New Update UI 6.1 touch screen unresponsive on S21

[MPopescu]

After installing the latest update on both phones (S21 5G and S21 5G Ultra 512 GB 16 RAM) the touchscreen became unresponsive. I noticed that the date automatically was changed on both phones to 3rd May 16.00.

The only thing that is working are sides buttons. 

I managed to start the recovery console using:

 1. Side button + Volume down to restart the phone

2. Then very quick I change to Side button + Volume up

I wiped the cache partition and also performed a factory reset on S21 5G but unfortunately did not solve the issues. The only change is that the phone is starting the setup (with a padlock locked on top left corner) a new phone but I cannot interact to set it up.

I assume that the main and major issues are with UI.6.1

Is there anything I can do for downgrading the android/UI and recover the information I have on S21 Ultra?

I hope that there is a quick solution as it is so frustrating for having two top phones and to not be able to use any of them. At the moment I'm lucky to have an A70 with older android and UI but I'm thinking of leaving Samsung after many years and products and not buy any other.

Thank you.

[Zulfi_11]

WHERE ARE YOU SAMSUNG TEAM... CAN YOU TELL US WEATHER YOU ARE DOING SOMETHING ON THIS PROBLEM OR NOTTTTT. WE CANT USE OUR PHONES.

And listen to me, Please do not suggest us to go to Samsung repair and purchase a new original screen. My screen was working fine before your 6.1 update, we want our old phone back for which we spent our money furthermore, it was compatible with our 3rd party screens.

I DONT WANT AI FEATURES RIGHT NOW, JUST RELEASE AN UPDATE FROM WHICH WE CAN DOWNGRADE OUR PHONES AND USE IT. THEN DO SOME AJDUSTMENTS WITH YOUR UI 6.1 UPDATE AND RELEASE IT...PLEASEEEEEEEE.

[durjoy1]

I have the same issue bro. Can I get any solution?

[Damionr2]

Just replying to say that I have this issue to and the fact there's no fix yet. Every samsung device I own is getting sold. S21 Ultra, Watch 4 Classic, Tab s9FE, BudsFE, 65" Tyzien. All purchased this year thousands of dollars so we could integrate into the samsung ecosystem. Very unfortunate Samsung.

[EthanElvin2019]

This situation is problematic. Why didn't they take into account the potential impact on many users when implementing AI features that don't significantly affect everyday phone use? Samsung Official ought to take action by releasing firmware to ensure the phone functions as expected. Considering that the screen comprises about half of the standard phone price, if the screen were inexpensive, there wouldn't have been complaints from the start.

[Zulfi_11]

There are these solutions for this issue right now..

1: Downgrade your UI through a force firmware but its very risky + it will restore your phone + if you are lucky, you can downgrade. (No hopes for me). You can check this process on Youtube. But I will not recommend it as it's a third party process and if you will make some mistake, then it can make your phone completely dead.

2: Buy the original screen from Samsung Officials which is very very very expensive.

3: Wait like us for Samsung officials to take some action on this.

4: Take your Samsung phone and smash it on a wall, and just go and buy an another phone but make sure that it's not a Samsung phone.

[Dean9877]

I don't think their care about your rant. Even u use original part from Samsung, there are bugs on Galaxy AI for S23 & below ( still can touch using hand). 

At my place, they do offer free screen replacement for saber screen only. So non responsive touch not included.

[EthanElvin2019]

4: Take your Samsung phone and smash it on a wall, and just go and buy an another phone but make sure that it's not a Samsung phone. I think I will consider this one out! Shame on Samsung!

[MPopescu]

Hi,

Unfortunately none of your solutions is working:
1 There is no available solution to downgrading the firmware. None of the YouTube solutions are real/working as the latest firmware is code locked in this matter.
2. A new Samsung screen is more then half of the phone price.
3. I don't think Samsung will take some action on 6. The best case scenario they'll release a new update fir UI 6.2 which will allow 3rd parties repairs/products.
4. I don't want to smash thousands of pounds at the moment, despite I have already moved to Apple products.

[MPopescu]

I have tested multiple options of flashing the device but unfortunately none have worked When I have something that's working I will definitely share with you straight away.

[WadeK1970]

This did happen to me.  I purchased a renewed S21 off Amazon.  As part of the refurbishing process, they replaced the battery and screen, so it looked new.  Once I finished the setup process and everything was working fine, I allowed the OTA update from One UI 6.0 to 6.1 and the touch screen became unresponsive.

I later found out it is indeed due to a bug in the 6.1 update that affects "some" users touch screen and nearly all persons with screen replacements, regardless of the method of replacements, Samsung official or otherwise.  Unfortunately, Amazon and other sellers do not disclose this information, so we are all finding out like this, on this thread.

Having said that Amazon was willing to replace it or refund as you have 90 days to return/replace however I would have needed to send back the phone first which would not have been to the local warehouse it came from but the regional office, wait for them verify everything and receive it and then process a return/refund.

So instead, I found a local cell phone repair shop who flashed the ROM back to the 6.0 for $25.  That took more time to drive to shop then to actually flash the phone.  I was in and out in 15 minutes.  Once I got home finished setting up the phone I turned off the OTA updates and Automatic updates.

The issue is with both Samsung and your carrier where there is that bug in the OTA updates.  And even though they claim they stopped the update to fix the bug and then began re rolling out the updates after fixing it, clearly, they did not fix it.  And they both just point the finger back at each other.