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At long last, Samsung has released its Android 14-based One UI 6.0 update for the unlocked variants of the Galaxy S21 series in the US. The big Android update is rolling out widely to users on all major carrier networks. The remaining few will also join the party soon.
Android 14 is now available for unlocked Galaxy S21 in the US
Samsung started pushing Android 14 and One UI 6.0 to the Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+, and Galaxy S21 Ultra in November last year. Following an international release, the update arrived in the US in early December. However, the company initially only updated the carrier-locked units of the 2021 flagship trio.
It was expected to roll out One UI 6.0 to unlocked units in a week or two but the company kept users waiting for over six weeks. The wait has finally ended. The update is rolling out to the unlocked Galaxy S21 trio with the firmware build number G99xU1OYM9FWL3. It is available nationwide on most networks.
Since this is a major Android OS upgrade, the update that you are getting over the air (OTA) is massive. It has a download size of over 2GB. The update brings UI revamps, new camera features and editing tools, improved stock apps, smoother system animations, and many functional improvements to your Galaxy phone.
Additionally, Samsung is pushing the December 2023 security patch with more than 60 vulnerability fixes. So, your phone is getting security enhancements too. The Korean firm has already released the January 2024 patch, which is also available to the carrier-locked Galaxy S21 in the US. It contains 80 security fixes. Unlocked units should get it in the coming weeks.
If you are using a Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+, or Galaxy S21 Ultra in the US and haven’t yet received One UI 6.0 or a new security update, you can check for it from the Settings app. Go to the Software update section and tap on Download and install. If there is no update available for you, wait a few days and check again.
The aging Samsung flagships will get One UI 6.1 soon
Android 14 is the penultimate major Android OS upgrade for the Galaxy S21 series. The lineup will get Android 15 and that’s it. While the next version of Android is still several months away, another major feature update is on the way for the devices. Samsung is readying One UI 6.1 with new AI features. The update is expected to roll out in the coming months.