Galaxy S4 LTE Gets I9505XXUFNC9 Android 4.4.2 KitKat Official Firmware

Samsung has just released a new Android 4.4.2 KitKat stock build with base firmware I9505XXUFNC9 for the LTE version of Galaxy S4 (GT-I9505). The new firmware build is now available for the Galaxy S4 users in Russia. Also, users from firmware supported regions can install the update.

Firmware Details

Model: Galaxy S4 LTE (GT-I9505)

PDA: I9505XXUFNC9

CSC: I9505OXEFNC1

MODEM: I9505XXUFNC9

Version: Android 4.4.2 KitKat

Build date: 19 March

Regions: Russia

I9505XXUFNC9 build can be downloaded as OTA update and through Samsung Kies server. Those who are staying outside Russia and missed the OTA update or, unable to access the update via Samsung Kies, may follow our step-by-step guide to install the same manually using Odin flashing tool.

Note that I9505XXUFNC9 is an unbranded version of firmware and can be installed on any unlocked GT-I9505 unit, regardless of country or region.

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) I9505XXUFNC9 Android 4.4.2 KitKat official firmware works only with Samsung 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

I9505XXUFNC9 Android 4.4.2 KitKat [Alternative link]

Odin v3.07

How to install I9505XXUFNC9 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 to get a .tar.md5 file with few other files, which are optional

Step-2: Extract the Odin zip to get Odin3 v.3.07.exe with few other files

Step-3: Switch off Galaxy S4

Step-4: Boot 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

Step-5: Run Odin3 v3.07.exe as Administrator

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 I9500XXUFNB7 folder

a) Click the PDA button and select the .tar.md5 file

b) Click the Phone button and select file with MODEM in its name

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

d) Click the PIT button and select the .pit file

Note: Ignore the last three steps (step-b, c and d) 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 and soon a PASS message with green background will appear in the extreme left box at the very top of Odin. You may now disconnect the phone from the computer

I9505XXUFNC9 Android 4.4.2 KitKat firmware should now be installed on the Galaxy S4 LTE. 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: Honai of Android]