The May 2021 Android security patch is finally rolling out to the unlocked Galaxy S21 units in the US. The devices are picking up the new update with the firmware version G99xU1UEU3AUDD. Along with this month’s security fixes, the latest update also packs a couple of other improvements.
According to the official changelog, the new update improves the performance of the camera. It also promises some Quick Share-related improvements: general enhancements and improved file sharing between Galax devices using the service.
These are the same changes that accompanied the May security update for several Galaxy flagships in other regions as well. And if you didn’t already know, Quick Share is Samsung’s own file sharing service. It functions similar to Google’s Nearby Sharing and Apple’s AirDrop and lets you share everything – photos, videos, and documents – with up to five friends simultaneously.
Apart from these changes, the May security update contains fixes for three critical and dozens of high and moderate-risk vulnerabilities found on Android OS. It also patches 23 Samsung Vulnerabilities and Exposures (SVE) items. SVEs are software vulnerabilities exclusive to Samsung devices.
May security update rolling out for unlocked Galaxy S21 units in the US
Samsung began rolling out the May 2021 Android security patch to its devices in the last week of April. The international variants of the Galaxy S21 were the first to receive the new update. Over the past three weeks, the company has rolled out the update to a number of Galaxy smartphones and tablets. The US-bound unlocked Galaxy S21 units have now joined them as well.
They are fairly late to this party, to be true. Enough time has passed since the initial rollout for Samsung to release a second May update for the Galaxy S20 and Galaxy S21 units in some regions.
Nonetheless, if you own either of the Galaxy S21, S21+, or the Galaxy S21 Ultra and live in the US, be on the lookout for a new update in the coming days if you haven’t already received it. You should get a notification once the OTA (over the air) update becomes available for your phone.
You can also manually check for updates through your phone’s Settings app. Scroll down to the Software update menu and tap on Download and install. If there’s any OTA update pending, you’ll be prompted to download it on the next screen. Note that updates are released in batches and may not be available for all eligible units simultaneously.