Last Updated on April 11, 2017 by Mathew Diekhake
Samsung is rapidly rolling out OTA updates in quick succession for many of their devices, including the S4 I9550 that we have here. The new over the air update will arrive in stages for all owners in Russia. If you want to skip the waiting line and install the file manually you can do by following the steps we list below. Furthermore, the firmware upgrade only comes to some parts of the world and not all. If you know you are positioned outside of the official region for the OTA release, there is no option for installing other than following the guide here. If you are on the fence, you should know that the OTA takes several days to a few weeks to reach everyone depending on how many devices there are in the Exynos model. We knew the flagship for Sammy last year is extremely popular, so it will be one of the longer releases.
Moreover, owners who were expecting 4.4.3 or the later 4.4.4 KitKat can seek comfort in knowing the fresher S5 is still receiving 4.4.2 updates accordingly. While we wait for fresher releases coming, this version will come with stability and performance improvements. In addition bug fixes come with it. Most of the big feature-rich updates for the 4.4.2 KitKat are already out including the transparent status and navigation bars, white WiFi, battery and signal strength icons from the status bar, wireless printing and new color Emoji support. Nonetheless, it’s a fantastic idea to stay updated with the latest software since each edition is an improvement over the last.
- Do not use the tutorial for any device other than the I9500 variant of the Samsung galaxy S4 from last year. Verify the model number by proceeding to turn the handset on, navigating to the settings application and glancing at the ‘About Device” section. It will have all the necessary system information there.
- The update will revoke any withstanding root access on the OS. Moreover, the custom recovery image and system partition is wiped if you have any Custom ROM operating. In addition, it requires a factory reset which wipes all of the data. That is only for those of you who have successfully rooted the handset. Those using official stock software can flash over the top and likely won’t lose any data at all. However, we still recommend taking a full backup of the OS using one of the many applications available from the Google Play Store. Our favorites on the list include SMS backup for making copies of the messages, Helium for data and syncing the phone contacts and Titanium for those with the unchained OS.
- Download the Samsung USB Drivers for the Windows-based computer from here. You will not be able to connect the smartphone with the Odin application deprived of the Drivers. The machine you use today along with the smartphone must have Windows for the operating system. The Odin tool we use for flashing files will not corresponding with Apple’s Mac OS X or any Linux kernel. Flashing is possible by other means, but we are not covering that here today. Most Android users should start using Windows if they want to flash files, custom ROMs or unchain the OS with root access since most developers cater for Windows a lot more than any other OS. That rule applies to developers looking after the official firmware releases along with the developers on the custom side.
- Furthermore, verify the USB Debugging Mode is turned on from the Developer Options menu in the Settings app. The state of this switch determines whether we are able to connect or not also.
- People can use any Windows laptop, notebook or computer running XP or later, so long as it has the USB slot in the side of the connection with the smartphone.
- Disable Samsung Kies of you use the utility for device rivers instead of installing the manual file. Likewise, stop any antivirus protection running on the Android and Microsoft operating systems. It comes as an application for mobiles. Most can access the program by right-clicking the mouse on the icon located in the Windows system tray in the taskbar for those on the computer.
- The S4 comes with USB charging as a standard feature. That means it will charge the battery when connected to the computer as it normally would from the phone charger. However, sometimes USB charging does not work and therefore the battery will drain and the device will turn off if we don’t save enough before starting the steps. if you turn the phone on and observe the battery icon not charging from the status bar, make sure you have at least 505 battery power restored before starting.
How to install XXUGNH4 Android 4.4.2 Kitkat on the Samsung galaxy S4 I9500 Exynos Edition
1. Download the Android 4.4.2 I9500XXUGNH4 file here.
– create a Sam Mobile account if you don’t have one otherwise you cannot obtain the file.
2. Save the file to the C: Drive or the desktop. Choose the preferable location for you.
3. Extract the contents to the desktop of the PC. You will find the tar.md5. file inside.
4. Download Odin v3.09 here.
– have Odin running on the desktop for when we want to use it in a minute.
5. Find the USB wire you use for connecting the phone charger.
6. Watch the ID: COM port turn blue and the message “added’ appear on the monitor.
7. You will notice two boxes checked namely Auto reboot and F Reset Time.
– leave the default settings as they appear.
– do not click the re-partition option unless using a pit file.
– we are not using the pit file here.
8. Upload the I9500XXUGNH4 file to the AP button.
9. Click the start button to begin the flashing.
10. Do not touch any keys or buttons on either device until the flashing stops.
11. We know it is finished when the ‘Pass’ message appears and the ID COM port changes color once more.
12. The phone will automatically reboot since we had the option checked.
13. After it boots up it will display the fresher firmware.
14. Remember to stop the USB Mass Storage device from the “safely remove hardware’ icon before leaving.