Many owners of mid-segment smartphones from previous years often wonder about the possibility of extending the life of their device through a software update. In particular, the model Samsung Galaxy J5 2016released by the Korean giant still remains popular due to its balanced characteristics and metal body. However, over time, the operating system stops receiving official update packages, which causes concern among users regarding security and compatibility with new applications.
Initially, the device went on sale with the operating system Android 5.1.1 Lollipop, which at that time was considered stable and optimized for smartphone hardware. Later, Samsung released a major update that raised the version to Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow, and then to the final official version Android 7.0 Nougat. Understanding exactly what firmware is installed on your device is critical for correctly installing applications and eliminating possible errors in the interface.
In this article we will take a detailed look at what Android is installed on the Samsung J5 2016 depending on the region and release date, and also consider ways to manually install the latest software versions. You will learn how to check the current build, whether it is worth switching to custom firmware and what risks are associated with independently interfering with the system files of the device.
Official versions of Android for the SM-J510 model
The line of smartphones Galaxy J5 of the second generation (model number SM-J510) has a clear update history, which Samsung strictly regulated depending on the sales market. The basic version for all regions became Android 5.1.1, but the speed of receiving subsequent updates varied greatly. Owners of European versions often received updates earlier than users of devices intended for the Asian or American market.
The final official milestone for this device was the operating system Android 7.0 Nougat. This update not only brought a new visual style for icons and menus, but also important multitasking features such as split screen. However, it is worth noting that not all 2016 J5 copies received this update automatically over the air (OTA), which forced users to look for manual installation methods.
⚠️ Attention: Attempting to install firmware from another model (for example, from J5 2017 or J7 2016) via Odin may lead to complete failure of the device (brick). Always check the model number in the settings before starting any actions.
The following table shows the evolution of Android versions for this model depending on the support stage:
| Software release year | Android version | Version name | Support status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 5.1.1 | Lollipop | Factory firmware |
| 2016-2017 | 6.0.1 | Marshmallow | Official update |
| 2017-2018 | 7.0 | Nougat | Final version |
| 2019+ | 8.0+ | Oreo/Pie | Custom firmware only |
Maximum official version of Android for Samsung J5 2016 is 7.0 Nougat. Newer versions are only available through third-party developments.
How to check the current firmware version
Before taking any update steps, you need to find out exactly what software is currently installed on your smartphone. This will help avoid version conflicts and understand whether there is any point in further manipulations. The check is carried out through the standard settings menu, which may differ slightly depending on the shell. Inside this section there will be an item TouchWiz or Samsung Experience.
To obtain information, follow these steps: go to Settings, scroll down and find the item About phone (or Phone information). Inside this section there will be an item Android version, as well as Software version software. Clicking on the Android version several times in a row can activate a hidden menu with an Easter egg in the form of a system logo.
☑️ Checking the software is up to date
Also in this menu displayed Build number (for example, J510MXXU2BQB1), which contains encrypted information about the firmware release date and region. The last two digits before the letter code often indicate the month of the update, which gives you an idea of how long ago your phone received security patches. If the build number is very old, most likely, the automatic update will no longer work.
Ways to update to Android 7.0 Nougat
If your smartphone is still running on Android 6.0 or even 5.1, you can try updating it to version 7.0. There are two main methods: standard update via the Internet and manual installation via a computer. The first method is the most secure and preferable for ordinary users who do not want to risk their data.
To update over the air, make sure that the battery level is at least 50% and the Wi-Fi network connection is stable. Go to Settings → Software update → Update. The system will contact Samsung servers and check for a new version. If the server sees your device and region, it will offer to download and install the package.
Before updating, be sure to back up your contacts and photos to a memory card or to the cloud, since if the process fails, data may be lost.
If automatic updating is not offered, you can use the app Samsung Smart Switch for PC. Connect your phone to the computer with a cable, launch the application and press the Updatebutton. This method often works where the OTA update is stuck, since Smart Switch servers sometimes have different priorities for distributing firmware.
Manual installation of firmware via Odin
For advanced users for whom automatic methods did not help, there is a manual flashing method using the utility Odin. This tool allows you to download the official firmware image directly into the phone's memory, bypassing the standard recovery interface. This method requires caution and strict adherence to instructions.
First, you need to download the firmware file itself (usually a .zip or .tar.md5 archive) for your specific model and region from a reliable source, such as the Sammobile or SamFw website. Then download and install the Samsung USB Drivers on your computer and extract the Odin app. The phone must be in Download Mode.
Turn off the phone.Press and hold the buttons: Volume Down + Home + Power.
When the warning screen appears, press Volume Up to confirm entering Download Mode.
Connect phone to PC, run Odin as administrator. In the AP field (or PDA in older versions) select the firmware file. Make sure that in the app log the blue cell with the port number lights up (for example, 0:[COM5]), which means a successful connection. Press the button Start and wait for the green message PASS!.
⚠️ Attention: Never disconnect the USB cable during the firmware process, even if the phone seems to be frozen. Interrupting the writing of data to the system partition is guaranteed to turn the smartphone into a “brick.”
What to do if Odin freezes at the NAND Write stage?
If the process freezes, do not panic. Often the phone will reboot itself after 10-15 minutes. If this does not happen, try to force reboot the device (press Volume Down + Power) and repeat the procedure, having first changed the USB port or cable.
Custom firmware and obtaining root access
Since official support for the Samsung J5 2016 has long been discontinued, enthusiasts have created many custom firmware based on newer ones versions of Android, such as 8.1 Oreo, 9 Pie and even 10. Installing such systems requires unlocking the bootloader and installing a custom recovery, for example TWRP.
Installing custom firmware (Custom ROM) makes it possible to get the latest features and security updates, but has its drawbacks. The camera may perform worse due to the lack of Samsung proprietary drivers, and some banking applications will stop launching without additional manipulations to hide root access.
- 🚀 Advantages: Access to new versions of Android, removal of pre-installed garbage (bloatware), complete customization of the interface.
- ⚠️ Risks: Loss of warranty (if it is still relevant), possible instability of operation, triggering of the Knox counter (permanently blocks Samsung Pay).
- 🛠️ Requirements: Having an unlocked bootloader, TWRP installed, firmware file (LineageOS, Resurrection Remix, etc.).
The process of installing custom firmware is more complicated than updating via Odin. You will need to download the recovery file, flash it via Odin, then enter Recovery mode, do a full reset (Wipe Data/Factory Reset) and only after that install the archive with the new system. An error at any stage can lead to data loss.
Installing custom firmware is the only way to get Android above 7.0 on Samsung J5 2016, but this will void the Knox security guarantee.
Frequent problems after the update and their solutions
After a system update, especially if it was done manually or the transition was between major versions (for example, from 6.0 to 7.0), users may encounter a number of troubles. The most common problem is rapid battery discharge and heating of the case in the first days after installation.
This phenomenon is called “system warming up”. Android performs file indexing and application optimization in the background. This process usually takes from 2 to 5 days of active use. If the problem does not disappear after a week, perhaps some third-party application is not compatible with the new version of the OS.
Another common error is the appearance of the message “The com.android.phone process is not responding” or a network problem. In such cases, it is recommended to reset the network settings or, as a last resort, completely reset the device to factory settings (Hard Reset). This will clear the cache and remove conflicting settings left over from the old firmware.
⚠️ Attention: Before performing a hard reset, be sure to remove the microSD card to avoid accidentally formatting external data and losing photos.
To perform a reset, go to Settings → General settings → Reset → Reset data. If the phone does not turn on or is stuck on the logo, use a combination of buttons to enter Recovery mode: Volume Up + Home + Power, and select item Wipe data/factory reset using the volume buttons.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to officially update the Samsung J5 2016 to Android 8 or 9?
No, Samsung has officially stopped supporting this model on Android 7.0 Nougat. All versions above 7.0 are unofficial (custom) and are installed by the user at his own peril and risk.
Why does not the update arrive over the air (OTA)?
This may be due to the fact that the phone already has the latest available version installed, the device was flashed earlier (the system partition was changed), or Samsung servers in your region no longer distribute updates for this models.
Will the update erase my data (photos, contacts)?
A regular update through settings or Smart Switch does not delete personal data. However, when manually flashing via Odin or installing custom firmware, data may be lost, so backup is strictly necessary.
Will banking applications work after the update?
On the official Android 7.0 firmware, banking applications work correctly. If you install custom firmware or get root access, some banks may block access to the application for security reasons.
How to return to an old version of Android if the new one works poorly?
You can return to an older official version only through the Odin app by downloading the corresponding old firmware. It is impossible to downgrade the version through the phone settings.