Samsung Galaxy S5, Galaxy S6, Galaxy Note 4 and Galaxy Note 5 are all receiving Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow update.
The update has been rolling out to these devices for some time now, starting with the newer Samsung Galaxy Note 5 to the slightly older Samsung Galaxy S5. The rest of the pack that was also rolled out in between, including the newly launched Samsung Galaxy S7 series, are also based on this Marshmallow OS.
Apparently, Android Marshmallow has hit 10% of the total Android user base. However, if you are using any of Samsung Galaxy S5, Galaxy S6, Galaxy Note 4 or Galaxy Note 5 and are yet to update your device to the new Marshmallow OS, you might want to think twice about doing so.
According to some owners of these devices, including the new Samsung Galaxy S7, there is a bug in Android Marshmallow that locks users out of their own devices. A user on Reddit claimed that right after updating Samsung Galaxy S6 and Galaxy Note 5, the devices somehow stop recognizing the fingerprints.
It gets even worse as these users were reportedly unable to use their backup password to get into the device or even sign in to their Google account. In essence, it means one is completely locked out of their own phone.
Samsung has a number of devices currently running on Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow. However, not all of them have reportedly been affected by this bug. As it seems, only those using the OS on Samsung Galaxy S5, Galaxy S7 and Galaxy Note 4 have also reported the same issue.
How to get around the Marshmallow bug on Samsung Galaxy S5, Note 4 and the rest
Apparently, there seem to be some workarounds for this bug. One thing you need to do is to back up your data before beginning the Marshmallow upgrade. This will ensure that nothing touches it even if the update messes up or corrupts the stored data.
Alternatively, Sam Mobile claims that removing the fingerprint and password protections before installing the latest OS might just work out right. Once you are done with installing the update, you can re-enter the password and fingerprint log-in details again and you won’t have to go through the pain of being locked out of your own phone.
As of now, Samsung has yet to make any comment on this matter. But for now, thick twice before updating your Samsung Galaxy S5, Galaxy S6, Galaxy Note 4 and Galaxy Note 5 with the latest Marshmallow OS.
I don’t think that’s just an update bug. That exact same thing happened on my old note 3 way before thought of Marshmallow
Since updating my phone(S5), I have noticed that the battery life is not very good at all. The phone used to last an entire day without having to charge, now if it last until midday I am lucky.
Nicely written and very informational.
Thank you for warning
Is this a carrier problem or Samsung issue?
Since updating my S5 (26/5) i’ have no longer mobile data, only Wifi works.
Will s5 active EVER see marshmallow?