025 report
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One UI 8 is based on Android 16. Samsung’s update history for the Galaxy S25 (SM-S931B) lists build S931BXXU5BYI3 as One UI 8.0 (Android 16), released October 7, 2025. Samsung notes that the exact changes may differ by device model, country, and service provider, so an observation on one build should not be generalized to another. Samsung Galaxy S25 (SM-S931B) update history
What the change means for bootloader access
The bootloader is relevant mainly to people who want to install custom ROMs or kernels, or obtain root access. If you use the phone with its stock software, a missing toggle may have no visible day-to-day effect.
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Android Central reported seeing the configuration line androidboot.other.locked=1 in One UI 8 builds and associated it with the hidden OEM Unlocking option. That is a reported firmware observation, not a Samsung-authored technical explanation, and it does not establish the mechanism on every model or build. Android Central’s report
What to check before updating or troubleshooting
- Identify the exact device. Record the model number, country or region variant, carrier, and installed software build.
- Check Samsung’s update information for that model. Samsung’s Galaxy S25 page illustrates why model-specific details matter: its update history names a precise model and build, and warns that changes can vary by model, country, and service provider.
- Check the setting on the installed build. If you rely on bootloader access, verify whether “OEM Unlocking” appears in Developer options on your own device before installing an update.
- Use model- and build-specific guidance. If the option is missing, consult a reputable technical community for information that matches your exact variant and firmware. Do not assume that a downgrade or unofficial tool will restore the setting; the cited information does not establish a dependable workaround.
What Samsung has—and has not—confirmed
Samsung announced the One UI 8 rollout on September 15, 2025, initially for the Galaxy S25 series and with additional Galaxy S and Z families named for rollout. The announcement does not address bootloader unlocking. Its list of eligible One UI 8 products therefore cannot be treated as a list of devices that can or cannot unlock their bootloaders. Samsung’s One UI 8 rollout announcement
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As of October 4, 2026, the available reports support a limited conclusion: OEM Unlocking was reported missing on observed One UI 8 devices, but the evidence cited here is not a current, exhaustive compatibility guide. Confirm the exact model and firmware rather than inferring the status of every Galaxy phone from the update name alone.
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