Samsung’s February 2026 security update for the Galaxy S22, S22 Plus, and S22 Ultra has unexpectedly bricked many phones, trapping them in a perpetual bootloop. The patch corrupts the A/B partition system, preventing the device from completing its startup sequence. Until Samsung releases a hotfix, you should avoid installing the update.
Why the Update Triggers a Bootloop
The OTA patch modifies the dual‑slot A/B partition layout that Samsung has used since Android 10. A flaw in the update payload corrupts both slots, so the bootloader can’t locate a valid system image. As a result, the device repeatedly restarts at the Samsung logo, never reaching the Android UI.
Symptoms You May Encounter
Aside from the endless logo loop, users report sudden battery drain spikes, intermittent Wi‑Fi dropouts, and random reboots. Some devices even become completely unresponsive, requiring a manual flash to recover functionality.
Immediate Actions for Affected Users
Backup Your Data Before Updating
Always create a backup with Samsung Smart Switch or a custom recovery before applying any OTA. This ensures your photos, contacts, and apps can be restored if a future update goes awry.
Skip the February OTA for Now
Disable automatic updates by going to Settings → Software update → Auto download and turning the feature off. This prevents the problematic patch from installing without your explicit consent.
If You’re Already Stuck in a Bootloop
Try the following steps:
- Enter Safe Mode: Hold the Power button, then tap and hold “Power off” until the Safe Mode prompt appears. If the device boots, perform a factory reset to clear the corrupted slot.
- Flash with Odin (last resort): Download the latest stable firmware from SamMobile, boot into Download mode (Power + Volume Down + Home), and use Odin to flash the firmware. This wipes the device but restores normal operation.
- Use Samsung Smart Switch: If you have a backup, connect your phone to a PC and let Smart Switch revert the device to a previous firmware version.
Samsung’s Current Response
Samsung has not issued a formal press release yet, but support forums indicate the company plans to push a corrective OTA soon. In the meantime, the official recommendation is to wait for the next update or use Smart Switch to roll back to a known‑good firmware build.
Impact on Samsung’s Reputation
The S22 series has been a flagship showcase for Samsung’s premium lineup. A repeatable bootloop erodes consumer confidence and raises questions about the rigor of Samsung’s internal QA processes. If a security patch can corrupt the core partition system, users may fear hidden bugs in future updates.
What to Expect Moving Forward
Industry observers expect Samsung to release a hotfix within a week of widespread reports. A swift, clean rollout will help contain the fallout; a delayed or buggy fix could accelerate discussions about the viability of A/B updates for flagship devices. Keep an eye on Samsung’s OTA schedule and be ready to pause updates until the issue is fully resolved.
In short, hold off on the February patch, monitor Samsung’s support channels, and if you’re already bricked, follow the safe‑mode or Odin‑flashing steps. Staying proactive will protect your device while Samsung works on a permanent solution.
