Last Updated on April 6, 2017 by Mathew Diekhake
The Samsung Galaxy S5 G900F in the European and Asian regions is finding a new Android 5.0 Lollipop update arriving over the air. As usual, you don’t have to install the file manually. However, those preferring to skip the waiting line and install the XXU1BNL9 firmware build can do so manually after the steps below. Otherwise you want to wait for the official OTA notification arriving to your display that tells you it’s ready for installation. The time varies for each person because the rollout happens in periods. You press the “download,” followed by “install now” button from the display when you are ready. You want to use a WiFi connection and not the mobile data plan to avoid high traffic over the network.
Those of you using the guide below don’t need to check for anything other than reading our post. We’ll take you through all the steps until you are running the latest version of Lollipop available for your flagship smartphone from Sammy. Before we start the steps we are running through some of the essentials worth noting. That way you know what the risk are, what you need to complete the guide and more.
You must install the G900FXXU1BNL9 firmware on the G900F model of the S5 only. Check the model number of your device by turning it on and navigating to the Settings > About Device. If it displays another number you want to not flash this file or else you risk causing damage.
- We are not liable for any damages to your device after the instructions here. That includes data loss or boot loops. We’ll show you how to backup the data so if you do need a factory reset you can have copies of the phone contacts, SMS texts, videos, pictures, settings, WiFi passwords, EFS folder and more.
- Download the Samsung EFS backup application from Google Play here. You don’t have to take a backup of the EFS. However, if you want to store the data if the IMEI number is corrupt during the installation, you can do so here.
- You may install the USB Drivers from the Samsung Kies utility. Otherwise, you will find the drivers from third-party links across various websites offering the download, or from the official Sammy website.
- Be careful if you are choosing the third-party links option because there are plenty of bad links out there with files filled with adware and other nasty files. Only download the link if it is a trusted source.
- Flashing official firmware revokes the root access you might have applied before. That means the custom ROM data and all other data is gone unless you are taking a Nandroid backup beforehand. You will gain the warranty privileges again by reverting back to stock firmware
- You want to flash the file from the most recent official software update. That means the earlier version of Lollipop if you are coming from official stock software. Navigate to Settings > About Device > Software Updates and check that you are now up to date.
- Allow USB Debugging permissions from the Developer Options menu available from the Settings.
- Furthermore, you must have a computer to follow the steps. We are using the official Odin app from Samsung for flashing the file. The app is made for Windows PC only.
- Do not try installing the same from Mac OS X or any Linux machine.
- You are visiting Sam Mobile briefly for finding the file in the second step of the guide. You must sign up to the Sam Mobile website and create an account before you can have the file. Sam Mobile is a website we trust.
- Backup the data using third-party apps from the Google Play store. You don’t have to be as careful with apps as you do third-party files. The Play store usually is trustworthy. We know names as Helium, G Cloud Backup, Easy Backup and more as not only trustworthy, but great apps for your data.
- Sign up to Google Drive to redeem some extra free storage space for your device if you are running low and cannot afford to take a backup of the current ROM. That way you can store some of the existing data and drop it from the internal memory of the device. Now you should be able to back up the data easily.
How to update the Samsung Galaxy S5 with official XXU1BNL9 Android 5.0 Lollipop
- Start the computer and log in to a user account of your choice.
- Download the G900FXXU1BNL9 firmware here.
- Download the suitable version of Odin here.
- Use the desktop of the computer for both files.
- Have the Odin app running on the computer.
– we are coming back to it in a minute. - Boot the Galaxy S5 to Download Mode.
- Connect the S5 to the computer with a USB cable
– use the same cable you use for charging daily. - Click the PDA or AP button from Odin (your version will display one)
- Upload the tar.md5 file to this location from the extracted file.
- Do not touch the re-partition option.
- Leave the Auto Reboot and F reset Time options.
- The default settings are perfect.
- Click the start button and watch the flashing.
- Do not touch any buttons until the app on the computer displays a “pass’ message.
– you’ll also notice the ID: COM port changing color.
Disconnect the device safely by stopping the Mass Storage device from the Windows system tray.
Note: it’s unlikely you’ll meet any trouble after installing official files issued by phone carrier networks, manufacturers and Google Android. However, if you are experience a shaky ROM that’s stuck at the boot screen, or any other problems, you want to apply a factory reset. The hard reset or the factory reset option is the easiest way of restoring your device back the way it was out of the box. However, it does come at a cost. You will lose the data unless you applied the back up already. It’s too late now since you are encountering problems. Those wanting to try the reset can install the simple factory reset application from Google Play.