Samsung Galaxy A50 is one of the most popular mid-class smartphones from the Korean giant, released in March 2019. During its existence, the model received several major operating system updates, but many users are still wondering: What Android is on the Galaxy A50 now Is it possible to install a newer version?

In this article we will look at not only the current version firmware for Galaxy A50 (model SM-A505F/FN/GN), but we will also tell you how to independently check the Android version, update it through official and alternative methods, and also optimize the operation of the device using the latest software. We will pay special attention Samsung support restrictions to what to do if updates no longer arrive.

If you are planning to buy used Galaxy A50 or have already encountered problems after an upgrade - here you will find answers to key questions, including application compatibility, performance on new versions of Android and ways to extend the life of the device without official support.

Official Android versions for the Samsung Galaxy A50

At the time of release in 2019 Samsung Galaxy A50 worked on Android 9 Pie with a proprietary shell One UI 1.1. However, the company promised two-year update supportthat for a budget line Galaxy A was a considerable advantage. Let's look at which software versions the smartphone officially received:

  • 📱 Android 9 Pie (One UI 1.1) —factory firmware pre-installed on all devices.
  • 🔄 Android 10 (One UI 2.0/2.1) —the first major update released in 2020.
  • 🚀 Android 11 (One UI 3.1) —the latest official update available from 2021.

Samsung Galaxy A50 did not receive Android 12 and newer versions officially. This is due to company policy, which limits support for budget models two major OS updates. However, there are unofficial ways to install the latest software - we'll talk about them below.

It is important to understand that even after the end of official support, the smartphone continues to receive security updates (security patches) for some more time. The last such patch for Galaxy A50 was released in 2022.

📊 What version of Android are you using?
Android 9 Pie
Android 10
Android 11
Android 12+ (custom)
I don’t know

How to check the Android version on the Galaxy A50

You can find out the current firmware version on your Samsung Galaxy A50 in a matter of seconds. To do this:

  1. Open the application Settings (gear icon on the main screen or in the application menu).
  2. Scroll down and select Device maintenance (or About the device depending on the version of One UI).
  3. Tap on Software information.
  4. In the section Android version you you will see the current OS, and in One UI version the shell number.

If you have installed custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), the path may differ. In this case, the Android version is usually indicated directly in the system settings in the section About phone.

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A screenshot with the software version will be useful when selling the phone or contacting a service center. Save it to the gallery in advance!

You can also use a combination of codes for quick access to information:

*#1234#

After entering this code in the application Phone a window with information about the software version, device model and country of origin.

Is it possible to update Android on the Galaxy A50 to version 12, 13 or 14?

Officially - no. As mentioned earlier, Samsung stopped support Galaxy A50 after Android 11. However, there are several alternative ways to get a more recent version of the OS:

  • 🔧 Custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, crDroid) - require unlocking the bootloader and installation via TWRP.
  • 📦 Ported GSI images - universal firmware compatible with Project Treble.
  • ⚙️ Modified stock firmware —for example, with patches from the community XDA Developers.

Warning: installation of unofficial software voids warranty (if it is still valid), may lead to unstable operation of even "briku" the device. In addition, some functions (for example Samsung Pay or Knox) will stop working.

What What is Project Treble and why is it important?

Project Treble is an Android architecture that separates system software and hardware drivers. Thanks to it, you can install GSI (Generic System Image) firmware on the Galaxy A50 without deep modification of the kernel. This makes it easier to port new versions of Android, but requires support from the manufacturer. Samsung partially implemented Treble in the A50, so some custom firmware works stably, while others do not.

If you decide to experiment, we recommend:

Make a full backup of your data (photos, contacts, SMS)

Check the compatibility of the firmware with the model (SM-A505F/FN/GN)

Make sure the battery charge is > 50%

Download official Samsung drivers for PC

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Android and One UI compatibility table for Galaxy A50

Below is a summary table with software versions that were officially supported on Samsung Galaxy A50, as well as unofficial versions indicating stability.

Android version One UI version Support type Status Notes
9 Pie 1.1 Official ✅ Stable Factory firmware, minimal bugs
10 2.0 / 2.1 Official ✅ Stable Added navigation gestures, dark theme
11 3.1 Official ✅ Stable Latest official update
12 4.1 (unofficial) Custom ⚠️ Partially stable Requires unlocking the bootloader, possible bugs camera
13 5.0 (unofficial) Custom ❌ Experimental Low performance, many non-functional functions

As can be seen from tables Android 12 —the most realistic version for installation on Galaxy A50 without critical losses in functionality. Newer versions (13, 14) either work extremely unstable or do not start at all due to hardware limitations.

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For most users, Android 11 remains the best choice - it combines relevance and stability.

Step-by-step guide: how to update the Galaxy A50 through official channels

If your smartphone has not yet received the latest official firmware (Android 11), you can update it manually. Here are the detailed instructions:

  1. Connect to Wi-Fi — updates “weigh” 1.5–2 GB, so mobile data will not work.
  2. Open Settings → Software Update.
  3. Click Download and install.
  4. If the update is found, confirm the installation. The phone will reboot and install the firmware automatically.

If the update button is inactive or says "Updates are not available", try:

  • 🔄 Reboot the device - sometimes it helps to reset the system cache.
  • 📡 Change region via VPN (for example, to Germany or South Korea), since in some countries updates are released later.
  • 🖥️ Use PC and a app Samsung Smart Switch to force check for updates.
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If the update is stuck during the download stage, clear the application cache Software Update in the settings (Settings → Applications → Three dots → Show system → Software update).

If none of the methods worked, then your device has already received latest available firmware. In this case, you can either put up with the current version or consider custom solutions (see the next section).

Installing custom firmware: risks and recommendations

Having decided to install unofficial software, you must clearly understand the consequences:

⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader resets all data on the device, as well as activates the KNOX flagwhich makes it impossible to use Samsung Pay, Secure Folder and some banking applications. In addition, the warranty (if it is still valid) will be voided.

If you are ready for this, here basic steps to install custom firmware:

  1. Unlock the bootloader: 
    adb reboot bootloader

    fastboot oem unlock

    After this, the phone will reset to factory settings.

  2. Install TWRP Recovery —custom recovery that allows you to flash unofficial images.
  3. Download firmware (for example, LineageOS 19 for Android 12) from a trusted source (XDA Developers, 4PDA).
  4. Flash via TWRPfollowing the instructions for the specific firmware.

Popular firmware for Galaxy A50:

  • 📱 LineageOS —pure Android without unnecessary software, good performance.
  • 🎨 Pixel Experience —interface like on Google Pixel, regular updates.
  • ⚡ crDroid —a balance between stability and new functions.

After installing custom firmware, it is recommended:

  • 🔋 Check operation contactless payments (NFC may not work).
  • 📸 Test camera —some firmware has bugs with photo processing.
  • 🔒 Install Magisk for root access and modules (for example, to fix bugs).

Optimizing the Galaxy A50 on Android 11: performance tips

Even if you do not plan to update, you can improve performance Galaxy A50 on the current firmware Here are a few. proven methods:

  • 🧹 Clear cache: go to Settings → Device maintenance → Memory → Clear.
  • ❄️ Disable animation: activate Developer mode (7 taps on Build number to About phone), then in Developer settings set Animation scale to Off.
  • 🚫 Removing unnecessary applications: many pre-installed apps (Bixby, Samsung Free) can be disabled via Settings → Applications.

For advanced users:

  • 🔧 Changing the scheduler tasks (requires root): installing Kernel Adiutor and choosing cfq or maple instead of the standard mq-deadline can improve multitasking.
  • 🔋 Limit background activity: in Settings → Battery → Adaptive battery mode add applications that should not run in the background.

If The smartphone started "slow down" after updating to Android 11, try:

  1. Run reset partition cache via Recovery (does not delete data!).
  2. Roll back to Android 10if the problem appeared after the upgrade.
  3. Install light launcher (for example, Nova Launcher) instead standard One UI.
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Regular optimization via Settings → Device maintenance → Optimize helps maintain level performance even on older versions of Android.

Frequent problems after the update and their solutions

Updating the firmware does not always go smoothly. Here typical errors on Galaxy A50 and ways to fix them:

Problem Possible cause Solution
Phone does not turn on after update Failure installing firmware Hold Power + Volume Down to enter Recovery, then select Wipe Cache Partition
Fast battery drain Background optimization has been reset Go to Settings → Battery → Adaptive battery mode and configure again
Mobile data does not work Reset APN settings Update the operator settings manually or reboot phone
Applications crash Incompatibility with the new version of Android Update applications via Google Play or clear their cache

If after the update there is no sound or the sensor does not work, try:

  1. Run reset settings (data backup is required!).
  2. Flash stock firmware via Odin (there are instructions on XDA or 4PDA).
  3. Contact service centerif the problem is hardware.
⚠️ Attention: If after the update the phone stopped working charging or heating, do not try to disassemble it yourself! This may be due to power controller failure, and diagnostics are required in the service.
Is it possible to install Android 13 or 14 on the Galaxy A50?

Technically yes, but not recommended. Unofficial ports of Android 13/14 for Galaxy A50 are at the alpha testing stage: the camera, NFC, fingerprint sensor, and performance do not work extremely low due to a weak processor Exynos 9610. The best option is to stay at Android 12 (LineageOS 19).

Why are updates not coming to my Galaxy A50?

There are several reasons:

  • The device is already on the latest supported version (Android 11).
  • Updates are suspended for your region (try changing the SIM card or region via VPN).
  • The phone has modified firmware installed (for example, from a telecom operator).
  • Samsung servers are temporarily unavailable (checkLater or website SamMobile).

If all else fails, download the firmware manually via Frija or SamFirm and install via Odin.

How to return the old version of Android to the Galaxy A50?

To rollback (downgrade) you will need:

  1. Download stock firmware the required version (for example, Android 10) from the site SamMobile.
  2. Install the app Odin on the PC.
  3. Start the phone in the mode Download Mode (Power + Volume Down + Bixby).
  4. Connect to the PC and flash via Odin, selecting files BL, AP, CP, CSC.

Important: when downgrading it is performed full reset, and can also work FRP lock (reset protection). Save the data in advance and make sure you know the login/password for your Google account!

Will the Galaxy A50 receive security updates in 2026?

No. Samsung has stopped releasing even monthly security patches for Galaxy A50 v 2022. 3–6 months and concerned only critical vulnerabilities. Now the device is completely deprived of official support, therefore for security it is recommended:

  • Do not install applications from unverified sources.
  • Use an antivirus (for example, Malwarebytes).
  • Regularly update installed apps via Google Play.
Is it possible to install Google Android (without One UI) on the Galaxy A50?

Yes, but with reservations. To get pure Android (without shell One UI), you need:

  1. Install custom firmware based on AOSP (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience).
  2. Or flash GSI image (Generic System Image) via fastboot.

However, keep in mind that that:

  • ❌ Samsung proprietary functions (DeX, Knox, camera gestures) will not work).
  • ⚠️ There may be problems with auto brightness and contactless payments.
  • ✅ But it will disappear built-in bloodware (unnecessary applications from Samsung).