Update Galaxy S4 LTE (Snapdragon 600) to Official I9505XXUFNC8 Android 4.4.2 KitKat Firmware

The LTE variant of Galaxy S4 powered by Snapdragon 600 quad-core processor has recently received a new Android 4.4.2 KitKat stock firmware update with build number I9505XXUFNC8. The I9505XXUFNC8 KitKat build supports a higher change list number than its previous version, which means it is the latest update available for Galaxy S4.

Firmware details

Model: Galaxy S4 LTE (GT-I9505)

Version: Android 4.4.2 KitKat

Changelist: 481100

Build date: 18 March

Product Code: VOD

PDA: I9505XXUFNC8

CSC: I9505VFGFNC1

MODEM: I9505XXUFNC8

Country: United Kingdom (Vodafone)

The I9505XXUFNC8 firmware is for Vodafone subscribers in the UK. Those who are staying outside UK will not be able to access the update via Samsung Kies servers or find OTA.

Those who wish to install the latest update manually may follow our step-by-step guide. Note that the I9505XXUFNC8 is a carrier-branded firmware and users will get some extra goodies from the network operators with the installation of the firmware.

IBTimes UK reminds its readers that it will not be held responsible for any damage to the device. Before installing the stock firmware, users are advised to verify their devices meet following requirements.

Pre-requisites

1) Install USB Drivers for Samsung Galaxy S4 to connect the Android device with the computer.

2) Enable USB Debugging Mode on phone to connect it with the computer and use Android SDK with it. [Navigate to Settings>> About phone. Tap on Build Number several times until a message appears saying 'You are now a Developer.' Now go to Settings>> Developer Options to enable USB Debugging Mode.]

3) As the tutorial is likely to wipe out all data of the phone, create a backup. If the device is having any custom recoveries such as CWM/TWRP then backup data using the same.

4) If the Android phone powers off due to lack of battery while the installation process, it could damage the device. Therefore, the Galaxy S4 should have charge above 80% battery charge.

5) The device should be factory unlocked and not locked to a particular carrier.

6) The phone will lose custom ROM with the installation of official firmware. Also, the custom recovery will be replaced by the stock version.

7) The device will no longer belong to a rooted version with the installation of official firmware.

8) I9505XXUFNC8 Android 4.4.2 KitKat official firmware works only with LTE Galaxy S4 GT-I9505. As flashing this on any other variant might brick the device, verify the model number of Galaxy S4 by navigating to Settings>> About device>> Model number.

Download files

I9505XXUFNC8 Android 4.4.2 KitKat [Alternative link]

Odin 3.09

How to install I9505XXUFNC8 Android 4.4.2 KitKat on Galaxy S4 LTE (GT-I9505)

Step-1: Extract the downloaded firmware zip using winrar/7zip/winzip or any other extracting tool

Step-2: Extract the Odin zip to get Odin3 v.3.09.exe

Step-3: Switch off Galaxy S4

Step-4: Place the phone into Download Mode by pressing and holding Volume Down, Home and Power buttons together until a construction Android robot icon with a warning triangle appears on the phone screen. Now press the Volume Up button to enter Download Mode

Note: Ensure Galaxy S4 USB drivers have been installed on the computer.

Step-5: Run Odin3 v3.09.exe on the computer

Step-6: Connect the Galaxy S4 to computer using USB cable while it is in Download mode. Wait for some time until Odin detects the device. When the phone is connected successfully an Added message will appear under Odin. Also, the ID: COM box in Odin will turn light blue with COM port number, indicating successful connection

Note: If the Added message does not appear, then try to re-install USB derivers or change the USB port on the computer.

Step-7: Select these files extracted from I9505XXUFNC8 folder to install on the phone

a) Click on AP button and select file with AP in its name

b) Click on CP button and select file with MODEM in its name

c) Click on CSC button and select file with CSC in its name

d) Click the PIT button and select .pit file

e) Click on BL button and select file with BL in its name

Note: Ignore the last steps (step-b, c, d and e) if such files do not exist.

Step-8: In Odin enable Auto Reboot and F.Reset Time checkboxes. Click the Re-Partition checkbox if a .pit file has been chosen in the previous step

Step-9: Verify everything and click the Start button in Odin. The installation process should begin now and take about few minutes to complete

Step-10: When the installation process is completed, the phone will restart automatically. When the home screen appears, disconnect the phone from the computer

The Galaxy S4 should now be updated with I9505XXUFNC8 Android 4.4.2 KitKat firmware. Navigate to Settings>> About phone to verify the new firmware version running on the device.

How to fix bootloop issue

If the Galaxy S4 gets stuck at booting animation (after step-10), go to recovery mode by pressing and holding Volume Up, Home and Power and buttons together. Now perform Wipe data/Factory reset then Wipe Cache Partition. Once the action is completed, reboot the phone by selecting reboot system now. In recovery mode, use Volume keys to scroll between options and Power button to select the desired option. Note that performing wiping task will erase the phone's internal memory data.

[Source: Team Android]