New One UI 8 function will allow you to completely erase the FeliCa chip on Galaxy cell phones in Japan

Samsung announced the start of implementation of a feature long awaited by users of its Galaxy smartphones on the Japão. With the arrival of the new One UI 8 interface, based on the Android 16 system, the company introduced a function that allows the complete and secure deletion of all data stored on the FeliCa chip, a contactless payment technology widely used in the country.

This novelty represents the solution to a chronic problem that directly affected the used device market. Até So, even after a factory reset, traces of transport and payment card information could remain on the chip, raising security concerns and making life difficult for anyone purchasing a second-hand device.

FeliCa’s total cleaning tool is being released gradually and demonstrates an effort by Samsung to adapt its technologies to the specific needs of the Japanese market, strengthening consumers’ trust in the brand and valuing its products in the resale cycle.

What is FeliCa technology and its importance in Japão

Developed by Sony, FeliCa technology is the cornerstone of the contactless payments system in Japão, surpassing the global NFC standard in popularity in many everyday applications. Integrada on millions of smartphones through the service known as “Osaifu-Keitai” (mobile wallet), it allows users to use their devices as public transport cards (such as the popular Suica and Pasmo), credit cards, loyalty cards and even access keys. FeliCa’s transaction speed, which is significantly faster than that of conventional NFC, is one of the main reasons for its massive adoption in a country where efficiency in public transport is crucial. Diferente from other markets, where the use of cell phones for payments still competes with physical cards, in Japão, the integration of FeliCa has transformed the smartphone into an indispensable item for urban mobility and commerce, making any issue related to the security or functionality of this chip a point of great relevance for consumers.

The old problem in reselling devices

For many years, reselling an Galaxy smartphone on Japão was accompanied by a huge headache. When trying to erase data to sell the device, users discovered that the standard factory reset was unable to completely wipe the secure memory area of ​​the FeliCa chip. Isso meant that residual information from previously registered cards could remain on the device.

Essa failure generated two serious consequences. The first was a security risk, as sensitive data could, in theory, be accessed. The second, and more common in practice, was a functional block: the new owner of the device was unable to register their own cards in the Osaifu-Keitai service, as the chip still contained traces of the previous owner. This limitation significantly devalued the Galaxy devices on the used market, forcing many sellers to resort to specialized and expensive technical services to completely clean the chip.

How the new deletion tool will work

The new functionality implemented by Samsung in One UI 8 drastically simplifies the FeliCa chip cleaning process, making it accessible to any user. The procedure was integrated directly into the operating system settings menu.

To use the tool, the user must navigate to the “General management” menu and select the “Restore” option. Dentro of this section, the process is similar to a traditional factory reset.

The big difference is the inclusion of a new checkbox, clearly labeled “Initialize FeliCa completely.” Esta option appears next to the other device restore settings.

When selecting this option and proceeding with the restoration, the system executes a low-level command that definitively and irretrievably erases all data from the chip’s memory, leaving it as new and ready to be configured by another user without any restrictions.

Initial availability and supported models

Samsung has already started distributing the update that contains the new tool, prioritizing some of its most recent models. The functionality is being released as part of the One UI 8 software package.

Devices such as those on the Galaxy S22 line are among the first to receive the feature, depending on the user’s mobile phone operator, such as au and NTT Docomo, which have already started releasing updates.

FeliCa’s full cleaning function is expected to become standard across all future Samsung releases for the Japanese market and will be included in all One UI 8 updates for compatible devices, covering a wider range of models over the coming months.

A strategic response to the local market

The introduction of this tool is a strategic move by Samsung to strengthen its position in the competitive Japanese market. By listening to and responding to a specific, long-standing demand from local consumers, the company not only improves the user experience but also increases the perceived value of its devices.

This attention to regional details helps build a relationship of trust with the public and positions the Galaxy brand as an alternative that understands and adapts to the particularities of the Japão technological ecosystem.

Enhanced security for consumers

The main advantage of the new function is the reinforcement of security and privacy of user data. With the assurance that all payment and shipping information can be permanently deleted, owners of Galaxy devices can sell or pass on their devices with complete peace of mind.

Furthermore, the measure encourages the circular economy, making the used smartphone market safer and more reliable. By facilitating the correct preparation of a device for resale, Samsung helps to extend the useful life of its products and offers a safer experience for both those selling and those purchasing a second-hand Galaxy.