Updating the operating system on your tablet Samsung to Android 9 Pie can significantly improve performance, add new features and close security vulnerabilities. However, the process has its own characteristics - not all models support the official update, and some will require manual installation of the firmware. In this article, we will analyze all available methods, from standard OTA updates to the use of Odin and custom firmware, taking into account the specifics of devices Samsung 2016-2020.

It is important to understand that Android 9 Pie was released in 2018, and official support for most tablets Samsung has already ended. This means that you can update over the air only on a limited list of devices, for example Galaxy Tab S4 or Galaxy Tab A 10.5. For other models, you will have to use alternative methods - or put up with the current version of Android. Before you get started, check your device's compatibility and have a backup of your data.

1. Checking the current Android version and tablet model

Before updating, you must accurately determine the model of your tablet and the current firmware version. This information is critical: the wrong firmware can turn the device into a “brick.”

To find out the data:

  • 📱 Open Settings → About device → Software information
  • 🔍 Find lines "Model" (for example, SM-T580) and "Android version" (for example, 8.1.0)
  • 📝 Write down Build number (build number) - it will be useful for finding the firmware

Pay special attention models: even outwardly identical tablets may have different designations for different regions (for example, SM-T580 and SM-T585 are different devices!). For accurate identification, use the combination *#1234# in the "Phone" application - it will display complete information about the model and hardware revision.

📊 What Samsung tablet do you have?
Galaxy Tab S4
Galaxy Tab A (2016-2019)
Galaxy Tab S3
Galaxy Tab E
Other

2. Official update “over the air” (OTA)

The easiest and safest way is automatic update via FOTA (Firmware Over-The-Air). However, it only works if:

  • ✅ Your model officially supports Android 9 (list below)
  • ✅ The device is not rooted and does not have a custom recovery
  • ✅ At least 2 GB of free space available
  • ✅ Battery charge ≥ 50%

List of tablets Samsung with official support for Android 9:

ModelInitial versionMax. Android version
Galaxy Tab S4 (SM-T830/T835)8.1 Oreo10 (One UI 2.1)
Galaxy Tab A 10.5 (SM-T590/T595)8.1 Oreo10 (One UI 2.0)
Galaxy Tab S3 (SM-T820/T825)7.0 Nougat9 Pie (One UI 1.1)
Galaxy Tab Active 2 (SM-T390/T395)8.1 Oreo9 Pie

If your model is on the list, follow the instructions:

  1. Connect to Wi-Fi (update via mobile network may be blocked).
  2. Go to Settings → Software update → Download and install.
  3. Click "Download" and wait for completion (may take 20-60 minutes).
  4. After downloading, select "Install Now" —the tablet will reboot.

☑️ Preparing for OTA update

Done: 0 / 5
⚠️ Attention: If the update does not arrive automatically, check the firmware region. Some devices (for example, purchased in the USA) may not receive updates in Russia. In this case, changing the region via #272[IMEI]# or manual firmware will help.

3. Manual update via Samsung Smart Switch

If OTA does not work, but your model supports Android 9, try updating via Samsung Smart Switch on a PC. This method often helps when OTA servers are overloaded or blocked by the provider.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Download and install Samsung Smart Switch from official website.
  2. Connect tablet to PC via original USB cable (use USB 2.0 port for stability).
  3. Enable on tablet Settings → Developer options → USB debugging.
  4. Run Smart Switch, wait for the device to be recognized and click "Update".
  5. Follow the instructions on the screen - the app will download and install the firmware itself.

Advantages of the method:

  • 🔄 Bypasses OTA restrictions (for example, regional blocking).
  • 🛡️ Less risk of failures due to direct connection to a PC.
  • 📥 Ability to download the full firmware package (~1.5-2.5 GB) in advance.
⚠️ Attention: If Smart Switch it says “The latest version is already installed,” but you are sure that the update exists, try changing the region in the app settings (button "..." → "Settings" → "Region"). For Russia, choose RUS, for Europe - DBT.
What to do if the Smart Switch does not see the tablet?

1. Check the originality of the USB cable (non-original ones may not transfer data). 2. Install Samsung USB Drivers manually. 3. Try a different USB port (preferably on the back of the PC). 4. Disable your antivirus - it may block the connection.

4. Firmware via Odin (for experienced users)

If official methods do not work, but firmware for your model exists, you can install it manually via Odin - a utility for flashing devices Samsung. This method is suitable for models that officially support Android 9but do not receive the update for some reason.

You will need:

  • 🖥️ PC with Windows 7/10/11 (Odin does not work on macOS/Linux).
  • 🔌 Original USB cable.
  • 📁 Firmware in format .tar.md5 for your model (download only from SamMobile or Sammobile Firmware).
  • 🛠️ Utility Odin3 v3.14.4 (latest stable version).

Instructions:

  1. Unpack the firmware (usually an archive .zip with file AP_...tar.md5).
  2. Turn off the tablet and switch it to Download mode: hold Volume Down + Power + Home (on new models - Volume up + Volume down + USB-C).
  3. Connect the tablet to the PC - a message should appear Odin a message should appear Added!.
  4. V Odin select files:
    • BL → file with prefix BL_
    • AP → file with prefix AP_
    • CP → file with prefix CP_
    • CSC → file with prefix CSC_ (NOT HOME_CSC!)
  • Click Start and wait for completion (10-15 minutes).
    • 💡

    If Odin freezes at the stage setupconnection, try: 1) change the USB port; 2) disable the antivirus; 3) use a different cable; 4) run Odin as an administrator.

    After successful firmware. The tablet will automatically reboot. The first launch may take up to 10 minutes - do not interrupt the process!

    ⚠️ Attention: Using HOME_CSC instead of CSC will save your data, but may lead to failures. For a clean installation, always select CSC and make a backup copy in advance.

    5. Alternative methods: custom firmware

    If your model is does not officially support Android 9 (for example, Galaxy Tab A 2016 or Galaxy Tab E), but you still want to update - the only option is custom firmware based on LineageOS or AOSP. This method requires unlocking the bootloader and installing a custom recovery (TWRP).

    Risks of using custom firmware:

    • ⚠️ Loss of warranty (if it is still valid).
    • ⚠️ Possible bugs (non-working Wi-Fi, camera, sensors).
    • ⚠️ Lack of security updates from Samsung.
    • ⚠️ Risk "scrapping" in case of installation error.

    If you are ready to experiment, follow the general algorithm:

    1. Unlock OEM Unlock in Settings → Developer options.
    2. Install TWRP Recovery via Odin (file .tar for your model).
    3. Download the appropriate firmware (for example, LineageOS 16 for Android 9) and GApps (Google services package).
    4. Boot into TWRP (Volume up + Power + Home) and run Wipe (Dalvik, Cache, System, Data).
    5. Install the firmware and GApps, then reboot.

    Before installation, check the availability of firmware for your model on the forums XDA Developers or 4PDA. Popular models with support for custom Android 9:

    • 📱 Galaxy Tab A 9.7 (2015, SM-T550/T555) — LineageOS 16
    • 📱 Galaxy Tab S2 (2016, SM-T713/T813) — crDroid Android 9
    • 📱 Galaxy Tab E 9.6 (2016, SM-T560/T561) — AOSP 9.0
    💡

    Custom firmware is the only way to get Android 9 on unsupported models, but they require technical skills and deprive the device of official updates.

    6. Solving common errors when updating

    The update process does not always go smoothly. Here are typical problems and their solutions:

    ErrorCauseSolution
    SW REV CHECK FAIL in Odin Mismatch of bootloader and firmware version Download the firmware with the same Bootloader (check in Settings → About device)
    Stuck on logo Samsung Wrong CSC or installation failure Repeat the firmware with full Wipe (via Recovery)
    No Command after the update Failure when installing system applications Reset via Recovery (Volume up + Power)
    Server error during OTA Regional restrictions or server overload Use Smart Switch or change the region via #272[IMEI]#

    If The tablet does not turn on after an unsuccessful update:

    1. Try to boot into Recovery Mode (Volume up + Power + Home) and do Wipe Data/Factory Reset.
    2. If that doesn't help, flash stock firmware via Odin (download it for your model with SamMobile).
    3. As a last resort, use emergency firmware (file PIT + Re-Partition in Odin).

    For diagnostics it is useful to know the error codes:

    • SECURE CHECK FAIL: boot —the bootloader is damaged.
    • ODIN MODE (FORCED UPLOAD) —a complete flashing is required.
    • CUSTOM BINARY BLOCKED BY FRP LOCK —protection is enabled FRP (must be disabled in the settings before firmware).

    7. Optimizing Android 9 after updating

    After a successful update, it is recommended to perform several steps for stable operation:

    • 🔄 Do reset to factory settings (if you did not update via CSC): Settings → General management → Reset.
    • 📵 Disable unnecessary system applications via Settings → Applications (for example, Bixby, Samsung Free).
    • 🔋 Activate Adaptive battery: Settings → Device care → Battery → Adaptive battery.
    • 🔒 Configure Digital well-being to control the time of use.

    Features Android 9 Pie on tablets Samsung:

    • 🎨 New interface One UI (if the update is official) with adaptive dark theme.
    • 🔍 Function App Actions —prediction of next actions in applications.
    • 📱 Navigation gestures (can be enabled in Settings → Display → Panel navigation).
    • 🔒 Improved permissions for applications (for example, access to the microphone only during use).

    To improve performance:

    1. Disable animation: activate Developer options (7 taps on Build number), then set Window animation, Animation transitions i Animation duration to 0.5x.
    2. Limit background activity: Settings → Device care → Battery → Background activity.
    3. Use Lite versions applications (for example, Facebook Lite, Messenger Lite).

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about updating Android 9 on Samsung

    My tablet does not see the OTA update. What should I do?

    Check:

    • Does your model support Android 9 (see table above).
    • Is the update blocked by the telecom operator (try removing the SIM card).
    • Are root access or custom recovery installed (they block OTA).
    • Try changing the region via #272[IMEI]# (select RUS or XEO for Europe).

    If all else fails, use Smart Switch or manual firmware via Odin.

    Is it possible roll back from Android 9 to the old version?

    Technically yes, but:

    • Official rollback is only possible through Odin with full firmware (BL + AP + CP + CSC).
    • After the rollback it may work FRP blocking (you will need to enter your old Google account).
    • On some models, a rollback leads to loss of data in the section /data.

    We recommend making a backup copy via Samsung Smart Switch or Titanium Backup (requires root) before rollback.

    The tablet began to slow down after the update. How to fix it?

    Try:

    1. Run reset to factory settings (without restoring from a backup!).
    2. Disable interface animation in developer options.
    3. Delete system application cache: Settings → Applications → ⋮ → Show system → [Application] → Memory → Clear cache.
    4. Disable Bixby and other background services Samsung.
    5. Install Greenify for hibernation of unnecessary applications.

    If the brakes remain, check the CPU load in Settings → Device care → Battery → Battery usage. Perhaps a specific application is to blame.

    Where to download official firmware for Odin?

    Official firmware can be downloaded from:

    • SamMobile (registration required, download speed is limited for free accounts).
    • Sammobile Firmware (alternative source, no registration).
    • Updato (paid, but with high speed download).

    Important: download the firmware only for your model and region (check by CSC). For example, for Russia, look for files marked SER or RUS.

    Is it possible to update the Galaxy Tab A 2016 (SM-T580) to Android 9?

    Officially, no. This model received the latest update to Android 8.1 Oreo. However, there are alternatives:

    • Custom firmware: LineageOS 16 (Android 9) or crDroid.
    • Firmware port c Galaxy Tab S3 (unofficial, possible bugs).

    For installation you will need:

    1. Unlock bootloader (OEM Unlock).
    2. Install TWRP Recovery.
    3. Flash custom software + GApps.

    Risks: possible problems with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or camera. On 4PDA there are topics with instructions and user reviews.