Last Updated on April 12, 2017 by Mathew Diekhake

The Samsung Galaxy S4 I9500 saw a new OTA update rollout last week, namely XXUGNG3 that’s main priority was to boost the performance, bring bug fixes, stability improvements and more. By following the steps below you will help your phone’s OS become more stable while still staying on the Android 4.4.2 KitKat build.

The guide is only made for the I9500 variance of the Galaxy S4 and cannot be used on any other. If you fail to comply with the message it can result in bricking of the device. Ironically installing official stock firmware can also be a viable way of fixing soft-bricks as long as you are installing it on the right device.

Galaxy S4, HTC M8

Those of you running with root access as we speak will see it revoked. The good news is that it will work for both unchained and not unchained handsets. Those currently with it will see the warranty become good again after the installation process is complete because the flash counter returns to normal.

  • We use a tool named Odin during the tutorial and it is made by official Samsung developers. However, they only make it in perfect working order in conjunction with Windows PC operating systems and no other; therefore, it will not flash with a Mac OS X OS or any type of Linux-based kernel. It’s strange considering the strong relationship Android has with Linux because the little green robot is based from Linux open source software. We firmly believe it is because Windows are the most popular machine and no other reasons comply.
  • Turn off any security software such as spyware protection, malware protection and virus protection on the Android smartphone and the Window’s OS ranging from XP, Vista, Windows 7 and 8. It sometimes interferes with proceedings and isn’t worth the trouble. Remember to turn it back on again for the next session, otherwise risk browsing the web unprotected.
  • Take the time to backup properly. Backup the contacts, call logs, SMS texts, MMS texts, videos, photo galleries and music files so you do not lose them if a factory reset is required. Download the Helium app from the Google Play Store to help you with backing up the market applications if you cannot find another way. The Titanium app is also useful for making copies of the data.
  • People can use a notebook or laptop to follow the steps as long as it comes with a USB slot for us to plug the phone into. Without we can’t use it.
  • Use the keys to head to the Develop Options on the smartphone and enable USB Debugging Mode. Comparatively, make sure you are using the latest Samsung USB Drivers for a safe connection.
  • Moreover, turn off Samsung Kiesuntil we finish here. The Kies utility is also a great way to use the correct USB drivers if you want to obtain them that way.

How To Install Android 4.4.2 XXUGNG3 KitKat Official Firmware On The Samsung Galaxy S4 I9500

1. Start with the S4 turned off.

2. Download the XXUGNG3 Android 4.4.2 KitKat file here.
– use the desktop for easy access
– use the C: Drive if you want to keep the file long term

3. Download Odin v3.09 here.
– follow the same tips as the firmware file
– have it open and ready after extraction is complete.

4. Boot the S4 up in Download Mode
– press Volume Down + Power + hOme to make it happen.
– do not let go until the Android logo appears.

5. Find the USB wire
– if you cannot see it, look at the wire connecting the phone charger to the wall outlet.

6. make the connection between S4 and the computer system unit using the wire.

7. Look at Odin and wait for the ID: COM port lighting up and the “added” message appearing.

8. Click the AP button and upload the firmware file.

9. Wait for the file extension to show up properly before continuing.

10. leave the default settings as they are. They include:
– Auto reboot turned to the on position.
– F Reset Time turned to the on position.
– re-partition off unless using a pit file.

11. Start the flashing by clicking the start key.

12. Wait until the ID: COM port changes color and it says “pass” on the screen.

13. Turn off the USB Mass Storage device by visiting the ‘safely remove hardware’ icon in the system tray located in the WIndows task bar.

Not working properly or encountering errors?

  • Start the handset up in recovery.
  • Select ‘wipe cache partition’ followed by ‘wipe data factory reset’ and then go back to the main menu and select the ‘reboot system now’ option.