- Some Galaxy users report getting stuck on an XML “Access Denied” screen after updating to One UI 9.
- The issue appears during Samsung’s post-update setup, not during the update itself, so affected phones don’t appear to be truly bricked.
- Going fully offline, including disabling Wi-Fi and mobile data, has helped some users get past the error.
Major Android updates are supposed to end with a tour of what’s new, not leave you wondering whether your phone has just become an expensive paperweight. Unfortunately, that is exactly the scare some Galaxy owners are getting after installing One UI 9, with reports of devices becoming effectively stuck during Samsung’s post-update welcome process.
According to reports we’ve seen on Reddit, the problem appears after the update installs successfully and the phone boots into the One UI 9 setup screens. Instead of finishing, the device displays an XML “Access Denied” error and won’t let users reach the home screen. Reports so far include devices from the Galaxy S26 series, Galaxy S25 series, Galaxy S24 series, and even foldable model. The full extent of affected models isn’t entirely clear, but the impact looks reasonably widespread.