S23 Ultra - latest update failed - unable to retrieve. Any ideas on how to access/fix?

LiveBarney

New member
Oct 18, 2025
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Hi everyone. Utter noob here :(

I have an S23 Ultra (bog standard, no root/messing about etc.) that I happily clicked on 'install update' this morning. It failed and is now in a permanent enter passcode loop. I have managed to get it into recovery mode and done the firmware reset (not the factory reset). I have also tried to connect it to Samsung switch - no connection, I have tried to use adb to pull files over to my pc - connection not working.

Due to various idiotic reasons I have never set up a backup. Hard way to learn a lesson, please feel free to lambast me for that one :(

Is there a way of doing a firmware reset outside of the recovery mode that would get me an opportunity to download data? There are of course some precious pictures that I would very much like to recover (involves bereavement, I do not wish to elaborate further). Any other thoughts on how I get to the data?

Any pointers are most gratefully and thankfully received. Many thanks in advance for any help you can give on this.