The soon outdated Samsung Galaxy Note 3 smartphone will continue to see lots of love with software updates heading into the remainder of this year and well into the next as Sammy will make it a priority to keep issuing the OTA’s. It’s no secret that the Note 4 is set for release roughly around the same time Apple are launching the iWatch and iPhone 6. They do this to try and steal the world’s attention away from the Cupertino products. Anyway, if you don’t plan to upgrade phablets yet don’t be upset because you will have many of the same software packages rolling out your way. Today we have a new version of Android 4.4.2 KitKat for the Note 3 N900 arriving as a notification over the air for device owners. Nonetheless, if you want to skip the waiting period or you don’t see OTA’s because you are running a custom ROM, you can use this guide for the manual file installation. In addition, the release is set for the United Arab Emirates only so if you are not within the region it won’t come to you. There’s nothing stopping you from installing the file manually from any country around the world. In just a few short minutes you will finish the instructions and have the new firmware flashed in no time.

Android KitKat

  • Only use the guide to the N900 models and not another. Failing to abide by this may result in a soft-bricked handset that we do not carry instructions for fixing. Turn on the phone and navigate to the Settings > About Device and look at the model number. Try searching the XDA Developer forums for help if you do brick the handset and need help. That is the home to many talented Dev’s who releases tools to help you with such problems.
  • The firmware is available for both rooted and un-rooted mobile phones. However, if you have unchained the OS it will be put back on stock firmware and the custom recovery image is lost. Furthermore, the manufacturers warranty will come good again so you can send it away for assistance if need be. That was not available after finding root access. If you want to open the OS up again after finishing here that is possible by following a guide using the firmware numbers in your search. I’ve already noticed a few blogs, creating the guide.
  • Every tutorial is tested by our team and we know that the files are from a legitimate source and are in perfect working order. Sometimes as the files begin to age the source that is hosting the files no longer is available. When that happens there is nothing we can do. Hopefully your product is set to see future updates and you can get those by finding the source faster next time. It’s important not to wait too long or else they are hard to find as I just mentioned.
  • Don’t forget to install the up to date Samsung USB Drivers if you are not someone who regularly plugs the device into the computer system unit slot. Likewise, have the USB Debugging Mode enabled for the mobile. Press Settings > Develop options > Enable USB Debugging to get that done.
  • We love the Note 3 for having the Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 MSM8974 system chip, Quad core, 2300 MHz, Krait 400, but arguably the most impressive spec is the 64 GB internal memory space. Use that space to take a full backup of the OS before starting the steps. Doing so will make sure you don’t end up losing any data if you need to perform a full factory reset because the handset gets stuck in a boot loop or any other problem. You should know that we do not automatically lose any data by flashing the files. However, if something goes wrong there’s nothing we can do for you unless you make copies of the contacts, photo galleries, music and audio files, EFS folder, SMS messages and other sensitive data.
  • The occasional security protection program interferes with the Odin toll made by Samsung. We want to temporarily disable the virus protection, spyware protection and the malware protection.
  • Correspondingly, you will need a notebook, laptop or computer that runs a Windows operating system to successfully complete the guide. Anything from Xp through to Windows 8 will suffice. The only condition is it needs to have a USB slot so we can make the connection.
  • You are connected to the computer of your choice for the entirety of the guide. Therefore, the USB charging feature will take care of the battery. The only time you need to worry about having enough battery power remaining is if the USB charging feature is not working. You will notice the charge symbol over the battery icon in the status bar when the phone is unlocked. Use this to give you an idea if the handset is growing in battery percentage with it plugged in or not.

How To Update Samsung Galaxy Note 3 N900 With XXUENG3 Android 4.4.2 KitKat Official Firmware

1. Start with the smartphone off and the computer on.

2. Download the N900XXUENG3 file here.

3. Download the Odin 3.09 here.

4. Extract both packages to the desktop of the computer. Run the Odin app and have it waiting for us to use in a minute.

5. Boot the Note 3 in Download Mode
– press Volume Down + Power + Home keys at the same time to achieve that.

6. Find the USB wire that connects the system unit to the phablet.

7. Hook it up so it’s connecting.

8. Watch the ID: COM port change color and it display a message that says “added”.
– if that did not happen try installing the USB drivers once more.

9. Press the AP button and upload the N900XXUENG3 firmware file.

10. There’s no need to adjust any of the default settings that you see around the Odin app.
– do not use the re-partition option unless you are using a pit file.
– leave the Auto reboot and F Reset Time options marked as on.

11. Press the start key to begin the flashing.

12. Wait patiently for it to finish. Do not touch any keys in the mean time.

13. Wait for a ‘Pass’ message to show up before disconnecting and shutting down.
– remember to visit the ‘safely remove hardware’ icon in the system tray and stop the USB Mass Storage device.