Samsung launched the Galaxy S21 FE with One UI 4 (Android 12) and promised to offer it four new versions of Android, which it has already fulfilled. It means that the brand is not obliged to offer its latest Android customisation for smartphones, One UI 8.5, which is based on a new version of the OS (Android 16 QPR2), to the device. While there have been a few reports that the phone may get the new software, we believe that it may not.

As we wait for clarity on the matter, the Galaxy S21 FE is now getting a new software update. It brings the May 2026 security patch, which fixes 36 security issues present in the previous version of the operating system, making the phone more secure than before. The update is live for the version of the phone featuring the Exynos 2100 chipset in India, 309.61 MB in size, and carries firmware version G990EXXSNHZE1 (via @KAILASH61229293).

To get the May 2026 security patch on your Galaxy S21 FE, go to Settings > Software update > Download and install. The South Korean tech giant may have released it in other regions as well. Follow the same three-step procedure to check its availability in your country.

The Galaxy S21 FE is supposed to get security updates till January 2027, and currently, the device is on a quarterly update schedule. It means that the phone may get two or three updates before the software support officially ends, which is why you may want to upgrade.