Samsung has started rolling out the September 2023 security update to the carrier-locked versions of the Galaxy S21 series phones in the US. This update aims to address security vulnerabilities found in previous software versions.
The carrier-locked versions of the Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+, and Galaxy S21 Ultra will receive the update with firmware version G99xUSQS9EWI1. The update focuses solely on the security patch and does not include any new features or performance improvements.
For those in the US with a carrier-locked Galaxy S21 series phone, you can check for the new software update by going to Settings » Software update and tapping Download and install. Alternatively, you can download the firmware file from the firmware database and manually install it on your device.
The Galaxy S21 series was initially launched in early 2021 with Android 11. Since then, the phones have received updates to Android 12 and Android 13. Some countries have already received the One UI 6.0 beta update, and it is expected that the stable Android 13 update will be available in a few months.
While the carrier-locked versions of the Galaxy S21 series in the US have received the September 2023 security update, the factory-unlocked versions and global versions are yet to receive the update in their respective regions. Users are advised to stay tuned for further updates and ensure their devices are up to date with the latest security patches to protect against potential security vulnerabilities.