Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

After a Galaxy S21 FE update, first confirm which software version is installed and read the update notes. Then check notifications and permissions for the apps you rely on. Review other settings only if you notice a change or a preference is important to you; Samsung’s guidance does not establish that updates routinely reset a standard set of settings.

1. Confirm the software version and update notes

  1. Check the installed version: Open Settings > About phone > Software information. Note the One UI version, Android version, and other software details shown. Labels can vary by release; Samsung’s One UI 8 version-check guidance also points to this screen.
  2. Read the update details: Open Settings > Software update and look for Last update, update history, or a release-notes link. Samsung says this menu can provide details relevant to your model, country, and service provider. The precise labels may differ; see Samsung’s update instructions.

Do not assume a particular S21 FE has received a specific release just because Samsung lists the model as supported. Samsung’s US One UI 8 materials, Canadian One UI 8 guide (updated July 16, 2026), and India One UI update schedule (updated September 9, 2026) list the S21 FE in their respective materials. They do not establish that every country, carrier, or model variant has the same build. Samsung cautions that availability and features can vary by model, country, carrier, and network.

2. Check notifications for essential apps

For messaging, email, calendar, banking, and other apps where missing an alert matters, confirm that notifications are allowed and presented the way you expect. Depending on the software release and app, review whether alerts appear as pop-ups, badges, or on the lock screen, as well as any available notification categories.

Open Settings > Notifications or Settings > Apps > [app] > Notifications, following the labels on your phone. Samsung’s One UI 5.1.1 notification-control instructions illustrate controls for that software version; do not assume every release or app uses identical menus.

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
OtterBox Galaxy S21 FE 5G (Only) Commuter Series Case - Black, Slim & Tough, Pocket-Friendly, with Port Protection
  • Compatible with Galaxy S21 FE 5G (Only)
  • Lasting antimicrobial technology helps protect case exterior against many common bacteria **It does not protect you or the screen**
  • Case is infused with silver-based additive that continually blocks microbial growth
  • Thin profile slips in and out of pockets with soft inner and hard outer layers absorb and deflect impacts, open access to ports and speakers
  • Trusted OtterBox Quality: With OtterBox, you're not just buying a case; you're investing in peace of mind. Our limited warranty covers material and workmanship defects.

3. Review sensitive app permissions

Check permissions for apps that use location, camera, microphone, contacts, or media. Open Settings > Apps > [app] > Permissions, then compare each allowed permission with what the app actually needs. Menu names can vary by software version.

Android may reset permissions for apps you do not use. Samsung explains this behavior in its Galaxy app-management guidance. If an app asks for access again, decide based on its purpose rather than granting everything by default.

Rank #2
Sale
Warsia for Galaxy S21 FE 5G Case, with Screen Protector [Military Grade Drop Tested] Heavy-Duty Tough Rugged Shockproof Protective Case for Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, Black
  • 【Compatible Model 】Only compatible with Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G 6.4 inch, Not compatible with other models.Wireless charging can be supported without removing the phone case. Package includes 1pcs free HD Screen Protectors.
  • 【Non-Slip Design & Great Grip】for samsung s21 fe case added the ergonomics design on the bumper, which fits the palm better, bringing a natural and comfortable hand feeling without bulky. Non-slip TPE material on the side of the case make it hard to slip out from your hand
  • 【Military Grade Drop Tested】for galaxy s21 fe 5g case has been tested on Military Grade Drop Test by SGS, and cushioned corners can prevent your samsung galaxy s21 fe from accidental drops, bumps, dust and scratches.
  • [2-Layer Protection] Flexible TPU + Hard PC with 4 cushioned corner bumpers and raised lips camera protection bumper, this s21 fe case guaranteed to withstand shocks and scratches.
  • 【Perfect Fit】Precise clipping,easy access to all buttons,ports and features, camera and speaker,power button, charging port and volume button. You can still use all the functions of the phone perfectly.

4. Investigate only settings that seem different

If something changed, go straight to the relevant area—such as display, sound, connectivity, biometrics, or battery—and check the options shown on your device. Samsung notes that screens and available functions can vary with the carrier, model, software version, and network connection. Its update guidance and One UI 8 guide describe these qualifications.

A different menu location or newly visible option does not by itself mean your preferences were reset. Samsung’s update instructions and version-specific One UI 7 guidance show that navigation and controls can differ across releases. Compare the setting itself, not just where you remember finding it.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
OtterBox Galaxy S21 FE 5G (Only) Symmetry Series Case - Black, Ultra-Sleek, Wireless Charging Compatible, Raised Edges Protect Camera & Screen
  • Compatible with Galaxy S21 FE 5G (Only)
  • Lasting antimicrobial technology helps protect case exterior against many common bacteria **It does not protect you or the screen**
  • Thin, sleek, stylish, pocket-friendly, one-piece design, with wraparound colors and graphics add seamless style
  • Durable protection shields against drops, bumps and fumbles and raised, beveled edge helps protect touchscreen
  • Trusted OtterBox Quality: With OtterBox, you're not just buying a case; you're investing in peace of mind. Our limited warranty covers material and workmanship defects.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

5. Keep recovery steps proportional

A changed preference is not a reason to factory-reset the phone. Samsung describes factory data reset as a recovery option for update problems and warns that it erases device data. If you are troubleshooting a serious update failure, back up important files first and follow Samsung’s update recovery guidance; for an ordinary settings change, adjust the relevant option instead.

Best Value
LeYi for Galaxy S21-FE 5G Case [MagSafe Fit] Slim Matte Translucent, Black
  • 𝐍𝐎𝐓 𝐅𝐈𝐓:𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐟𝐢𝐭 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐬𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝟐𝟏/𝐒𝟐𝟏+! 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐟𝐢𝐭 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐬𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝟐𝟏/𝐒𝟐𝟏+!
  • Precision Fit: This case is precisely engineered exclusively for the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE. Easy to match well with your phone of any color and express your aesthetics taste, confidence and personality
  • Seamless Mag-Safe Compatibility: Built-in N52 magnets provide a strong, secure connection to all your magnetic accessories—wallets, car mounts, ring holders, and chargers. Enjoy a safer, faster, and more convenient wireless charging experience
  • Luxurious Silky Feel: We're the first to use Molecular Conversion Coating for a game-changing feel. Paired with a premium matte back, this slim S21 FE case hugs your hand like a second skin—offering a silky, grippy texture that laughs off fingerprints
  • Full-Coverage Protection: This case delivers military-grade protection without the bulk. With 0.5mm raised bezels to safeguard the screen and camera, plus quad-corner shock absorption and a reinforced polycarbonate frame, it survives drops from up to 10 feet
Rank #4
OtterBox Commuter Series Case for Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G (Only) - Non-Retail Packaging - Black
  • Compatible with Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G (Only - Not Compatible with Galaxy S21/S21 Plus/S21 Ultra)
  • Thin, pocket-friendly case slips in and out of pockets easily. Secure grip for confident handling
  • Port covers block dirt, dust and lint from getting into jacks and ports. Raised edges protect camera and screen
  • DROP+ | 3X as many drops as military standard (MIL-STD-810G 516.6). Wireless charging compatible

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.