How to Update Samsung Galaxy to One UI 6 in the US (Step-by-Step Guide)

If you're in the United States and your Samsung Galaxy hasn’t updated to One UI 6 yet, don’t worry — the rollout varies depending on carrier, model, and region. This guide walks you through the exact steps U.S. users need to follow, plus real-world fixes for devices that refuse to update.

Related: Samsung Hub

1. Check If One UI 6 Is Available for Your Samsung Model

Before updating, confirm that your device is officially supported.

Open Settings
Scroll to Software Update
Tap Download and Install

If One UI 6 is available, your phone will begin checking the server. U.S. rollout priority is typically:

Unlocked (U1) models – often get updates first
Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, UScellular – carrier testing delays rollout

2. Charge Your Device Before Updating

Samsung won’t install major updates under 20% battery.

Plug in your phone (recommended: at least 50% charge)
Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network — One UI 6 firmware is large

3. Update Using “Software Update” (Main Method)

Go to Settings
Tap Software Update
Select Download and Install
If the update appears, follow the on-screen instructions

Most U.S. Galaxy users receive One UI 6 automatically when their carrier approves it.

4. If You Don’t See the Update, Try These Fixes

Fix A: Restart Your Phone

This forces Samsung’s update channel to refresh.

Fix B: Toggle “Auto Download Over Wi-Fi”

Open Settings → Software Update
Turn Auto Download Over Wi-Fi off → on

Fix C: Remove VPN

U.S. updates require U.S.-based IP routing. Disable VPN during update checks.

Fix D: Clear the Software Update App Cache

Go to Settings → Apps
Tap ⋮ (3 dots) → Show System Apps
Find Software Update
Tap Storage → Clear Cache

Fix E: Check Carrier Firmware Status

Carrier-branded devices (Verizon/AT&T/T-Mobile/UScellular) may release updates later than unlocked models.

If your phone shows “Latest update installed,” the carrier hasn’t rolled it out yet.

5. Update Using Samsung Smart Switch (Alternative Method)

If you still don’t see One UI 6, try updating through your computer.

How to update via Smart Switch

Download Smart Switch on Windows/Mac
Connect your Samsung Galaxy with USB-C
Open Smart Switch
If a software update is available, you’ll see a popup
Click Update and follow the prompts

6. Update Not Showing? It May Be a US Variant Limitation

Some U.S. carrier models receive One UI updates weeks (sometimes months) later. This is normal for:

Verizon SM-G99*V models
AT&T SM-G99*A models
T-Mobile SM-G99*T models
UScellular SM-G99*R models

These build variants require carrier approval before rollout.

7. When You Should NOT Force an Update

Do not sideload firmware if:

You're using a carrier-locked variant
You’re waiting for eSIM/carrier feature compatibility (VoLTE, Wi-Fi Calling, RCS)

In the U.S., flashing the wrong firmware can break network features.

Internal Links

Once available, One UI 6 installs quickly and brings major improvements to animations, notifications, and background performance. If you're in the U.S., following the methods above ensures you get the update as soon as your specific model and carrier approve it.

How to Update Samsung Galaxy to One UI 6 in the US