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Some Samsung smartphones aren’t receiving Google Play system updates (UPDATED)

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By Stanislav Serbezov

Updated: Jan 05, 2023, 9:26 AM

Samsung

UPDATE:

An update from GalaxyClub (translated source) reports that users have finally started receiving the latest versions of Google Play System and Security updates (from November 1 and December 5 2022, respectively).

Some users report that they’ve installed the update, but the version remained the same. That, however, seems to be a rarity, and if the case with your Galaxy smartphone is the same, make sure to give restarting it a shot.

Once again, we’ve got no official comment from either Google or Samsung on why this has happened, as it is indeed an odd one. Considering that Google is rolling out these to all applicable Android phones, it is strange that Samsung phones in particular had the issue. That being said, the important thing is that things are finally being set straight.

Original story follows below:

Users online are reporting that their Samsung phones — including flagships like the Galaxy S22 and Galaxy Z Fold 4 — are somehow stuck on Google Play system updates from July of 2022, while the latest December build has already become available.

Okay, let’s rewind a bit. You’ve heard of system updates and security updates, but there is a third type of monthly update, coming directly from Google to phones running Android 10 or later. Those are Google Play System and Security updates, and your phone should be getting them even if it doesn’t have any firmware or security updates to look forward to.

This has to do with a major revamp that came with Android 10, which basically turned Google Play into more than just your local app market. It offers protection from malicious intent, especially such coming from any suspicious apps that might’ve found their way into Google Play’s catalog, and through it — onto your device.

So, what does this have to do with Samsung? Well, basically, users have started several threads on support forums and Reddit, as their phones have mysteriously stopped getting these essential updates, as reported by Android Police.

How to check your Google Play security update version?

In some cases, users have gotten prompts to restart and apply the latest update, and as such, we advise you to do the same. Not sure where to look? No worries, we’ve got your back with a set of steps:

Open Settings
Navigate to the Security & Privacy section
Expand the Updates section
Compare both Google Play update versions to the latest ones

Currently, both versions of these updates are as such:

Google Play System update version — latest from November 1, 2022
Google Play Security update version — latest from December 5, 2022

However, there are also reports that even this doesn’t fix the issue, as even after the reboot, the versions remain the same. As such, make sure to check again after your phone restarts. But what should you do if nothing has changed?

Well, as of now, we haven’t gotten a definitive solution from either Google or Samsung. Considering that this issue is impacting its most prominent flagships and some of their budget devices, such as the Galaxy A52, we can expect some sort of fix soon, possibly with the January firmware update, which has started rolling out earlier this month with the Note 10.

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Stan, also known as Stako, is a smartphone enthusiast who loves exploring the limits of Android customization. His journey with mobile tech began with the Nokia 5110 and evolved with devices like the BlackBerry 9350 Curve and Samsung Galaxy A4. Despite his love for Android, he holds equal respect for Apple, considering the iPhone 4s as a significant milestone in mobile tech. Stan started his writing career early, contributing to MetalWorld, and harbors a passion for creative writing. Beyond smartphones, he's interested in photography, design, composition, and gaming, often preferring solo projects to hone his objective thinking. He's also an avid student of open-source technology and consoles, with a special fondness for the Pebble Watch, Arduboy, and Playdate.

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