After a long wait, Samsung is finally expanding the One UI 8 beta program beyond the Galaxy S25 series. The beta update starts rolling out today for Galaxy S24 series, Galaxy Z Fold 6, and Galaxy Z Flip 6 in select regions, and is planned to reach more Galaxy phones (including some mid-range phones) in the coming weeks.
While it feels great to test out new features before the majority gets to experience them, there are a couple of steps you must follow for a smooth upgrade, especially when it’s a beta update.
1. Understand the risk
While most of you may already be aware of the risks associated with beta builds, it’s just a reminder that you shouldn’t test such builds on your primary device. For those uninitiated, beta builds generally contain bugs and unfinished/broken features. The software experience may also be less than smooth.
Also, note that there’s no easy way to roll back to stable One UI 7 software without erasing your data. Hence, it’s strongly recommended to take a complete backup before installing a beta build (more on that below).
Related: These Samsung phones are eligible for One UI 8 beta program
2. Back up your data
Before installing a major upgrade like One UI 8, it’s recommended that you take a complete backup to prevent data loss in case of installation failures. Although such things happen rarely nowadays, it’s always better to safeguard data so as not to cry later.
The best way out is to set up automatic backups using cloud storage, such as Google Drive or Mega. You can also use Samsung Cloud to back up your files for free, with no storage limit. The only catch here is that your files remain stored on servers for 30 days. So, remember to restore your files from Samsung Cloud before they are automatically deleted.
3. Install pending updates
Your Samsung phone must be running the latest software to participate in the One UI 8 beta program. To check for available updates, go to Settings > Software updates and tap the Download and install button.
Although not mandatory, it’s also recommended that you update all the updates on your device. You can update Samsung apps via the Galaxy Store and the remaining via the Google Play Store.
4. Install the Samsung Members app
To participate in the One UI 8 beta program, you must have the Samsung Members app on your device. You can install it from the Galaxy Store.
If you already have the app, ensure it’s up to date. You’ll find the One UI 8 beta banner inside the app when your device becomes eligible for it.
5. Ensure the device has sufficient storage and battery
One UI 8 is a major upgrade, and its download size is likely to be a couple of gigabytes (GBs). You must make sufficient room on the internal storage. For optimal performance, you should keep at least 10GB of free space.
Battery is another key thing to look at before installing a major upgrade. It’s recommended that you keep at least 30% battery before hitting the install button, so the device doesn’t shut off during the update installation. Otherwise, it might lead to installation failure, which can be a headache to fix later on.
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Also Read:
1. Here’s when Samsung will push the stable One UI 8 update
2. Samsung makes significant changes to One UI rollout strategy
3. One UI 8 will be the last big upgrade for these Samsung devices
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