Samsung rolls out free upgrade with two new features including a private sharing mode – check if your phone is eligible

SAMSUNG has unveiled a free upgrade with two new security features, including a private sharing mode for your top-secret files.

It comes as the Korean tech giant rolls out its July 2024 security patch, dubbed One UI 6.1.1, to its phones.

Quick Share privacy boost

Quick Share, Samsung's Bluetooth and Wi-Fi file transfer service, has gained a big privacy boost.

Inside the app is a new Private Sharing mode that, when switched on, always you to put certain restrictions on your file sharing.

Samsung owners can share up to 20 files, images, videos and audio, with a maximum limit of 200MB through Quick Share.

But in Private Sharing mode, users can set an expiration timer for files - meaning the shared files won't be visible to the receiver after a set period.

Users can also set a limit on who can see and access those files, as well as stop them from sharing the content with others.

This means receivers are blocked from screenshotting, and saving, files that are sent through Private Sharing mode.

To access it, select the file you want > go to Quick Share > tap the tree dots for

> turn on Private Sharing.

However, it's important to note that this new feature only works between Samsung devices.

Samsung Cloud upgrade

Samsung Cloud, which allows customers to backup, sync and restore content on their device, has also received a privacy upgrade.

The service is finally getting end-to-end encryption - meaning the files stored on the device can only be seen by that device alone.

You can access this feature going to Settings > Security and privacy > More security settings > Enhanced data protection > switch on toggle for Encrypt Backup Data and Encrypt Synced Data.

It's important to note that when you activate this feature on your Galaxy device, you will be given a recovery code.

You need to write down that code so you can regain access to your Samsung account if you lose it.

What is end-to-end encryption?

End-to-end encryption is a security feature that scrambles the contents of files, so they cannot be read, seen or listened to.

It means no one can access your files and folders, or see their names, without your permission.

Even the company running the service cannot view the contents.

The security feature has come under fire in the past.

The UK tried to ban it under a so-called "spy clause" in its Online Safety Bill.

The government claimed end-to-end encryption stopped tech companies and police forces from being able to effectively tackle abusive material being distributed online.

Is your phone eligible?

The features are first rolling out to the Galaxy S24 series.

Samsung hasn't specified which other handsets will be receiving the upgrades.

But it is expected that devices that have received the latest One UI 6.1.1 update will be eligible, including:

• Galaxy S24 series
• Galaxy S23 series, including S23 FE
• Galaxy S22 series
• Galaxy Z Fold 5
• Galaxy Z Flip 5
• Galaxy Z Fold 4
• Galaxy Z Flip 4

Owners of the Galaxy Tab S9 and Galaxy Tab S8 may also receive the new features soon.

Samsung charging tip – how to charge best

Here's Samsung's official advice...

To get the most out of your smartphone's battery, you'll need to charge it properly.

Most Smartphones have a lithium-ion battery that lives longer when charged regularly.

Unlike the nickel batteries used in older phones, lithium-ion batteries do best when kept above a 50 percent charge.

Repeatedly allowing the battery to drain fully may shorten its life and decrease its overall capacity.

If this happens, you'll need to charge the battery more frequently and it may last only a few hours before needing a charge, for example.

Leaving the phone connected to the charger (when the phone is completely charged) while you are using it may lower battery life if you do it repeatedly.