Update Galaxy Note 8.0 N5110 to Official Android 4.1.2 XXBMD1 Jelly Bean Firmware [How to Install Manually]

Close on the heels of Galaxy S3 I9305 (click to view step-by-step guide), yet another Galaxy device - the Note 8.0 N5110 - gets the latest Android 4.1.2 XXBMD1 Jelly Bean firmware from Samsung. Although the official firmware is presently available as Over-The-Air (OTA) update in Bulgaria only, it can now be downloaded and installed manually on any unlocked Galaxy Note N5110 (including the UK and other European countries), using this guide. The firmware is part of the regular maintenance update and brings a host of bug-fixes as well as feature optimisations over its previous build.

NOTE: The installation method employed in this tutorial makes use of ODIN flash tool and is not CWM recovery flashable.

Android 4.1.2 XXBMD1 Official Firmware Details

PDA: N5110XXBMD1
CSC: N5110OXXBMD1
Version: 4.1.2
Date: April, 2013

Key Points to Note

• XXBMD1 official firmware and the instructions provided in this guide are applicable to the Galaxy Note 8.0 N5110 model only and will not work on any other device. Verify the device's model number by navigating to Settings > About Phone.
• Back up important data and settings on the tablet, using one of the recommended custom recovery tools such as ClockworkMod (CWM) or TWRP recovery, as it creates a complete image of the existing phone setup.
• Verify if correct USB drivers are installed for the tablet on computer (download Galaxy Note 8.0 N5110 USB drivers).
• Make sure USB Debugging mode is enabled on the phone by navigating to Settings > Developer Options (if device is running Android 4.0 or later) or go to Settings > Applications > Development (if tablet is running Android 2.3 or earlier).
• Ensure the tablet has at least 85 percent battery charge to prevent unexpected device shutdown (due to battery drain), as it may inadvertently brick the device during firmware installation.
• The installation of this firmware requires ODIN flash tool that works well for Windows OS. However, Mac and Linux users should use CrossOver Utility to run ODIN.
• Access to custom ROMs and recovery tools will be lost soon after installing the official firmware, as custom versions will be replaced by stock counterparts. Also, root access to the device will be lost once you install the official firmware. And it is imperative to root the device again to regain full system access and be able to install third-party root apps, custom ROMs and latest system tweaks on it.
• As the firmware is an official release from Samsung, it will not increase the device's binary counter or void its hardware warranty.
• If "MD5 hash value is invalid" message appears in Odin message box then just re-download the firmware.
• The instructions provided in this guide are meant for reference purpose only. IBTimes UK will not be held liable if the device is damaged or bricked during or after the firmware installation. Users are advised to proceed at their own risk.

Downloads

• Android 4.1.2 N5110XXBMD1 for Galaxy Note 8.0 GT-N5110
• Odin 3.07

How to Update Galaxy Note 8.0 N5110 to Official Android 4.1.2 XXBMD1 Jelly Bean Firmware

1. Extract the XXBMD1 firmware zip file that you downloaded earlier to get a .tar.md5 file and some other files.

2. Extract Odin zip file to obtain Odin3 v3.07.exe along with few other files.

3. Switch off the tablet and wait for vibration (about 5 to 6 seconds) to confirm complete device shutdown.

4. Boot the tablet into Download Mode by pressing and holding Volume Down and Home buttons together, while simultaneously tapping the Power button. When a "Warning!" message appears on screen, hit Volume Up button to enter Download Mode. NOTE: You may need to tap Volume Up button to enter Download mode from green Robot screen.

5. Launch Odin3 v3.07.exe (check Step 2) as an Administrator as Admin privileges is required to complete the firmware installation process.

6. Connect the tablet to your computer with USB cable. A message reading "Added!!" will appear in Odin's message box at the bottom left of the screen. If the message fails to appear then just try another USB port (preferably the one at the back of your desktop computer). If all else fails then just reinstall the USB drivers for the tablet on computer. When the successful "Added!!" message pops-up in Odin, proceed to the next step. At this moment, the COM port with a number turns Yellow if you successfully added the device.

7. Choose the following files in Odin from extracted N5110XXBMD1 firmware folder using their designated buttons:

• Select the PDA checkbox, and choose the file named '.tar' or '.md5'.
• Click the Phone checkbox, and choose the file named 'modem' (ignore it if there is no such file)
• Tap the CSC checkbox, and click the file named 'CSC' (ignore it if such file is missing)
• Choose the PIT checkbox, and select the .pit file. Choose the file you obtained while extracting in step 1 above, otherwise ignore it.

8. In Odin, enable Auto Reboot and F. Reset Time options. But, the Re-Partition checkbox should be selected, only if a .pit file is used in the previous step.

9. Double check everything in Step 7 and Step 8 are done correctly. Then hit START button to begin the flashing process.

10. Once the firmware flashing completes, the tablet will reboot and a PASS message with green background appears in the left-most box at the very top of Odin. Now, disconnect the device from computer by unplugging its USB cable.

Galaxy Note 8.0 N5110 is now running on official Android 4.1.2 XXBMD1 Jelly Bean firmware. Go to Settings > About Phone to verify the firmware version installed.

Troubleshooting:

If the phone is stuck at booting or experiencing boot loop issues after Step 10 then go to recovery mode (press and hold Volume Up, Home and Power buttons together) and perform Wipe Data/Factory Reset and Wipe Cache Partition task before choosing Reboot System Now function. NOTE: Use Volume keys to navigate between options and Power key to select an option in recovery. Please note that performing wiping task will erase your device's internal memory data and not external SD card data.

[Source: Android Jinn]