S25 Ultra Linux Terminal still can't get virtualization access with stable One UI 8

[hitmancho]

This topic has been addressed in a few threads during the Beta testing phase but there was no reply until the official release, which has already occurred. My S25 Ultra just got the One UI 8 update and the Linux Terminal still cannot get virtualization access.

 I am aware this happens only on Qualcomm devices like mine but I was under the impression the Elite SoC supports this as per Google's requirements and the conflict is with Samsung Knox that Samsung has to address to work. Will this happen with any hot fixes or any workarounds for people that need this very useful native solution?

[kr1skyyy]

I updated to One UI 8 with the only goal to use the Terminal app and finding out that virtualization is disabled is a huge disappointment for me. Just switched from iPhone to S25 Ultra. If Samsung don't enable the virtualization in the near future I might sell the phone and buy a Pixel... That's outrageous...

[sanek11591]

I updated my phone just for this feature. But for some reason it doesn't work on Samsung's flagship phone, even though Samsung knew about it during the testing phase. It's outrageous.

[RaspberryPI5]

Same for my Samsung S23 Ultra - just upgraded to Android 16 ...!

I urgently need Linux on my smartphone for my company and have been eagerly awaiting the update. Today it finally happened—Android 16 with One UI 8.

But - Big disappointment—Linux Terminal is grayed out, slider does not allow activation.

I'm seriously considering switching to Pixel after more than 10 years of Samsung smartphones. I'm terribly disappointed. I even have two Samsung S23 Ultra - 1TB ... - Double disappointment!

[AirVetra]

Waiting for the solution, really excited with native terimanl at my pixel 8a

[nicedive2]

Device: Galaxy S25 Ultra

Software: Android 16 / One UI 8 (latest build)

Several S25 Ultra owners here. Extremely disappointed.

For months, coverage suggested AVF (Android Virtualization Framework) would be enabled on Samsung, similar to Pixel on Android 16. After updating, there’s no Linux Terminal / AVF VM anywhere in One UI 8.

This isn’t a novelty feature—many of us rely on the Linux Terminal VM for on-the-go cloud management. Telling users to “use Termux” is not a substitute for the Android 16 AVF Linux Terminal that’s been widely discussed.

Samsung, please answer clearly—no marketing language:

Will AVF + Android 16’s Linux Terminal be enabled on the S25 series? Yes or No.

If Yes: provide a concrete timeline/build (QPR/firmware) and prerequisites.

If No: state it explicitly and explain the policy (e.g., Knox/virtualization stance).

Root/Bootloader: On One UI 8, is BL unlock/root effectively blocked, making any workaround impossible? Provide an official stance.

What’s worse is the silence—no clear statement from Samsung on a serious, developer-relevant feature.

Please post a pinned, official update with a real plan—or a definitive “not supported.”

[MarvinMod2]

S25 has a locked bootloader, not unlockable, no root available.
As for terminal, it should be in developer options.

[Tom6068]

Ask Samsung directly. In the Members app, click on the support tab at the bottom, then send feedback. These community forums are peer to peer, not official Samsung medium for direct communications. Or switch to another brands, like the Pixel, or even the next OnePlus modelcoming next year, the OnePLus 15. It will be using the next gen Snapdragon chip.

[ddlcf]

Great job Samsung, you made all this AI nonsense nobody needs, but missed the feature that really mattered. Gonna switch to Pixel with next upgrade. 

[AleD219]

Same problem on OneUI 8.0 stable, android 16, on samsung s25+. 

[ADudeThatJustHelps]

Guys its nothing that samsung can do to fix its qualcomm that needs to push a update for un protected vms