How to update Samsung Galaxy S9 to Android 10: official and alternative methods

Updating the operating system to Samsung Galaxy S9 to Android 10 (with shell One UI 2.x) is a process that can significantly improve the performance, security and functionality of your smartphone. However, not all users know that official support for updates for the Galaxy S9 was discontinued in 2022 yearand the latest available version is Android 10 with a security patch dated October 2022. This means that it is no longer possible to “update” in the classical sense, but there are nuances: from manual installation of firmware to alternative methods such as custom software.

In this article we will analyze all the current ways to get Android 10 on Galaxy S9 (models SM-G960F i SM-G965F), including official methods for those who have not yet updated, and unofficial ones for enthusiasts. We will pay special attention to preparing the device, checking compatibility and solving typical errors, such as getting stuck on the logo. If your goal is not just to update, but to improve the performance of your smartphone, here you will find practical tips for optimization after installing new firmware. SW REV CHECK FAIL or stuck on the logo Samsung. If your goal is not just to update, but to improve the performance of your smartphone, here you will find practical tips for optimization after installing new firmware.

1. Checking the current Android version and compatibility

Before you start updating, you need to make sure that your Galaxy S9 generally supports Android 10. Despite the fact that this version was officially released for the model, there are regional restrictions and nuances with device modifications.

To check the current software version:

1. Open Settings → About device → Information about Software.
2. Look at line Android version. If it says Android 9 Pie or below, an update is possible. If it is already installed Android 10, further actions depend on your goals (see the section on custom firmware).
3. Pay attention to Model number (for example, SM-G960F/DS) and CSC code (regional firmware code, for example SER for Russia). This data will be needed to select the correct firmware.

Regional compatibility:

• 🌍 Europe (CSC: DBT, PHN, XEO, etc.) —supports Android 10 officially.
• 🇷🇺 Russia/CIS (CSC: SER, SKZ, KZC) —update is available, but may not be available in automatic mode.
• 🇺🇸 USA (CSC: TMB, VZW, SPR) —depends on the operator; some versions are blocked.
• ⚠️ China/Hong Kong (CSC: CHC, TGY) - often require manual installation.

⚠️ Attention: If yours Galaxy S9 was purchased from a telecom operator (for example, AT&T or Verizon), the firmware may be blocked for self-updating. In this case, you will need to unlock the bootloader (bootloader), which will void the warranty.

2. Official update via FOTA and Smart Switch

The easiest and safest way to update Galaxy S9 to Android 10 is to use the built-in update system FOTA (Firmware Over-The-Air) or app Samsung Smart Switch. However, due to the end of support, this method will only work if:

• 📱 Your device has not yet been updated to Android 10 (worth Android 9 Pie or lower).
• 🌐 A stable Internet connection (preferably Wi-Fi, since the file weighs ~2–3 GB).
• 🔋 Battery charge is at least 50% (recommended 80%).

Instructions via FOTA:

1. Connect to Wi-Fi.
2. Go to Settings → Software update → Download and installation.
3. Click Download and wait for completion (may take 30-60 minutes).
4. After download select Install now —the device will reboot and begin updating.

Instructions via Smart Switch (for PC):

1. Download and install Samsung Smart Switch from official website.
2. Connect Galaxy S9 to the computer via the original cable USB Type-C.
3. Start Smart Switch, wait until the device is detected.
4. If an update is available, the app will offer to install it - follow the instructions on screen.

⚠️ Attention: If Smart Switch does not find the update, but you are sure that it should be (for example, by CSC code), try changing the region in the device settings: Settings → General → Date and time → Automatic (disable) → select the country where the update is definitely available (for example, GermanyAfter that, check the update). again.

3. Manual update via Odin (for experienced users)

If the official methods did not work, you can install Android 10 manually using the app OdinThis method is suitable for flashing official software, but requires. accuracy - errors can lead to (inoperability) of the device. data-i="139">🔌 Original cable briku (inoperability) of the device.

What you will need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows (recommended Windows 10/11).
• 🔌 Original cable USB Type-C (poor quality cables may cause errors).
• 📁 Firmware Android 10 for your model (download only from trusted sources, for example SamMobile or Sammobile Firmware).
• 🛠️ app Odin3 (version v3.14.4 or later).
• 🔑 Drivers Samsung USB Drivers (installed automatically upon connection or downloaded from the website Samsung).

Step-by-step guide:

1. Download the firmware for your model (for example, G960FXXUEDUL6 for Galaxy S9 with CSC SER). extension .zip - unzip it to get a file with the extension .tar.md5.
2. Install drivers and run Odin as administrator.
3. Switch your smartphone to Download Mode:

   1. Turn off the device.
   2. Press the buttons Bixby + Volume down + Power at the same time.
   3. When a warning appears, press Volume up to confirm.

4. Connect the phone to the PC - in Odin a message should appear Added!! and a blue indicator in the field ID:COM.
5. Download the firmware files to Odin:
   • BL —file with prefix BL_.
   • AP —file with prefix AP_ (the largest, can weigh 2–4 GB).
   • CP — file with the prefix CP_.
   • CSC —file with the prefix CSC_ (if you want to save the data) or HOME_CSC (if you need full formatting).

Start the firmwareby clicking Start. 5–10 minutes. Do not disconnect the cable!

Wait for reboot —the device will exit itself Download Mode and launch the new firmware.

Typical errors and their solutions:

Error	Cause	Solution
SW REV CHECK FAIL	Bootloader version mismatch	Download the firmware with the same number Bootloaderas the current one
FAIL! (Auth)	Unofficial firmware or modified bootloader	Use the official firmware or unlock OEM Unlock v developer settings
Stuck on logo Samsung	Incomplete firmware or data failure	Repeat firmware from HOME_CSC or reset via Recovery Mode
ODIN: All threads completed. (succeed 0 / failed 1)	Connection problems or files	Check the cable, USB port, repeat downloading files to Odin

⚠️ Attention: If after flashing the device does not turn on or is frozen on the screen "Erasing...", do not panic. Try going to Recovery Mode (buttons Bixby + Volume Up + Power) and execute Wipe data/factory reset. This will delete all data, but often solves the problem.

What to do if Odin does not see the device?

1. Check the cable - use the original one from Samsung.

2. Try another USB port (preferably USB 2.0 on the back of the PC).

3. Disable your antivirus - it may block Odin.

4. Reinstall Samsung drivers via Device Manager (remove the old device and connect again).

5. Run Odin as administrator.

4. Alternative methods: custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience) If the official methods are not suitable (for example, yours is already on

If the official methods are not suitable (for example, your Galaxy S9 already on Android 10, but you want a newer version), you can consider installing custom firmware. Popular options for Galaxy S9:

• 📱 LineageOS 17.1 (based on Android 10) - stable firmware with a minimalistic interface.
• 🎨 Pixel Experience - firmware with clean Android 10 and functions from Google Pixel.
• ⚡ Havoc-OS - customized firmware with advanced settings.

Advantages of custom firmware:

• 🆕 More recent versions of Android (for example, Android 11/12 on unofficial builds).
• 🚀 Improved performance due to optimization.
• 🔧 More customization settings (themes, gestures, permission management).

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Loss of official warranty (if it is still valid).
• 🔋 Possible problems with the battery or camera (not all functions work ideal).
• 🔒 Risk of blocking Knox (cannot be used Samsung Pay, Secure Folder etc.).

How to install custom firmware:

1. Unlock the bootloader:

   1. Enable Developer options (click on Build number 7 times in Settings → About device).
   2. Activate OEM Unlock in Settings → Developer options.
   3. Connect to the Internet and confirm unlocking (the device will reboot).

2. Install custom recovery (TWRP):

   1. Download TWRP for Galaxy S9 (for example, from here).
   2. Flash it through Odin to field AP (like regular firmware, but without a checkmark Auto Reboot).
   3. After the firmware, immediately press Bixby + Volume up + Powerto enter TWRP.

3. Flash the firmware and GApps:

   1. In TWRP select Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data.
   2. Transfer the firmware file (for example, lineage-17.1-20230501-UNOFFICIAL-starlte.zip) and GApps (package Google Apps) to the device.
   3. Install the firmware first, then GApps via Install in TWRP.
   4. (Reboot → System).

5. Optimizing the Galaxy S9 after updating to Android 10

Even after a successful update Galaxy S9 may work slower than expected. This is due to the fact that Android 10 is more demanding on resources, and the hardware S9 (processor Exynos 9810 and 4 GB of RAM) is no longer as powerful. as in new models. Here's how to optimize the system:

1. Disable unnecessary functions:

• 🔄 Animation interface: go to Settings → Developer options and reduce the animation scale to 0.5x or disable it completely.
• 📡 Auto-update applications: in Google Play disable automatic updating or limit it only to Wi-Fi.
• 🔋 Background activity: in Settings → Device care → Battery → Background activity disable it for unnecessary applications.

2. Clean the system:

• 🧹 Application cache: Settings → Applications → select the application → Memory → Clear cache.
• 🗑️ Junk files: use the built-in tool Settings → Device care → Memory → Clean.
• 📁 Unnecessary applications: remove pre-installed apps (bloatware) via Settings → Applications (some can only disable).

3. Set up the battery:

• 🔋 Adaptive battery: enable in Settings → Device care → Battery → Settings → Adaptive battery.
• 🌙 Dark theme: activate it in Settings → Display → Dark theme to save battery power AMOLED screen.
• ⚡ Optimized mode: in Settings → Device care → Battery → Battery mode select Medium or Maximum.

6. data-i="327">Updating to

Upgrade to Android 10 does not always go smoothly. Here are typical problems and ways to solve them:

1. The device does not turn on or is stuck on the logo:

• 🔄 Try forced reboot: press Volume down + Power for 10–15 seconds.
• 🛠️ If that doesn’t help, go to Recovery Mode (buttons Bixby + Volume up + Power) and do Wipe cache partition.
• 🔧 As a last resort, do Factory Reset (reset to factory settings), but this will delete everything data.

2. Problems with network connection (mobile data, Wi-Fi):

• 📶 Resetting network settings: Settings → General → Reset → Reset network settings.
• 🔄 Update operator profile: enter dialer ##4636##, select Phone information → Update PRL profile.
• 📱 Manual APN setup: check the access point settings in Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Access points (APN).

3. Fast battery drain:

• 🔍 Check battery consumption in Settings → Device care → Battery → Battery usage. If an application consumes too much, limit its background activity.
• 🔄 Battery calibration: completely discharge the device until it turns off, then charge to 100% without interruption.
• 🔋 Battery replacement: if the smartphone is older than 3 years, the battery may have degraded. The original battery for Galaxy S9 has capacity 3000 mAh -check its condition in application AccuBattery.

4. Application errors (for example, camera or banking apps):

• 📱 Clearing data applications: Settings → Applications → select the problematic application → Memory → Clear data.
• 🔄 Reinstalling the application.
• 🔒 Checking permissions: some applications (for example, banking) may not work on custom firmware due to the trigger SafetyNet. Use the module Magisk to mask root access.

How to check if SafetyNet worked?

1. Install the application SafetyNet Test from Google Play.

2. Run the test - if ctsProfile shows falsesome applications (for example Google Pay or banking) will not work.

3. To fix this, install module MagiskHide Props Config or Universal SafetyNet Fix.

7. Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to update the Galaxy S9 to Android 11 or later officially?

No, Samsung has not officially released Android 11 and higher for Galaxy S9. The latest supported version is Android 10 with the October 2022 security patch. However, you can install unofficial firmware (for example, LineageOS 18.1 based on Android 11), but this will require unlocking the bootloader and installing a custom one. recovery.

Why did the smartphone become slower after updating to Android 10?

This is due to the fact that Android 10 more resource-intensive than Android 9 Pie, and Galaxy S9 has only 4 GB of RAM. To improve performance:

• Disable interface animation in the developer settings.
• Limit background application activity.
• Perform a factory reset (after backing up your data).
• Use "light" launchers (for example Nova Launcher) instead of the standard one One UI.

Is it possible to roll back from Android 10 to Android 9?

Technically yes, but this Not recommended. Rolling back to an older version of Android can lead to:

• Data loss (even if you made a backup).
• Problems with the operation of some applications (they may require a new OS version).
• Trigger Knox (if it has not yet been activated), which will void the warranty.

If you still need to rollback, download the firmware Android 9 Pie for your model and flash it through Odin, but be prepared for possible failures.

What to do if the fingerprint does not work after the update?

Problems with the fingerprint sensor after updating to Android 10 usually associated with:

• Incorrect firmware (for example, if you flashed a version for another model).
• Failure of the sensor drivers.
• Dirty sensor or damaged glass.

Solutions:

• Reflash the device using the file CSC (full reset).
• Clean the fingerprint sensor with an alcohol wipe.
• Delete all saved fingerprints and add them again.
• If the sensor is physically damaged, it will need to be replaced (at a service center).

How to check that the update was successful?

After updating to Android 10 check:

1. OS version: Settings → About device → Software information → Android version (should be 10).
2. Build number: it must correspond to the firmware version (for example, QP1A.190711.020.G960FXXUEDUL6).
3. Operation of key functions:
   • Mobile communications and Wi-Fi.
   • Camera (main and front).
   • Fingerprint sensor and face recognition.
   • Sound (speakers, microphone, connector 3.5 mm).

Stability system: no random reboots or freezes.

If everything works correctly, the update was successful. Otherwise, refer to the section "Solving problems after updating".