How to upgrade and downgrade Samsung Galaxy phones

Did some of the terrible bugs made think of going back to the older version of the firmware? Here is the complete guide that would help you to upgrade and downgrade Samsung Galaxy phones.

While most of the updates bring new updates, bug fixes and improvements to the smartphone. Notably, Samsung users get occasional updates on their Galaxy series devices, depending on the region. However, the bugs updates may carry are not predictable. When they hit, the only option left is to use the smartphone until the company releases another bugfix.

How to upgrade and downgrade Samsung Galaxy phones

In case you wanted an upgrade from the current software version, the best way is to check for OTA updates in the smartphone settings. Navigate to Settings > About Device > Updates > Check for Update to check if your smartphone has an update pending. Proceeding to it will do an upgrade over the network. In case you need an upgrade to another firmware or to downgrade the firmware, flash manually, as described below.

Please note that the flashing process involves in overwriting the entire system data for the new firmware upgrading. So, do forget to make a backup of your smartphone data. Also, do not try to disconnect the device while flashing, as it will end up in bricking your Samsung Galaxy device.

Prerequisites

  • A PC/Mac/Linux System.
  • Samsung Odin firmware flashing tool with device/Android USB Driver.
  • Firmware for your Samsung Galaxy smartphone.
  • A USB Cable.

Choosing your firmware

  • Grab your smartphone model (eg. SM-G9600 for Galaxy S9).
  • Go to updato and search your device model.
  • Choose the firmware that matches your country, region, build number from the list.
  • Download the firmware for free from the website.

Updato Firmware Search

If you do not see the exact firmware in the updato website, you can also have a search at Sammobile.

Flash Samsung Device using Odin to upgrade and downgrade

Either you are upgrading or downgrading, if you have a right firmware, you can easily switch your device firmware using Odin. As Samsung makes the software, it is only for Sammy devices. Go through the steps below.

Step 1: If you are using a Windows PC to flash the firmware, you must install the correct USB Drivers for your device. Install Odin Software (version 3.09 or later), and then install ADB and Fastboot in your system.

Step 2: Open Odin on your PC. Reboot the Samsung smartphone in fastboot mode. Switch off and press Home+Power+Volme DOwn button. If you have one of the latest models with no physical home button, try Bixby+Power+Volume Up button combo.

Step 3: Connect the smartphone to the PC using the USB Cable. You have to wait until the Odin shows “ID:COM” and turns blue. Click on “AP” or “PDA” button and choose the mda5 file from the extracted firmware directory you downloadedDO NOT tick the “Re-Partition.” Only “Auto Reboot” and “F.Reset Time” are required. Click on start and wait until it finishes flashing your boot ROM.

Samsung Odin for Windows

If you only want to rectify your smartphone that receiving no OTA updates, you can use Samsung Kies tool. The package is officially for data synchronization and update fixes. You can connect your device, enter the model number and get the OTA update through Kies.

Do you have any better option to upgrade and downgrade Samsung Galaxy phones? Do share.

About the author

Akhil G

Skilled technology writer and widely-read journalist. Social media Influencer, FB India Media Partner. Managing multiple news portals and writing for many. Google Hall Of Fame award winner. Youth Icon of the year - Government of Kerala 2018.