Samsung hides popular feature in ‘absurd’ update – and the change prevents users from accessing fan-favorite game

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Auto Blocker, which is a new function, has been set as default, preventing users from downloading specific unofficial apps.

It comes as Samsung launched its latest models for Galaxy phone fans.

Although the Galaxy ZFLip 6 and ZFold 6 are new to the market and feature faster processors and longer battery life, users looking to download certain apps may need to think twice before purchasing.

‘Sideloading’ apps already allowed users to install software that didn’t already exist on the phone.

In the past, this meant that those who wanted to download games not available on the Google Play Store could do so with ease.

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The feature exists on Android devices and has often been a reason for those choosing this type of model over an iPhone that doesn’t allow this feature.

However, some may be disappointed to know that Samsung’s introduction of an auto-lock will reduce the ZFlip 6 and ZFold 6’s share of the usual trend.

The new feature is thought to have been added for security reasons with malware capable of infecting phones often hidden in downloads from unknown sources.

According to Samsung’s support page: “The Auto Blocker feature automatically blocks files downloaded from sources other than authorized stores. For Galaxy devices released with One UI 6.1.1, the Auto Blocker feature is set to On by default. If the application is determined to be safe, please temporarily disable this feature and try again.”

While Samsung’s latest releases are affected, they are not solely responsible for the software update, One UI 6.1.1.

This includes the Galaxy S24 series.

Users who want to bypass Auto-Block can disable the feature by going to Settings and then Privacy.

An X user posted: “It’s because Samsung is doing it cool. You can still sideload it, but it’s locked by default and you have to do some silly things to access it.”

Since the news broke, Fortnite, a popular online video game, has been removed from the Galaxy Store by its developer, Epic Games.

Tim Sweeney CEO of Epic Games told Sammobile that the removal occurred because of Samsung’s new “sideload blocking policy.”

The app developer will continue to support existing users who have already downloaded games through the Galaxy Store.

Tim added: “We continue to fully and wholeheartedly support Samsung devices, now and in the future.”