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Can One UI 8 Deliver the Essential Clipboard Security Samsung Users Desperately Need?
Samsung Galaxy devices running One UI have long faced a critical privacy issue: every piece of text you copy—whether it’s a password, bank detail, or private note—is saved in a persistent clipboard history. This clipboard does not clear itself automatically. Sensitive data can linger in plain text for weeks or months, unless you manually delete it.
Why Is This a Serious Security Concern?
- Permanent Storage of Sensitive Data: Passwords copied from password managers, banking info, or confidential messages can remain accessible in your clipboard history indefinitely.
- Plain Text Exposure: All clipboard entries are stored in plain text, making them easy to view for anyone who has temporary access to your unlocked phone.
- No Expiry or Auto-Delete: Unlike Google’s Android 13 and later, which auto-clears clipboard data after an hour, Samsung’s clipboard keeps everything until you manually erase it.
- System-Level Integration: This clipboard feature is deeply embedded in One UI, so switching keyboards (e.g., to Gboard) does not solve the problem—copied items still end up in Samsung’s persistent clipboard.
- Vulnerability to Malware: Malicious apps or info-stealing malware can target clipboard data, potentially capturing passwords and financial information.
“If someone takes your phone, even a friend or acquaintance while it’s unlocked, they can simply scroll through your clipboard and view all your passwords.” — OicitrapDraz, Samsung Community
User Frustration and Samsung’s Response
- Longstanding User Complaints: Users have flagged this issue for years, describing it as a “huge security hole” and “hot garbage”.
- Failed Workarounds: Many initially try switching keyboards or disabling clipboard panels, but these steps do not prevent One UI from storing clipboard data.
- Samsung’s Acknowledgement: Samsung moderators have confirmed the issue, admitting there is currently no built-in option to auto-delete clipboard contents or exclude sensitive apps from clipboard history.
- No Permanent Fix Yet: Despite feedback being “passed to the relevant team,” Samsung has not rolled out a solution. Users are advised to manually clear clipboard history and avoid copying sensitive data.
What Can You Do Now?
While waiting for Samsung to act, you can take these steps to reduce your risk:
- Manually Clear Clipboard History: Use the clipboard edge panel or Samsung keyboard to regularly erase your clipboard.
- Enable Clipboard Access Alerts: Turn on notifications for clipboard access in Security Settings to monitor when apps access your clipboard.
- Avoid Copying Sensitive Data: Enter passwords directly in apps when possible, or use secure input features in password managers.
- Switch to Passkeys: Where supported, use passkeys instead of passwords for enhanced security.
- Monitor for Updates: Stay alert for One UI updates that may introduce auto-clear or improved privacy controls.
Will One UI 8 Finally Deliver a Solution?
Despite repeated user requests and the clear privacy risk, Samsung has not committed to a fix—even as competitors like Google have implemented automatic clipboard clearing. Unless Samsung prioritizes this vulnerability in One UI 8, users should not expect a dramatic change.
Samsung’s clipboard history is a damaging privacy flaw that exposes sensitive data in plain text, with no automatic deletion or robust controls. Until Samsung addresses this in One UI 8 or later, users must take extra steps to protect themselves—or consider alternative platforms if privacy is their top concern.
This ongoing issue is a significant negative for Samsung’s otherwise powerful One UI experience.