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.

[Members_eJjwOHb]

Dear,
This is a firmware update issue with UI6.1. I managed to get it solved by following information and steps comming from different sources.
First lookup your firmware version by doing this :

Then go on https://samfw.com/firmware/SM-G991U1/PCT 
to find your phone (mine was a SM-G991U1) and go to download an earlier firmware version,UI 6.0 or earlier.
Then download Odin3 software to flash your phone by following the steps in this youtube video : 
https://youtu.be/cwcW8bfi8Q4?si=PBkpO0xIqjOa07o0

Do this at your own risks. Be carefull to not mess it up or your phone will be for the trash. You may loss Samsung waranty by doing this.

[Wayne9360]

That's basically what I did and it fixed my phone. 

[MPopescu]

@Wayne9360 You can downgrade only using the same version number of the firmware Check above posts.

[Stylex971]

Hello !
I just update my S21 ultra and now no touch 😥.
Hey samsung... how downgrade firmware or where is update for fix this bug please ?
Thank you !

[Skreech666]

Edit: I've done an IMEI search and found my phone is, in fact, refurbished. Despite being listed as New/Sealed. 

Original Post: I've got the same issue, S21 Ultra G998U1  - Brand new in box late March 2024!

[Members_Czc7gnA]

So what I did and was lucky enough to be able to is connecting my broken but functional original screen, let the phone boot to android, press powerbutton to turn off screen and connect new non Samsung screen. That is working now. Only thing I don't want to do is turn of my phone...there is an issue with the phone trying to update firmware in boot state to the screen, if that fails it disables the touchscreen.

[Members_Czc7gnA]

By this message I have been able to workaround:

So what I did and was lucky enough to be able to is connecting my broken but functional original screen, let the phone boot to android, press powerbutton to turn off screen and connect new non Samsung screen. That is working now. Only thing I don't want to do is turn of my phone...there is an issue with the phone trying to update firmware in boot state to the screen, if that fails it disables the touchscreen.

[mer mary]

the same problem i have s21 ultra ... is there any possibility to fix it

[Franklinrm]

deberíamos iniciar una campaña en X (Twitter) para que Samsung preste atención son demasiado usuarios con el mismo problema si no dan solución será no comprar ningún producto de Samsung

[chunord]

Bought a "new" sealed in the box S21 phone on ebay for my child.  Turns out, the seller is a liar.. ruiz.tech  (Don't buy from this scammer).  I later learned from authorized Samsung repair techs that this is a refurbished phone with an aftermarket touch screen.  So, this "new" phone has gotten much more expensive.

Had the phone 34 days, and 6.1 update killed the screen.  Phone is 100% unusable as screen is 100% unresponsive.  Phone won't even turn off!  Learned online that Samsung has pulled this stunt on owners of phones.   Sent the phone to authorized Samsung repair, and I learned I need an OEM screen so phone would work.  

Don't bother clearing cache, don't factory reset it!  It just needs a new screen for $200 on the S21.  

SHAME on you Samsung!  With 4 Samsung phones in use in my family, I am moving on when the time comes.