New One UI 8 function allows you to erase data from the FeliCa chip on Galaxy cell phones sold in Japan

Samsung has started distributing its new interface, the One UI 8, for smartphones in the Galaxy line sold under the Japão. The update, built on the Android 16 operating system, brings an exclusive feature long awaited by local consumers: the ability to permanently erase all data stored in the Osaifu-Keitai area, which is controlled by the FeliCa chip. Este new feature is integrated directly into the system’s factory reset menu, simplifying a process that was previously extremely complex.

The novelty meets an old demand related to security and privacy when selling or passing on a used device. Antes of this update, removing data from the FeliCa chip required complicated procedures, often requiring the intervention of specialized technical assistance or the use of professional tools, which are not accessible to the common consumer. Agora, complete formatting can be carried out by the user in a safe and direct way.

The full boot option from the FeliCa area is now available for several models of Galaxy smartphones, covering devices from different Japanese operators as well as unlocked versions sold at retail. The functionality, which curiously was not highlighted in the official Samsung release notes, was discovered by users who received the update and represents a significant advance in the management of sensitive data on mobile devices in the country.

Understanding FeliCa technology and its relevance in Japão

FeliCa technology, developed by Sony, is the pillar of contactless payment systems in Japão and is deeply integrated into the population’s daily lives. Conhecida on smartphones as “Osaifu-Keitai” (mobile wallet), it allows devices to function as public transport cards, such as the popular Suica and PASMO, credit cards, debit cards, loyalty cards and even as access keys to buildings and homes. Diferente of other NFC technologies (Near Field Communication) more common globally, FeliCa offers transactions with superior speed and security, which has consolidated its absolute dominance in the Japanese market. Because it stores such a wide range of financial and personal information, ensuring that this data can be completely deleted before a device is sold is a crucial security issue for consumers, who have previously lived with uncertainty about whether residual data remains on the chip.

The old obstacle in smartphone resale

Until the arrival of One UI 8, owners of Galaxy cell phones faced a major challenge when trying to clean their devices for resale. Simply deleting payment applications or canceling cards registered in the system was not enough to completely remove the residual information contained in the secure memory of the FeliCa chip. Esses Remaining data, although it could not be directly accessed by the new owner, represented a security vulnerability and a source of concern for those who value privacy, reducing the resale value of the brand’s devices.

The only way to guarantee complete cleaning was to resort to restricted and often expensive methods. Usuários from operator Docomo could request the service at one of its stores, but customers from other companies, such as au and SoftBank, did not have this option. The alternative was to seek paid repair services, which did not always perform the procedure, or resort to professional tools used by repurchase companies, such as the Blancco Mobile for FeliCa software, access to which is exclusive to legal entities, leaving the common consumer without a viable solution.

How to access the new full delete functionality

The process for using the new function has been simplified and integrated into the device’s standard restoration flow, making it accessible to any user.

Initially, the user must navigate to the smartphone’s settings menu and access the “General management” section.

Within this menu, the option to select is “Restore” and then “Restore factory defaults”.

On this screen, the system will display a new specific checkbox for “Completely initialize the FeliCa area”, which must be checked to perform deep cleaning along with formatting the device.

Update availability on devices

Samsung is distributing functionality broadly across devices supporting the new One UI 8.

Older models that are receiving the update, such as the Galaxy S22, already have the feature, regardless of the operator (whether au or Docomo).

Furthermore, all new devices that are launched from the factory with Android 16 will already come with this option natively.

A solution focused on the needs of the Japanese market

The implementation of this tool demonstrates Samsung’s attention to the particularities and requirements of the Japanese market. By developing a solution to a specific problem with Osaifu-Keitai technology, the company reinforces its commitment to local consumers and shows that it is attentive to feedback to improve the user experience in one of the most technological and demanding markets in the world.

Enhanced security for used transactions

The new tool has a direct and positive effect on the growing second-hand smartphone market in the Japão.

The possibility of guaranteeing the total and irrecoverable deletion of data from the FeliCa chip increases the confidence of both sellers and buyers.

This facilitates transactions on online platforms and auctions, which are extremely popular in the country.

Sellers can now advertise their devices with the certainty that their privacy is protected, while buyers purchase a clean and safe product.

Limitations that caused inconvenience to users

Previously, the lack of an affordable method to clean the FeliCa chip caused numerous inconveniences and concerns.

Many users simply stopped selling their devices or sold them at a much lower price due to uncertainty about residual data, which negatively impacted the product life cycle and the circular economy.