Samsung has started rolling out One UI 9 Beta 3 to the Galaxy A16 5G. The update is live in India right now, it weighs 303.46 MB, and it carries build number A166PXXU9ZZJ8. If your phone is already in the beta program, you can grab it from Settings > Software update > Download and install.
This is a small bug fix release. It doesn’t add new features, but it goes after three problems that a lot of beta testers were complaining about.
Quick facts: Galaxy A16 5G (SM-A166P), One UI 9 Beta 3 based on Android 17, build A166PXXU9ZZJ8, 303.46 MB, October 2026 security patch, India only for now. The build was first spotted late on October 15 and reached most testers in the early hours of Friday, October 16 (IST).
What does One UI 9 Beta 3 fix on the Galaxy A16 5G?
Samsung’s changelog for this build lists three fixes. Here they are in plain words.
- Phones that kept restarting after installing the previous beta should now boot normally.
- Photos taken with the ultra-wide camera no longer show a green tint in the Gallery app.
- Photos taken with the flash turned on no longer come out black.
The restart loop was the big one. If your A16 5G was stuck in that loop after Beta 2, this is the update you have been waiting for. If you can’t get the phone to stay on long enough to download it, check our guide on fixing a Galaxy phone stuck after the One UI 9 update first.
The two camera fixes matter too. Both of them showed up in the photo itself, so anything you shot on the earlier beta with the ultra-wide lens or flash may still look wrong. The fix only applies to new photos you take after updating.
Which build and security patch does it bring?
Here are the details for this release. The firmware was first reported by SamMobile, credited to Mohammed Khatri.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | Galaxy A16 5G (SM-A166P) |
| Build | A166PXXU9ZZJ8 |
| Software | One UI 9 Beta 3, Android 17 |
| Security patch | October 2026 |
| Download size | 303.46 MB |
| Region | India |
The October 2026 patch is the same one Samsung is pushing to its stable phones this month. You can read the full list of fixes on the Samsung Mobile Security bulletin. Want to confirm your phone got it? Our guide on checking the security patch level shows you where to look.
How do you install One UI 9 Beta 3 on the Galaxy A16 5G?
If you are already on Beta 1 or Beta 2, the update comes over the air. Here’s what to do.
- Connect to Wi-Fi and make sure the battery is above 50 percent.
- Open Settings > Software update.
- Tap Download and install.
- Wait for the 303.46 MB file to download, then tap Install now.
- The phone restarts and finishes the update in a few minutes.
That’s it. If the download fails or you see an error, our list of fixes for the couldn’t install update error covers the common causes.
Not in the beta yet? Samsung runs the program through the Samsung Members app, and only in select countries. If enrollment is closed for your region, you’ll have to wait for the stable release.
When will the stable One UI 9 update reach the Galaxy A16 5G?
Samsung hasn’t given a date. Three betas in, with this one focused on fixing bugs rather than adding features, the stable build shouldn’t be too far off. But that’s my read, not anything official.
One UI 9 will be the third major Android upgrade for the A16 5G. Samsung promised this phone six OS upgrades and six years of security updates, so it has a lot of updates ahead. You can see the full breakdown in our Samsung update policy explainer.
The tracker below shows the latest stable One UI 9 builds for the A16 5G as they land. Once the stable version goes live anywhere, you’ll see it here first.
Live data from Samsung's official release notes. Last checked Oct 16, 2026, 08:05 UTC.
| Device | One UI 9 status | First release | First build |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy A16 5G | Waiting | - | - |
FAQ
Is One UI 9 Beta 3 available outside India?
Not yet. The A16 5G beta is only running in India right now. Samsung may open it to more countries later, but it hasn’t announced anything.
Should I install Beta 3 if my phone is working fine?
Yes, if you are already on the beta. It fixes the restart loop and two camera bugs, and it brings the October 2026 security patch. Staying on an older beta build has no upside.
Will I lose my data when I install Beta 3?
No. It’s a normal over-the-air update and keeps your apps and files. Still, back up your phone before installing any beta build, just in case.
Can I go back to One UI 8.5 from the beta?
Yes, but only by flashing the stable firmware with Odin, and that wipes your phone. Most people are better off waiting for the stable One UI 9 build, which will move them off the beta automatically.
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