Samsung's February 2026 update has removed key tools from the Android Recovery menu, affecting Galaxy S25, Z Fold 7, and other models. Learn about the changes and user concerns.
© A. Krivonosov
Samsung smartphone owners are reporting reduced functionality in the hidden Android Recovery menu after installing the February 2026 update. According to industry sources, the company has removed several tools long used by advanced users for system diagnostics and troubleshooting.
The Recovery menu is a special interface that allows users to perform factory resets, install updates via ADB or from a memory card, clear the system cache partition, and conduct other maintenance operations. Reports indicate that the list of available options has been significantly shortened in the new firmware versions. Galaxy S25 series owners were the first to notice the changes, with confirmation later emerging for the Galaxy Z Fold 7 as well.
Clearing the cache partition has traditionally been one of the most popular methods for fixing post-update issues, so the removal of this feature has raised concerns among power users. Currently, the update with the trimmed Recovery menu is rolling out to the Galaxy S25, S25+, S25 Edge, Z Flip 7, Z Flip 7 FE, and Z Fold 7, but the list of affected models could expand in the coming weeks.
Interestingly, the situation appears inconsistent: the Galaxy S25 Ultra running the beta version of One UI 8.5 retains the old Recovery menu, while devices with stable One UI 8.0 and the February patch already display the updated interface. Samsung has not yet provided official explanations for these changes. It also remains unclear whether this move is connected to earlier rumors about the possible phasing out of Download Mode in future models, including the Galaxy S26 series.