Galaxy S4 I9505
Galaxy S4 I9505 receives official Android 4.2.2 XXUBMGC OTA firmware .

Samsung has rolled out its latest official Jelly Bean firmware via Android 4.2.2 XXUBMGC Over-The-Air (OTA) update for Galaxy S4 GT-I9505 users in Germany. However, those who missed the OTA update notification and those who cannot wait for the firmware release in their country, can follow our step-by-step guide to install the same manually.

This tutorial brings you three ways of updating your Galaxy S4 to the latest official firmware: OTA, Samsung Kies and manual update via Odin.

NOTE: The direct update via OTA does not void the device warranty, as it makes no change to the phone's hardware. IBTimes UK reminds its readers it will not be held liable for any device damage during firmware installation. Users are advised to proceed at their own risk.

Pre-Requisites

  • The XXUBMGC official firmware and instructions provided are limited to Galaxy S4 GT-I9505 model only. Verify device model number by navigating to Settings > About Phone.
  • Back-up data and settings using recommended custom recovery tool such as ClockworkMod (CWM) or TWRP, as data wiping process is mandatory in this tutorial.
  • Download and install correct USB drivers for Galaxy S4 on computer.
  • Ensure USB debugging mode is enabled on phone by navigating to Settings > Applications > Development or Settings > Developer Options.
  • Double-check the device has at least 80% battery charge to prevent unexpected device shutdown (due to battery drain) while installing ROM.
  • If device is stuck at booting or experiences boot loop issues, Wipe Cache Partition and Wipe Dalvik Cache a few more times before rebooting.
  • Allow newly installed ROM to stabilise for five minutes before using device.
  • If a Status 7 error message flashes while installing firmware, it could be due to an incompatible device or absence of a necessary kernel (for instance, a Jelly Bean Kernel must be installed before installing any Jelly Bean ROM).

How to Update Galaxy S4 GT-I9505 to Android 4.2.2 XXUBMGC Official Firmware via OTA

  • Ensure the device has a stable internet connection (Wi-Fi or data network).
  • Power on the device and select About device under system settings.
  • Now choose Software Update and click Update.
  • The latest available update will appear on screen. Hit OK to download and install (Note: if installed via 3G you will incur data charges).
  • The device should automatically reboot, once the installation completes.
  • If "updates have already been installed" message appears, then wait until Samsung releases the next OTA update.

How to Update Galaxy S4 GT-I9505 via Samsung KIES

  • Ensure the device has a stable internet connection (Wi-Fi or data network).
  • Download and install Samsung KIES on computer.
  • Power on the device and connect it to computer via USB cable.
  • Launch Samsung KIES and wait until it detects the device.
  • A message saying "New Firmware Upgrade is available" should now pop-up on screen.
  • Tap on Firmware Upgrade button to proceed.
  • Check the box to agree all terms and conditions about the upgrade and hit Start Upgrade to continue.
  • Let the installation process run and do not disconnect the device.
  • Once the firmware is installed, the device will reboot automatically.

The latest official firmware is now installed. Go to Settings > About Device and verify the firmware version installed.

How to Manually Update Galaxy S4 GT-I9505 to Android 4.2.2 XXUBMGC Official Firmware via Odin

Step 1: Download Android 4.2.2 I9505XXUBMGC Jelly Bean OTA for Galaxy S4 GT-I9505 and Odin v3.07 on your computer.

Step 2: Extract the firmware zip file to the desktop to obtain a .tar.md5 file.

Step 3: Extract Odin zip file to get Odin3 v3.07.exe as well as few other files.

Step 4: Power off the phone and wait for vibration (about 5-6 seconds) to confirm complete device shutdown. Then boot the device 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 screen. Then hit Volume Up to progress into Download Mode.

Step 5: Launch Odin3 v3.07.exe that you extracted in Step 3 as an Administrator, as Admin privileges are required to complete the installation process smoothly.

Step 6: Connect the Galaxy S4 to computer via USB cable, while the device is still in Download mode. When the device connects successfully, a message saying "Added!" appears in ODIN and the ID: COM box will turn yellow or blue with the corresponding COM port number. If the message fails to appear, try reinstalling the phone's USB drivers or changing the port on computer.

Step 6: Choose the following files from the extracted I9505XXUBMGC firmware folder obtained in Step 1 by using respective checkboxes:

  • Select the PDA checkbox, and click the '.tar.md5' file

Step 7: In Odin, enable Auto Reboot and F. Reset Time options by selecting the checkboxes. But the Re-Partition checkbox must not be selected.

Step 8: To prevent ROM related errors, verify Step 6 and Step 7 are done correctly. Then hit START button to begin flashing firmware.

Step 9: Once the firmware installation is complete, the phone will reboot automatically and soon a PASS message with green background appears in the left-most box at the very top of Odin. Wait until the home screen loads up. Now it is safe to unplug the USB cable to disconnect the device from computer.

Galaxy S4 GT-I9505 is now running on the latest Android 4.2.2 XXUBMGC official firmware. Go to Settings > About Phone to verify the firmware installed.

ALSO READ: New Android 4.2.2 XXUBMG4 OTA Update Arrives for Galaxy S4 I9505 [Install and Root]

[Source: Android Teen]