Last Updated on March 31, 2017 by Mathew Diekhake

The International variant of the Samsung Galaxy Alpha can be updated to the Android 5.0.2 Lollipop software update. You do that one of two ways: install the over the air update that comes into your device as a notification. If you didn’t catch that notification and do have the International model ,you will find it under the Software Updates > Check for Updates on your device. Those of who with root access or not wanting to wait any longer for the OTA can just update the device using the guide below.

Samsung Galaxy Alpha

The Files You Need

  1. Download the Android 5.0.2 Lollipop G850FXXU2COD4 software update from here.
  2. Download the Odin flashing tool you need from here. Install the Odin 3.10 version on your computer.
  3. Download the Samsung USB Drivers for your Windows-based computer.
  4. These are the steps to update Samsung Galaxy Alpha to Android Lollipop. Only flash this file if you have the G850F model number. You can check your model number by heading to the Settings > About Device.
  5. You must have a Windows PC to follow this guide. Do not try using the guide if you are using a Linux computer or a Mac computer.

Updating the Samsung Galaxy Alpha G850F to Android 5.0.2 Lollipop

  1. Download the G850FXXU2COD4 Lollipop firmware file and move it to the desktop of the computer.
  2. Download the Odin file to the desktop of the computer.
  3. One at a time, right-click over the files and choose the ‘extract here’ option.
  4. Now double-click over the Odin executable file and that flashing tool will run on the computer.
  5. Reboot the Samsung Galaxy Alpha to download mode by holding the Volume Down + Home + Power keys. You must do that with the device completely shut off first.
  6. Once your device is in the download mode ,connect it to the computer with the USB cable.
  7. Wait for the color to change on the ID: COM port displayed in Odin. Those without any color will need to install the USB drivers.
  8. Click the AP button in Odin and browse the desktop for the firmware file.
  9. Click the Start button and wait for Odin to finish flashing that software update on the Galaxy Alpha. You know it’s done when your device automatically reboots and Odin says ‘pass’ on the display.
  10. Now you have Android 5.0 Lollipop running on your Samsung Galaxy Alpha. You will not have root access on the device if you did have it before starting the guide. You can, however, find a new rooting guide and get the Samsung Galaxy Alpha rooted again so you can use that root-requiring apps.