Last Updated on November 5, 2016 by Mathew Diekhake
People using the International version of the Samsung Galaxy S4 with the handset model number of GT-I9500 can now upgrade manually using this guide to the newer XXUFNC1 Android 4.4.2 KitKat official firmware build that has just been released in the last few days. Alternatively, users can also install it OTA if they want to wait for it to arrive in the device’s settings instead.
If you follow Sammy closely you might be aware that they just released the Galaxy S5 yesterday in 125 countries across the globe. If you did not upgrade the device, at least being able to update the firmware will leave you feeling better than you otherwise would have been. Let’s get started in showing you how to use it.
Checklist
- Backup your galaxy S4 by using your already preferred method. With so many devices coming out thee days, and so many different firmware updates we all like to do this differently. For those of you who use Samsung KIES to sync that will work now again. Users can also use he Micro SD card or internal storage to backup the data.
- Turn off any antivirus that is running on a Windows-based computer and also the smartphone itself if you have any. Most people do not bother to use it, but Android operating systems can get viruses so many people chose to run it. It will come as an application so have a scroll through your app’s list and check if you cannot remember.
- Navigate to Settings > Developer Options to enable the USB debugging mode. If this is not unlocked yet go to Settings >About Phone > and tap the build number seven times to unlock it.
- This firmware has been made to work on the Galaxy S4 model number GT-I9500 only and won’t work on any other device so don’t try it. If you do it can cause damage that will need a warranty to fix.
- Installing this official firmware will not void the handset’s warranty.
- Download and install the latest and up to date Samsung galaxy USB drivers for the GT-I9500 here.
- Preexisting battery power is not required. When you plug in the smartphone to the computer with its USB cable it will automatically start to charge the battery and continue to do so until it reaches 100%. It is effectively another phone charger if you do not want to use the wall socket. This will continue to charge up even when using ODIN.
- This guide requires the use of the ODIN application which is made for the Windows operating system only. Do not try this on a Mac
How To Flash XXUFNC1 official Android 4.4.2 KitKat Firmware To The Galaxy S4
1. Visit the new Samsung updates website and download the latest XXUFNC1 Kitkat build firmware here.
2. download Odin 3.09 here.
3. Extract the contents from both files to the desktop of the PC.
4. Turn the handset back off, making sure to wait until it is properly off before continuing.
5. Turn it back on and boot it in Download Mode by pressing Volume Down + Power = Home buttons simultaneously.
6. Run ODIN.
7. Plug the Galaxy S4 into the PC with a USB cable from the box it came in.
8. Wait until ODIN picks it up and the ID port changes colour or an “added” information appears on the screen.
9. On the ODIN home screen click the AP button.
10. Upload the I9500XXDLJ5 tar.md5 firmware file from the first step.
11. Make sure the boxes that say Auto Reboot and F. Reset Time options have a mark to signal they are turned on and leave all other settings as default.
12. Click the Start button in ODIN when you are happy that everything I mentioned has been carried out correctly.
13. Do not touch anything until it says, “pass” on the screen. This process can take some minutes before it is completed.
14. Shut down the ODIN application so that your computer is just showing the desktop.
15. Click the taskbar and right-click on the Safely Remove Hardware icon and inside will show the available devices.
16. Click on the USB device and “stop” it.
17. Wait for a new message that says it is safe to remove the device.
It is all finished. You are free to leave the area and enjoy the new KitKat firmware wherever you wish to go with your mobile phone.