Samsung smartphones come pre-installed with the Galaxy Store, which offers the tech giant’s own apps, third-party apps (including some that aren’t available on the Google Play Store, such as Good Lock and its modules), and updates for them.
During the setup of a Galaxy phone, if you sign in with your Samsung account, the Galaxy Store automatically uses that account. If you skip signing in, the store still lets you download apps and install updates. However, that will no longer be possible starting April 30.
Samsung has issued a notice in the Galaxy Store (we received it on our Galaxy S26 running One UI 8.5 in India), announcing that from April 30, 2026, the platform will require users to be signed in to a Samsung account to function. In other words, without signing in, you won’t be able to download apps or install app updates. You can check out the official announcement below.
Asif Iqbal Shaik
Samsung Galaxy Store notice about compulsory Samsung account sign-in – Source: Asif Iqbal Shaik
Asif Iqbal Shaik
Samsung Galaxy Store notice about compulsory Samsung account sign-in – Source: Asif Iqbal Shaik
At the moment, there’s no information on whether this change is limited to a specific set of devices, One UI versions, and countries, or applicable to everyone globally. If you haven’t already signed in to your Samsung account on your Galaxy smartphone, you should do so as soon as possible to continue downloading apps and receiving updates from the Galaxy Store.