How to Use Odin to Flash Firmware on Samsung Devices

Are you struggling with software issues on your Samsung device? Did you accidentally brick it while trying to update the firmware? Don’t worry, Odin is here to save the day! In this blog post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about using Odin to flash or update firmware on your Samsung device. From downloading Samsung firmware binaries (BL, AP, CP, and CSC) and using the latest Odin to preparing your device for flashing, we’ve got everything you need to make the process smooth sailing. Let’s dive into how you can use Odin to install or update firmware on your Samsung device!

Odin is a portable utility for Windows PC that doesn’t require installation. Using this firmware flash tool is pretty straightforward. You just need to download the latest Samsung Odin, firmware binaries, put your device into the download mode, and install the firmware. If these simple steps are not enough for you and you still need a detailed explanation of every step so that you can flash the firmware on your Samsung Galaxy phone or Galaxy Tab, we got you covered.

When Should You Use Samsung Odin?

Odin is a tool for Windows used by Samsung internally to flash software/firmware images onto Galaxy devices. It is also used by advanced users and developers to manually flash stock ROMs, kernels, mods, and custom recoveries like TWRP, etc.

1. Downgrade Software: If a recent software update has taken away some feature or app compatibility which was indispensable to you, you can downgrade to an older version of the firmware using Odin.
2. Fix Boot loop: There are times when a rogue app or a bad software update might cause a boot loop. In such a condition, your Samsung phone may get stuck on the Samsung logo. Flashing the full firmware using Odin can help you fix the boot loop.
3. Change CSC: If you purchased a pre-owned Samsung phone or bought it abroad, you might not find your native language and other localizations on it. You can use Odin to change the CSC on your device manually to get those missing things.
4. Update Software Manually: If you have purchased your Samsung Galaxy device from one country and later shift to a different country, you might not receive the official OTA updates. In such a situation, you can download the latest Samsung firmware for your device and install it manually to update your device.
5. Install a Custom Recovery: Odin can also be used to install a custom recovery like TWRP or a modified kernel.

Preparations to be Made

If you’re using a Samsung smartphone or tablet, then you’re probably aware that the best way to install or update its firmware is through Odin. For Odin to work, there are a few things you are supposed to do beforehand.

1. Download and install the latest Samsung USB driver for Windows on your PC.
2. Also, download the latest Samsung Odin flash tool and extract the zip. In case you got an old Samsung phone and you’re not sure which Odin version to use to flash old firmware, refer to our guide. To install a modified firmware, you should use the Patched version or the version of Odin recommended by the developer.
3. An equally important thing that you need to download is the appropriate firmware binary for your Samsung device using Frija, SamFirm, or Samloader. When the firmware download is finished, extract the downloaded zip file to get the 5 firmware binaries, namely AP, BL CP, CSC, and HOME_CSC.
   1. To extract the firmware.zip file you can use WinZip, 7Zip, PowerArchiver, or Windows File Explorer. Right-click on the zip file and select Open with > Windows Explorer.
   2. Now, click on the Extract all option, choose a location where you want to extract the firmware binaries and click on the Extract button.
   3. You’ll now have all firmware files for Odin ready to be flashed.
4. Flashing the stock firmware onto your Samsung Galaxy phone or Tab might wipe its data such as contacts, call logs, messages, photos, videos, documents, etc. Therefore, you must back up all your data before you proceed.
5. Charge your device to ensure that it has at least 50% or above battery juice left.
6. Enable USB debugging via Developer options.
7. Boot your device into the Download or Odin Mode. Depending on your device model, the method to boot your Samsung device into the Download Mode might differ.
8. You’ll also need a compatible USB cable. It’s recommended that you use the USB cable provided with your phone to avoid any connection issues.

Since Odin is a flash tool compatible only with Windows, you cannot flash your Samsung device without a computer.

Steps to Flash Samsung Firmware with Odin

Having made the preparations mentioned above, you are all set to flash the firmware binaries on your Samsung Galaxy smartphone or Galaxy Tab. Let’s get started.

1. Open the Odin3 v3.14.4 folder and run the Odin3_v3.14.4.exe as an administrator. Click on the OK button on the warning pop-up to launch Odin.
2. Now, boot your Samsung device into the Download Mode. On Samsung phones and tablets released after 2021, you can enter the Download Mode as follows.
   1. Turn off your device.
   2. Connect it to your computer using a USB cable.
   3. As soon as the charging animation stops, press and hold the Volume UP + Volume Down keys at the same time for 5-7 seconds.
   4. You’ll see a Warning screen.
   5. Press the Volume Up key to enter the Download mode.
3. When the device boots into the download Mode, do not disconnect the USB cable and Odin will detect it.
4. Once Odin recognizes your Samsung phone, the ID:COM port will get highlighted and you’ll see ‘Added!!‘ in the Odin log.
5. Click on Options next to the Log tab in Odin and ensure that the Auto Reboot and F. Reset Time options are selected.
6. Now, you need to add the firmware binaries to the Odin flash tool.
   1. Click on the BL button, navigate to the folder where you extracted the firmware files with .tar.md5 extension, and add the binary that starts with ‘BL_’ in its name.
   2. Next, click on AP and add the firmware file that has ‘AP_‘ in its name. Since the AP binary is very large, it’ll take a few seconds to load.
   3. Then click on the CP button and add the CP binary to it.
   4. Finally, click on the CSC button in Odin and select the CSC or HOME_CSC file. If you want to have a fresh installation with no old data, go with the CSC file. However, if don’t want Odin to wipe your phone’s data, select the Home_CSC file.
7. Odin will check the MD5 checksum for each firmware file. When all 4 firmware binaries have been added, the Odin window will look like this.
8. Finally, make sure that your Odin screen looks as shown below, and click on the Start button to initiate firmware flashing.
9. Odin will start installing the firmware files and the process will take around 3-5 minutes, so wait patiently.
10. When the firmware flashing is finished, you’ll see PASS! in the Status Box in Odin. In the Log section, the last entry will be ‘All threads completed. (succeed 1/failed 0). Both these things indicate that the firmware was successfully installed on your Samsung device. If the firmware installation fails for some reason, read my detailed tutorial to fix Odin’s complete(write) operation failed error.
11. You can now disconnect your device. Your phone or tablet will reboot automatically. The first boot will take longer time than it usually takes to restart your device, so do not panic.

If you encounter any issues while flashing the firmware, read the solutions to fix the Complete(write) operation failed error in Odin.

How to Fix Boot Loop after Odin Flash

In most cases, Odin flashes go successfully and Samsung devices boot up normally. However, sometimes firmware flashing on Samsung devices ends up in a boot loop. Usually, it happens when users choose the Home_CSC file so that the device data is not wiped. If you try to install patched firmware using the normal version of the Odin flash tool, your device might not boot up properly. Sometimes, a Samsung phone or Tab might get stuck on the Samsung logo screen after an Odin flash for no reason.

Whatever the reason may be, you can fix the boot loop by trying the following solutions in the sequence they are mentioned.

1. Wipe cache partition from recovery mode
2. Perform a data factory reset via Recovery mode
3. Reinstall the stock firmware using Odin

Wipe Cache Partition from Recovery Mode

1. Boot your Samsung device into Recovery mode. Since your device is stuck in a boot loop, turn it off by holding the power button for 5-7 seconds.
2. Then connect your phone or tablet to a computer and press and hold the Volume Up + Power keys simultaneously.
3. When you see the Samsung logo, release both keys.
4. Once you enter the Recovery mode, screen touch will be disabled and you will have to use the volume keys to navigate and the power button to select an option.
5. Use the Volume Down key to highlight the Wipe cache partition option and press the Power button.
6. On the next screen, confirm your choice by selecting Yes.
7. Now, select the Reboot system now option.

Your Samsung device should boot normally now.

Perform a Data Factory Reset via Recovery Mode

If wiping the cache partition did not fix the boot loop issue on your phone, try performing a hard reset via the Recovery mode. This method will wipe all data stored on your device.

1. Boot your Samsung phone into Recovery mode using the steps mentioned under the previous method.
2. This time, go to the Wipe data/factory reset option and press the Power button.
3. Select Yes on the next screen to initiate the reset.
4. Finally, restart your phone by selecting the Reboot system now option.

There is a good chance that the boot loop issue was fixed on your Samsung device.

Reinstall the Stock Firmware Using Odin

If you are still stuck with a Samsung phone with a black screen and Samsung logo, installing the stock firmware with Odin is your last resort. Just follow the Odin firmware flashing steps described at the beginning of this tutorial. However, this time you must use the CSC (not the Home_CSC) file along with other firmware binaries.

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