Does One UI 6.1 update break touchscreen support for Galaxy devices with aftermarket screens? Here's what we know

In a recent development that has left many Samsung Galaxy users frustrated, the One UI 6.1 update appears to have introduced a significant issue for devices equipped with aftermarket screens. Reports are surfacing from users with devices like the Galaxy S21 Ultra that their touchscreens have ceased to function following the installation of this update.

The issue

Following the release of the One UI 6.1 update, numerous Galaxy device owners with aftermarket screens have found their touchscreens unresponsive. This issue is not confined to one model but seems to predominantly affect any device that bagged the latest update.

Users have taken to forums and platforms like Reddit to voice their concerns and seek solutions, but common troubleshooting methods like restarting the device or performing a factory reset have proven ineffective.

According to reports, the touchscreen functionality was completely lost after updating to One UI 6.1, rendering the devices nearly unusable. Affected users mentioned that they had replaced their damaged screens with third-party unofficial screens. This has led several users to confirm that they too are experiencing the issue with their Galaxy phones using aftermarket screens.

Hello, I had the same problem right after one ui 6.1 update on my s21 ultra because the screen is not original. (Source)

This happened to me. I have an aftermarket screen due to repair. Samsung Galaxy S pen was able to bypass my issue. (Source)

While speculation about the problem affecting those with aftermarket screens is ripe on the Samsung forums, fortunately, that does not seem to be the case. Let me explain! When One UI 6.1 first began rolling out, I noticed many complaints about touchscreen issues on the Galaxy S23. The problem was not exclusive to those who had replacement screens only. Similarly, even now, some users have confirmed that their devices have never even been in for repair, yet the touchscreen isn’t working.

I have a S21 plus that updated last night. this morning the touchscreen is not working. I tried a stylus pen and that didn’t work either. I also have the original screen so this is not just a replacement screen issue. how do we get Samsung to fix this? (Source)

I had the same problem with my s21 ultra that I bought in February 2024 brand new after the update to one ui 6.1 the touch screen does not work. (Source)

So it’s highly unlikely that Samsung has broken support for aftermarket touchscreens with the One UI 6.1 update. This is likely a general bug that is affecting some unfortunate Galaxy users. However, some affected users did mention their solution was to replace the screen with an original. This puzzling workaround does make me question whether the touchscreen bug is indeed tied to aftermarket displays in some cases. But granted that there’s not much evidence, we can take it with a grain of salt.

Solutions and workarounds

For now, users have found two primary solutions to restore their device’s functionality:

Replacing the screen with an official Samsung screen: Users have reported that switching to an official Samsung screen resolves the issue. This, however, can be an expensive solution and inconvenient for those who had already opted for more cost-effective aftermarket replacements. Given the fact that this bug is even affecting some users who have original screens, I would suggest the second solution first.

Downgrading to One UI 6.0: Some users have chosen to revert to the previous software version, One UI 6.0, to regain touchscreen functionality. While this method works, it is not an ideal long-term solution, as it means missing out on the features and improvements introduced in One UI 6.1.

Has Samsung acknowledged the bug?

As of now, Samsung has not released an official statement regarding this specific issue. However, in April, the company did mention that users should update the Google app as a potential troubleshooting step for touchscreen issues. That said, I’ve not seen any comment from Samsung dismissing the possibility of One UI 6.1 removing support for aftermarket screens.

Conclusion

The One UI 6.1 update has inadvertently caused significant inconvenience for Galaxy device owners using aftermarket and original screens alike. Until Samsung provides a software fix or guidance, users are left with the costly option of replacing their screens with official parts or downgrading to the previous software version. I’ll keep track of the situation and will post an update if and when there are any further developments.

Featured image credits: Andrea.DigitalTechen