Samsung Galaxy A10 (SM-A105) is one of the most popular budget smartphones of 2019, which is still actively used. But with the release of new versions of Android, owners have a logical question: What OS version is installed on this device out of the box, are updates supported, and is it possible to manually flash more recent firmware? In this article we will look at everything in detail - from standard software versions to alternative ways to upgrade the system.

Many users are faced with the fact that manufacturers budget smartphones often limit support for updates 1–2 years after release. Galaxy A10 was no exception: official updates from Samsung for this model stopped in 2021. However, this does not mean that the device is doomed to outdated firmware. We will tell you how to find the current version of Android, what update options exist, and whether it is worth the risk by installing custom firmware.

The official version of Android on the Samsung Galaxy A10

Samsung Galaxy A10 (SM-A105) went on sale with March 2019 with a pre-installed version Android 9.0 Pie and a proprietary one shell One UI 1.1. This was the standard configuration for budget models of the time. However, later the device received two major updates:

  • 📱 Android 10 (One UI 2.0) - Released in January 2020 January 2020
  • 🔄 Android 10 (One UI 2.1) - Small update with fixes in May 2020

It is important to note that Samsung has not officially released Android 11 or newer versions for this model. The last security patch dates back to June 2021, after which support was completely discontinued. This is a typical practice for budget lines, where the manufacturer focuses on updating flagships and mid-range devices.

If you buy Galaxy A10 from hand, there is a high probability that it has one of the following firmware:

Android version One UI version Release date Latest security patch
9.0 Pie 1.1 March 2019 —
10 2.0 January 2020 April 2020
10 2.1 May 2020 June 2021
⚠️ Attention: On In some regional versions Galaxy A10 (for example, for Latin American or Asian markets), updates may be delayed or absent altogether. Check the exact model in the settings (Settings → Phone information → Model).

How to check the current version of Android on Samsung A10

You can find out which OS version is installed on your device in a few seconds. To do this:

  1. Open application Settings (gear icon).
  2. Scroll down and select Phone information.
  3. Tap on item Software information software.
  4. Here you will see:
    • 📌 Android version (for example, 10)
    • 📌 One UI version (for example, 2.1)
    • 📌 Build number (for example, A105FXXU8CUF1)
    • 📌 Security update date (for example, June 1, 2021)

If you see Android 9.0in this menu, it means that the device has never been updated. In this case, we recommend check for updates manually (more on this in the next section).

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If the phone information says Android 10, but the security patch date is older June 2021, this means that there will no longer be new official updates for your model.

Is it possible to update Android on Samsung A10 to a new version?

Unfortunately, officially update Galaxy A10 to Android 11, 12 or later is impossible. Samsung has stopped supporting this model, and the built-in update system (Settings → Software update) is not possible. will offer nothing new Android 10.

However, there are several alternative methods:

  • 🔧 Custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience) - allow you to install Android 11/12, but require unlocking the bootloader and risk voiding the warranty.
  • 📲 GSI images (Generic System Image) - universal firmware from Google, but may work unstable.
  • ⚙️ Ported firmware from other Samsung models (for example, from Galaxy A20), but this is complicated and fraught with "bricks".

Before trying any of these methods, please note:

⚠️ Attention: Installing unofficial firmware may lead to loss of data, inoperability of modules (camera, sensors, mobile communications) or complete failure of the deviceWithout experience, it is better not to take risks.
📊 Would you try installing custom firmware on your Samsung A10?
Yes, if it is stable version
No, too risky
Already tried it, didn’t like it
I haven’t decided yet

Step-by-step guide: how to update Samsung A10 through official channels

If your device has not yet received Android 10, try updating manually. To do this:

Battery charge ≥ 50%|Connect to stable Wi-Fi|Free up ≥ 2 GB of memory|Save important data (photos, contacts)-->

  1. Connect to Wi-Fi (updates via mobile data may not download).
  2. Go to Settings → Software update.
  3. Click Download and install.
  4. If update found, confirm installation and wait for reboot.

If the system writes "Updates are not available", but you are sure that your model should have received Android 10, try:

  • 🔄 Reset settings networks (Settings → General management → Reset → Reset network settings).
  • 📡 Use another Wi-Fi (sometimes corporate networks block updates).
  • 📥 Download the firmware manually via Samsung Smart Switch on the PC.
What to do if the update freezes during the installation stage?

If the update process is interrupted or hangs on the Samsung logo for a long time, try:

1. 30–60 minutes (sometimes installation takes a long time).

2. Force reboot the phone by pressing Power + Volume Down for 10 seconds.

3. If the device does not turn on, you will need to flash it via Odin (only for experienced users!).

Custom firmware for Samsung A10: pros and cons

If you are not satisfied Android 10, you can consider installing custom firmware. The most popular options for Galaxy A10:

Firmware Android version Pros Cons
LineageOS 18.1 11 Stable operation, pure Android No Samsung Camera, possible bugs with sensors
Pixel Experience 12 Interface as on Google Pixel Poor optimization for weak hardware
Havoc-OS 10–11 Many customization settings Frequent updates, but unstable

To install custom firmware you will need:

  1. Unlock bootloader (via OEM Unlock in Settings → For developers).
  2. Install custom recovery (for example, TWRP).
  3. Download firmware and GApps (Google services).
  4. Flash via TWRP or Odin.
⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader resets the device to factory settings can lead to problems with Samsung Pay, Secure Folder and other protected functions.
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Custom firmware gives access to new versions of Android, but voids the warranty and can worsen performance on weak hardware Galaxy A10 (Exynos 7884 processor, 2 GB RAM).

Frequent problems after updating Android on Samsung A10

Even official updates sometimes lead to failures. Here are the most common problems and ways to solve them:

  • 🔋 Rapid battery drain — reset the cache (Settings → Device care → Memory → Clear cache).
  • 📶 Bad network signal — update the settings APN or reset network settings.
  • 🎵 Sound does not work —check permissions for media applications or restart the phone.
  • 🔄 Freezes and lags —turn off animation in Settings → For developers.

If after updating to Android 10 the device began to work worse, you can try:

  1. Clear partition cache via Recovery Mode (press Power + Volume Up with the phone turned off).
  2. Roll back to Android 9 via Odin (but this is risky and requires skill).
  3. Reset to factory settings (Settings → General management → Reset).

If the problem is not solved, it may be the culprit hardware wear (for example, a degraded battery or an overheating processor). In this case, only repair will help.

Alternatives to updating: how to improve the performance of Samsung A10 without a new version of Android

If it is impossible to update the system, you can optimize the current version. ways:

  • ⚡ Disable unnecessary applications:
    • 📱 Go to Settings → Applications.
    • 🔍 Sort by size and disable pre-installed services (for example, Samsung Free, Bixby).
  • 🗑️ Clear memory:
    • Use Settings → Device care → Memory.
    • Delete cache and unnecessary files (especially from the folder Download).
  • 🛠️ Install a light launcher (for example, Nova Launcher or Lawnchair).
  • 🔒 Limit background activity in Settings → Battery → Adaptive battery mode.

It is also worth considering cloud services to offload the device:

  • 📸 Google Photos - for automatic uploading of photos/videos.
  • 📁 Samsung Cloud or Dropbox — for backing up files.
  • 🎮 Google Play Games — for saving progress in games.

These measures will not replace the new version of Android, but will make working on Android 10 more comfortable.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Samsung A10 and Android

❓ Is it possible to install Android 13 on Samsung A10?

Technically, yes, but only through unofficial firmware (for example, LineageOS 20 or ported GSI images, however, due to weak hardware (Exynos 7884, 2 GB of RAM) the system will slow down. We recommend limiting Android 11 for stability.

❓ Why doesn’t my Samsung A10 find updates?

Probable reasons:

  • The device is already on the latest official version (Android 10).
  • Regional firmware does not support updates (check the model code in Settings → Phone information).
  • Samsung Servers temporarily unavailable (try again later).

Check the version manually via Samsung Smart Switch on your PC.

❓ How to return Android 9 if after updating to 10 the phone began to lag?

To rollback you will need:

  1. Download the original firmware Android 9 for your model (for example, with SamMobile).
  2. Install Odin on a PC.
  3. Flash the device in mode Download Mode (pressing Power + Volume Down + Bixby).
Attention: this will delete all data and may lead to problems with Knox!

❓ Does Samsung A10 support Google Play Services on custom firmware?

Yes, but you need to flash it separately GApps (Google services package). For LineageOS the option pico or nano is suitable (download from the site OpenGApps). Please note that some functions (for example, Samsung Health) may not work.

❓ Is it worth buying a Samsung A10 in 2026?

Depends on the purposes:

  • ✅ Suitable for calls, instant messengers and light tasks.
  • ❌ Will not cope with modern games, multitasking or high-end cameras permissions.
  • ⚠️ Outdated version of Android (10) limits support for new applications.

For a budget of up to 10,000 ₽ it is better to consider newer models (for example, Samsung A14 or Redmi 12C).