For Samsung tablets using GDS Smart/GENESIS Smart, please postpone the Android 17 update until support is confirmed. Turn off both automatic downloads and automatic system updates, and carefully consider purchasing the Galaxy Tab S12 series as support has not yet been confirmed.
This post covers the following topics.
2. Request to postpone the OS17 update
3. Support status for the Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 series and recommended tablets
4. How to check the current Android version
5. Why automatic updates should be turned off
6. Method 1: Turn off automatic downloads over Wi-Fi
7. Method 2: Turn off automatic system updates in Developer options
8. Checks after changing the settings and how to respond to update notifications
1. Quick summary
For Samsung tablets using GDS Smart / GENESIS Smart, please do not update to Android 17 (OS17) until further notice.
- Check the current Android version of the Samsung tablet. (See section 4)
- Go to [Settings] > [Software update] and turn off [Auto download over Wi-Fi]. (See section 6)
- Go to [Settings] > [Developer options] and turn off [Auto update system]. (See section 7)
- Do not tap [Download and install] even if an update notification appears. (See section 8)
2. Request to postpone the OS17 update
Please postpone the Android OS17 upgrade for the tablet series listed below and wait for further announcements and guidance regarding compatibility verification for GDS Smart and GENESIS Smart.
- Galaxy Tab S11 series (diagnostic-device unsupported tablet PCs)
- Galaxy Tab S10 series
- Galaxy Tab S9 series
- Galaxy Tab Active4 Pro
- Galaxy Tab Active5 (and Active5 Pro)
Note: Older Samsung tablets, such as the Galaxy Tab S8 series, are excluded from the Android 17 update as Samsung's major OS update support period has ended.
3. Support status for the Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 series and recommended tablets
Support for the Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 series with GDS Smart / GENESIS Smart has not yet been determined. Please carefully consider purchasing the Galaxy Tab S12 series until support has been confirmed.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 series comes with Android 17 (One UI 9) pre-installed from the time of purchase. Even if automatic updates are turned off, the Galaxy Tab S12 series cannot be used with a version earlier than Android 17.
Note
1) GDS Smart / GENESIS Smart support Samsung tablets only (iPads and Android tablets other than Samsung tablets are not supported).
2) The currently recommended models are the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE Plus and the rugged models for field maintenance, the Galaxy Tab Active4 Pro (10.1-inch) and Active5 Pro (8.0-inch). General Galaxy Tab S7 series models and later are also supported.
3) The required specifications for smooth operation are Android 12 or later, at least 6 GB of RAM, and at least 128 GB of storage (minimum 64 GB).
4) For detailed specifications, see GDS Smart / GENESIS Smart compatible tablet PCs.
4. How to check the current Android version
Before turning off automatic updates, first check whether the Samsung tablet has already been updated to Android 17.
- On the Samsung tablet, go to [Settings] > [About tablet] > [Software information].
- Check the number shown under [Android version].
Note: If [Android version] is lower than 17, apply Methods 1 and 2 below immediately. If [Android version] is already 17, see 9. Frequently asked questions.
5. Why automatic updates should be turned off
If automatic updates are enabled on the Samsung tablet, update files are automatically downloaded while connected to Wi-Fi, and the OS may be upgraded to Android 17 when the tablet is switched off and on again (restarted). The update may proceed even if the user does not press the update button themselves.
Automatic updates on Samsung tablets are divided into two stages.
- Automatic download: Downloads update files automatically when connected to Wi-Fi. Turn this off using Method 1.
- Automatic installation: Automatically applies the downloaded update when the device restarts. Turn this off using Method 2.
Important: If you turn off only one of these, the update may proceed through the other route. Therefore, on Samsung tablets using GDS Smart / GENESIS Smart, apply both Method 1 and Method 2.
6. Method 1: Turn off automatic downloads over Wi-Fi
- Open [Settings] on the Samsung tablet.
- Go to [Software update].
- Change the [Auto download over Wi-Fi] option to Off (disabled).
- If the Auto install overnight option is shown on the same screen, turn it off as well. This option may not be displayed depending on the device and country.
Note: According to Samsung's official guidance, when [Auto download over Wi-Fi] is enabled, Samsung tablets update automatically when connected to Wi-Fi. When this option is turned off, updates take place only when initiated manually by the user.
7. Method 2: Turn off automatic system updates in Developer options
Step 1. Enable Developer options
- On the Samsung tablet, go to [Settings] > [About tablet] > [Software information].
- Tap [Build number] 7 times consecutively.
- Enter the lock-screen PIN or pattern if a screen asking for it appears.
- A message will appear confirming that Developer options have been enabled.
Step 2. Disable automatic system updates
- Return to [Settings] and go to [Developer options] at the bottom.
- Change the [Auto update system] switch to Off (disabled).
Turning off [Auto update system] prevents a downloaded update from being installed automatically when the Samsung tablet is restarted.
Important: Developer options contain various advanced settings in addition to [Auto update system]. To ensure that GDS Smart / GENESIS Smart operates normally, do not change any Developer options other than [Auto update system].
8. Checks after changing the settings and how to respond to update notifications
When an update notification appears
- Do not tap [Download and install] or [Install now] in the notification or on the [Software update] screen.
- If a screen asking when to install the update appears, select [Later].
- Do not select options that schedule the update (for example, installation at a specific time).
Regular checks
- After installing other updates, such as security updates, on the Samsung tablet, check again that the settings in Methods 1 and 2 are still turned off.
- Cases have been reported in which Developer options settings are reset after an update. If the Developer options menu has disappeared, apply Method 2 again from the beginning.
Note: Using the Samsung tablet for purposes other than diagnostics, such as video streaming or installing large personal apps, is not recommended as this may reduce the storage space required by GDS Smart / GENESIS Smart.
9. Frequently asked questions
Q. I have already updated to Android 17. Can I revert to the previous version?
A. Samsung does not provide an official downgrade method for officially released updates. Do not attempt to downgrade using unofficial methods, as this may cause the device to malfunction or result in data loss. If you experience problems while using GDS Smart / GENESIS Smart, contact GIT Customer Support.
Q. Is it enough to apply only Method 1?
A. Method 1 only blocks automatic downloads. To also prevent automatic installation when the device restarts, apply Method 2 as well.
Q. Will enabling Developer options cause problems when using GDS Smart / GENESIS Smart?
A. Enabling Developer options alone does not change any settings. Turn off only [Auto update system] and do not change any other Developer options.
Q. I am planning to buy a new Samsung tablet. Can I buy the Galaxy Tab S12 series?
A. The Galaxy Tab S12 series comes with Android 17 pre-installed, and support for GDS Smart / GENESIS Smart has not yet been determined. Once support has been confirmed, we will provide an update through this post.
Q. When will Android 17 support be confirmed?
A. A confirmed schedule has not yet been determined. We will update this post with information as soon as it is confirmed. You can receive update notifications by clicking the [Follow] button on this post.
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