Samsung's Android 17-based One UI 9 beta program is expanding quickly, and Galaxy users in India are now seeing beta builds arrive on more devices.
The Galaxy S24 series has received its first One UI 9 beta in India, while the Galaxy S23, S23+ and S23 Ultra have also reportedly joined the beta program. The Galaxy S24 FE has received beta access in India as well.
That makes One UI 9 more than a preview limited to Samsung's newest phones. But because this is still beta software, Galaxy owners should think carefully before installing it on their primary device.
One UI 9 is based on Android 17
Samsung introduced One UI 9 earlier this year with the Galaxy S26 series. The software is built on Android 17 and focuses on customization, creativity, accessibility, productivity and device security.
Samsung says the new interface includes improvements to features such as Samsung Notes, Quick Panel customization and security protections designed to identify and respond to potentially dangerous apps.
The beta has also gained additional features during testing. Samsung recently highlighted My FanCam, which uses AI to keep a selected person in focus and automatically reframe video, along with improvements to Now Brief and Now Nudge.
However, feature availability can vary between Galaxy models. A phone receiving One UI 9 does not necessarily mean it will receive every feature available on the Galaxy S26.
Galaxy S24 gets One UI 9 beta in India
The first One UI 9 beta for the Galaxy S24, S24+ and S24 Ultra is now available in India, South Korea and the United States.
According to SamMobile's reporting, the Indian firmware is in the S92xBXXU6ZZHL series and the download is roughly 3.6GB, although the exact size varies by model. It includes the August 2026 security patch alongside Android 17 and the new One UI features.
Interestingly, Samsung's September 1 announcement did not list the Galaxy S24 family among the devices in its initial official expansion announcement. Samsung's official list named the Galaxy Z Fold7, Z Flip7, Galaxy S25, S25+, S25 Ultra and S25 FE for select markets including India.
The S24 beta therefore appears to be part of Samsung's broader rollout rather than the device list Samsung publicly announced on September 1.
Galaxy S23 series also gets the beta
The rollout goes even further back.
The first One UI 9 beta for the Galaxy S23, S23+ and S23 Ultra reportedly went live in India on September 3. The build is around 3.4GB and carries the August 2026 security patch.
This is significant because the S23 series was also absent from Samsung's September 1 public beta-expansion list.
For S23 owners in India, however, the beta appearing through Samsung Members is a much more meaningful signal than a general compatibility list: it indicates that Samsung is actively testing Android 17 on the older flagship generation.
What about the Galaxy S24 FE?
The Galaxy S24 FE has also received One UI 9 beta access in India.
SamMobile reports that the Indian beta build is approximately 3.45GB, with firmware version S721BXXUEZZHL. Eligible users can enroll through Samsung Members and then download the software through the normal Software Update screen.
This makes the current Indian beta rollout considerably broader than Samsung's original September announcement suggested.
How to join the One UI 9 beta
If your Galaxy phone is eligible, the process is relatively straightforward.
1. Open Samsung Members
Install or update the Samsung Members app and sign in with the Samsung Account associated with your Galaxy phone.
Samsung's official One UI Beta instructions say registration is handled through the Samsung Members app.
2. Look for the beta registration
Inside Samsung Members, look for the "Registration for One UI Beta Program" banner or find it under the relevant notices/beta section.
If you don't see the option, your device, region, carrier or software version may not currently be eligible.
3. Register for the program
Read the beta terms and submit your registration.
Registration does not necessarily mean every device receives the update immediately. Samsung distributes beta builds according to eligibility and rollout availability.
4. Check for the update
After enrollment, go to:
Settings → Software update → Download and install
If the beta has been assigned to your device, the One UI 9 update should appear there. Samsung also recommends keeping your applications updated before installing beta software.
Should you install One UI 9 beta on your main phone?
This is where Galaxy users should be cautious.
Beta software is designed for testing, not necessarily for everyday reliability. Samsung specifically warns that unexpected behavior can occur and recommends backing up important data before installing beta software.
For Indian users, there is another practical consideration: UPI apps, banking applications, authentication tools and work-related apps are often more important than getting new software a few weeks early.
Before installing, make sure you have:
A recent backup of your photos and important files
Sufficient free storage
A reliable Wi-Fi connection
Updated banking and UPI applications
Access to your authentication methods
Enough battery or a charger nearby
A recovery plan if an important application stops working
Samsung recommends backing up data with Smart Switch before participating in the beta program because unexpected beta behavior can potentially result in data loss.
What One UI 9 means for Galaxy users in India
The most interesting part of this rollout isn't simply the number of phones receiving the beta.
It shows Samsung is moving Android 17 testing across a much wider section of its Galaxy lineup.
The S25 series and newer foldables were included in Samsung's official September expansion announcement, while the S24, S23 and S24 FE have subsequently appeared in India through reported beta rollouts.
That is good news for owners of older flagship Galaxy phones. It also suggests that Samsung is getting closer to the wider One UI 9 rollout.
Still, beta availability should not be confused with the stable release schedule. Samsung can change eligibility, pause a rollout or release different builds for different models and markets.
The bottom line
If you own a Galaxy S24 or S23 series phone in India, One UI 9 is becoming increasingly relevant.
The S24 series has already received its first beta, while the S23 family has also reportedly entered testing. The S24 FE has joined the beta program too.
For enthusiasts with a secondary phone, the beta offers an early look at Samsung's Android 17 experience. But if your Galaxy is your only phone and you rely on it for banking, UPI, work or daily communication, waiting for the stable release remains the safer choice.
Samsung's official One UI Beta program information is available through Samsung Developers, while Samsung's official September announcement can be found on Samsung Newsroom.