The best Samsung phones come with a handy Maintenance mode that makes your life easier when you submit your device for repair work. In such cases, there’s always a concern that the repair technician can go through your private photos and files on the phone. This is where Samsung’s Maintenance mode comes in, which keeps your data safe and secure from prying eyes. And it achieves this without requiring you to reset your Samsung Galaxy phone.

Below is everything you need to know about Maintenance mode and how to use it on your Samsung Galaxy device.

What is Samsung’s Maintenance Mode?

Maintenance mode in One UI 5 and One UI 5.1 protects your privacy by keeping installed apps and stored data on your phone safe from inquisitive technicians. Instead of factory resetting your phone before sending it for repair, activate Maintenance mode, and you can rest assured knowing the technician can’t access your installed apps and stored data on the device.

Maintenance mode prevents access to your accounts, photos, files, and other data stored on the phone. It relies on Android’s built-in ability to create a guest profile, which helps keep your private data safe. Without Maintenance mode, you’d have to factory reset your phone, erasing all your apps and data before handing it over for repair.

With Maintenance mode turned on, the technician only has access to preinstalled apps, like Samsung Gallery and Samsung Messages. All preloaded Samsung and Microsoft apps that can be uninstalled from your Samsung Galaxy phone are not available.

The Samsung technician can download apps from the Galaxy Store without logging in to a Samsung account. They can also change the system settings, sign in to their Google account, access the Play Store, and run diagnostic tools without issues. The phone also connects to mobile and data networks if a SIM card is installed.

Samsung Galaxy S23

Once Maintenance mode is turned off, any data from installed apps or diagnostic tools are lost. The device is restored to the same state it was in before the mode was activated. Any files stored on the internal storage while in Maintenance mode are also deleted.

Maintenance mode creates a separate guest account on your Galaxy device, which the repair technician can use for testing. This is also why multi-user support is missing in One UI 5 and One UI 6, despite the option being available in the former’s initial builds.

The feature is only useful when minor repair work is done on your Galaxy smartphone. It isn’t of any use if there are significant issues that require a logic replacement or a complete system format. In such situations, you must back up your personal data before handing your phone to the service center. Otherwise, be prepared to lose access to it.

Samsung Galaxy devices with Maintenance mode

Samsung trialed Maintenance mode on the Galaxy S21 series in South Korea in July 2022 before expanding it to China later in the year. Initially, the feature was available on selected flagship and premium Galaxy devices running Android 13-based One UI 5.0. But since its announcement, Maintenance mode’s availability has expanded to more Galaxy devices, including tablets. It is also available on the company’s 2023 flagship phones, the Galaxy S23 Ultra and its smaller siblings.

Samsung maintains a list of the Galaxy phones and tablets that are compatible with Maintenance mode.

How to activate Maintenance mode on your Samsung Galaxy phone or tablet

Before you turn over your phone for repairs, follow these steps to turn on Maintenance mode:

1. Open the Settings menu.
2. Scroll down and select Battery and device care.
3. Tap Maintenance mode at the bottom of the list.
4. Confirm your choice by tapping Turn on.

5. A prompt asks you to create a system log before activating the mode. This provides the technicians with additional details to troubleshoot the problem. It doesn’t contain any personally identifiable information.

When your phone reboots, it will be in Maintenance mode, with all your data locked away from prying eyes. You can then hand your Galaxy phone or tablet to a technician to complete the necessary repairs.

How to exit Maintenance mode

A Maintenance mode overlay displays on the screen in the lower-right corner to remind you that the mode is running. To turn off Maintenance mode, you must confirm your identity. This ensures the repair technician cannot exit the mode without your wish.

1. Expand the notification shade on your Samsung Galaxy phone.
2. Tap the Your phone is in Maintenance mode banner to exit the mode.
3. Confirm your selection by tapping Exit from the page that opens.

4. Verify your identity using biometric authentication or entering the phone’s unlock pattern or PIN.
5. This additional step prevents the technician or an unauthorized person from exiting Maintenance mode on your phone.

After this, your device reboots in normal mode with all your app data and files intact.

Consider creating a log if your Galaxy phone or tablet has a peculiar problem. This helps the Samsung technician troubleshoot the problem better. Creating a log can take a few minutes.

Samsung’s One UI skin is packed with handy features

Maintenance mode is another example of why One UI is the best Android skin. It’s even better than what Google Pixel offers. It is also unique, as no other Android phone ships with a similar feature. With One UI 6, Samsung is further refining its skin by giving a notable UI revamp and adding a plethora of new features for you to play around with.