Due to inactivity, your session will end in approximately 2 minutes. Extend your session by clicking OK below.

Due to inactivity, your session has expired. Please sign in again to continue.

Samsung Galaxy A21 Software Update

Verizon is pleased to announce a software update for your device. This software update has been tested to help optimize device performance, resolve known issues, apply the latest security patches and, when available, deliver new features.

Before you download:

  • Connect your device to a Wi-Fi network, or make sure it has a strong Verizon wireless network connection.
  • Ensure your battery is fully charged before starting the software update.

System Update 16

The details:

Release date: 03/10/2023
Android™ Security Patch Level: December 2022
Software Version: SP1A.210812.016.A215USQU9CWA8

What's changing:

The current software update provides:

  • The most up to date Android security patches on your device.
  • Performance improvements.
  • Advanced Messaging (RCS 1.0).

Advanced Messaging features include:

  • Send larger text messages: Create larger messages up to 8000 characters long. With Advanced Messaging you're no longer limited to 160 characters.
  • Typing indicators: See when your contact is typing in a conversation.
  • Read receipts: See when your message has been read.
  • Large group chats: Create group chats with up to 100 participants.*
  • High-quality media sharing: Share pictures and videos in high-quality.
  • Chat over Wi-Fi: You can send messages over Wi-Fi, even when you don't have a cellular connection.
  • Transfer larger files: Send larger attachments than ever before.
  • Location sharing: Share your location as you travel.

*Group message recipients must also have Advanced Messaging enabled on a compatible device.

System Update Instructions

To help you with the software update for your Samsung device, this page contains the following information:

  • Wi-Fi Only Over The Air (OTA) Programming
  • Server-Initiated Software Update Instructions
  • User-Initiated Software Update Instructions
  • Software Update while Roaming

Note: Estimated software download time is 6-10 minutes. Estimated software update time is 6-10 minutes.

Wi-Fi Only OTA Programming - Wi-Fi Exclusive Update

If Wi-Fi is enabled and your device is connected to a Wi-Fi network, your device will be able to receive and download new software updates.

  1. The download will take place when the device is in Wi-Fi coverage, but coverage does not need to be consistent. You can use multiple Wi-Fi networks and disconnect from/reconnect to Wi-Fi, and the update will continue to download from where it left off until complete.
  2. When the download is complete, you'll receive a notification that there's a new software update available for installation. Tap Install Now to continue with installation. The device will power off and back on and the installation process will begin.

You've successfully updated your software.

Server-Initiated Software Update

You'll be notified on your device that a software update is available.

  1. Select Install now and your device will power off and back on and the installation process will begin. Tap OK to begin the installation.

    Note: If you choose Defer, this will delay installation and you'll be taken back to the Home screen. The software update message will appear periodically until you install the update.
  2. After you've received first notification of the software update, you can manually initiate by going to Home > Applications > Settings > About Device > Software updates. Under System updates, tap Restart & install to install the update. Your device will power off and back on and the installation process will begin.
  3. Once the installation is complete, the device will power off and then back on again.

You've successfully updated your software.

User-Initiated Software Update

This process allows a user to navigate through the device options to seek updates.

  1. From the Home screen, tap the Menu Key > Settings > About phone > Software updates > Check for Updates.
  2. If your device finds a new software update, tap Download now. When complete, a screen will appear advising you that the new version of software is ready to be installed. Tap Install update.
  3. The device will power down and power back on. A screen will appear stating that the installation has been completed. Tap OK.

You've successfully updated your software.

System Update while Roaming

If you're roaming, you won't receive a software update notice. To update, you'll need to either enable Wi-Fi and wait for the update notice to appear or manually update by going to Home > Application > Settings > About device > Software updates.

To enable Wi-Fi:

  1. Go to Settings > Wireless & networks.
  2. Tap Wi-Fi.
  3. To connect to an available Wi-Fi network, select Wi-Fi settings and select an available Wi-Fi network or manually add a Wi-Fi network.

If the software update fails to install, you'll get an error screen. However, this only means the software didn't install properly. The device will power back on with original software and will prompt you again to install the software update.

If you don't have a strong connection to Wi-Fi or the Verizon Wireless network, you may not be able to perform a software update over the air. Instead, you can connect your device to a computer with Internet access. Connect your device to your computer using your USB cable, then download the Software Upgrade Assistant tool to your computer, which will check for software updates and initiate the software update process.

System Update 15

The details:

Release date: 10/14/2022
Android Security Patch Level: October 2022
Software Version: SP1A.210812.016.A215USQS8CVI6

What's changing:

The current software update:

  • Provides the most up to date Android security patches on your device.
  • Resolved an intermittent issue where the device didn't receive text messages.

System Update 14

The details:

Release date: 09/26/2022
Android Security Patch Level: July 2022
Software Version: SP1A.210812.016.A215USQU7CVHB

What's changing:

This software update brings the latest Android OS 12 update and One UI 4.0, with new features, privacy settings, and improved customization that allow you to create your own optimized mobile experience.

The latest Android security patch and improvements are also included in this update.

Android OS 12 Update

Android OS 12 offers some of the newest ways to control your privacy, customize your phone, and get things done. It's Android, just the way you want it.

Color Themes

When you select from featured and downloaded wallpapers, you can select different device color themes based on your wallpaper colors. From Settings, go to Wallpaper > Color theme > select your favorite color theme > Done.

Samsung Galaxy A21 OS 12 Color Themes screenshot

Samsung Keyboard

  • Emoji Creator

    Create your own emojis by combining two different emojis and customizing the animations for the pair. To create an emoji in the Messages app, tap the smiley face on the keyboard > Tap Try it out.

Samsung Galaxy A21 OS 12 Emoji Creator screenshot
  • Grammar Correction

    Samsung Keyboard now supports built-in grammar correction (Powered by Grammarly). Enable this in Samsung Keyboard settings > Suggest text corrections > English (US).
Samsung Galaxy A21 OS 12 Grammar Correction screenshot

Enhanced Privacy

Take control of your privacy with the new Privacy Dashboard, Permission Controls, and Camera/Microphone Indicator.

  • Privacy Dashboard

    Privacy Dashboard lets you easily view which apps are accessing your permissions. Then you can use the permission manager to enable/disable apps from accessing these.
  • Camera/Microphone Indicator

    Whenever your phone is recording audio/video, a green icon will appear in the top right informing you if your camera or microphone is being used. This helps to ensure you're only recording when you want to.
Samsung Galaxy A21 OS 12 Camera and Microphone screenshot

Camera

The Camera app now has a simpler, improved layout for Main and Pro modes.

  • Advanced Quick Take

    When using the Camera, you can hold the Shutter button to record a video (Quick Take). Now you can lock the Quick Take for hands-free recording.
Samsung Galaxy A21 OS 12 Camera screenshot
  • Video Collages

    In Samsung Gallery, you can now mix both photos and videos using Video Collages. From Gallery > Select More icon (3 dots) > Create > Collage.
Samsung Galaxy A21 OS 12 Video Collage screenshot

Driving Monitor

Digital Wellbeing has a new Driving Monitor so you can track your phone usage while driving. You can limit your app usage while driving and make sure you're driving safely.

Samsung Galaxy A21 OS 12 Driving Monitor screenshot

Widgets

Home screen widgets are redesigned for better visibility and ease of use. The new widget list gives you more information at a glance, and lets you personalize and decorate your home screen. You will also see recommended widgets to help your daily routine.

  • Weather widget: a dynamic weather widget that changes background color based on the weather or time.
  • Lock screen widgets have also been improved for more flexible usage.
  • Calendar widget: added monthly view for "Today's schedule" in widget settings.
Samsung Galaxy A21 OS 12 Widgets screenshot

Google Meet

Google has upgraded the Duo experience to include all Google Meet features. Google Duo will be replaced by the new Google Meet app, also available for download from the Google Play™ Store. After updating to Google Meet, Duo icons will be replaced with Meet icons.

Visit Google Workspace for more information.

Samsung Galaxy A21 Google Meet Icon screenshot