Galaxy S4 GT-I9500 Receives Official Android 4.2.2 UBUAMDE Jelly Bean Firmware [How to Manually Install]

Samsung recently rolled out its latest Over-The-Air (OTA) Jelly Bean update, Android 4.2.2 UBUAMDE, for Galaxy S4 GT-I9500 users in Columbia. The update reportedly brings bug-fixes and performance enhancements over its previous build.

In addition to the regular OTA method, the firmware can also be installed through Samsung KIES in select countries. Those who failed to receive the OTA update notification or cannot wait for the official release in their country can download and install the same manually, using our step-by-step guide given below.

Android 4.2.2 UBUAMDE Jelly Bean Firmware Details:

PDA: I9500UBUAMDE
CSC: I9500UUBAMDE
Version: 4.2.2
Date: May, 2013

Key Points to Note

• UBUAMDE official firmware and the instructions given in this guide are limited to the international variant of Galaxy S4 (GT-I9500) 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 phone using one of the recommended custom recovery tools such as ClockworkMod (CWM) or TWRP, as it creates a complete image of the existing phone setup.
• Make sure that the phone has at least 80% battery charge to prevent unexpected device shutdown (due to battery drain) during firmware installation, as this may inadvertently brick or damage the device.
• Verify that the correct USB drivers are installed for the phone on computer (download Samsung Galaxy S4 GT-I9500 USB drivers).
• Ensure that USB Debugging mode is enabled on the phone by navigating to Settings > Developer Options (if the device is running on Android 4.0 or later) or Settings > Applications > Development (if the phone is running on Android 2.3 or earlier). Otherwise, if device is running on Android 4.2, then do the following:
  • Go to Settings > About Phone
  • Scroll down to the bottom of screen and select Build Number
  • Tap the Build Number seven times to unlock or reveal the hidden Developer Options under Settings. Finally, select the checkbox to enable USB Debugging mode under Settings > Developer Options.
• As this is an official release, ensure that the device is not rooted (download Root Checker app). Unroot the device first (if it is already rooted), before proceeding with the firmware installation.
• Double check to see that the device is factory unlocked (not locked to a specific carrier) with CWM recovery installed on it.
• If "MD5 hash value is invalid" error 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 must proceed at their own risk.

How to Install Official Android 4.2.2 UBUAMDE Jelly Bean Firmware on Galaxy S4 GT-I9500

Step 1: Download Android 4.2.2 UBUAMD Jelly Bean official firmware for Galaxy S4 I9500 and Odin v3.07 on your computer.

Step 2: Extract the downloaded firmware zip file to the desktop to receive a .tar.md5 file and some other files (optional).

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

Step 4: Power off the phone and wait for vibration (about 5 to 6 seconds) to confirm complete device shutdown. Now boot the phone into Download Mode by pressing and holding Volume Down, Home and Power button together until a construction Android robot icon with a triangle appears on screen. Then hit Volume Up button to progress into Download Mode.

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

Step 6: Connect the phone to computer via USB cable. At this moment, a message reading "Added!" should appear in Odin's message box at the bottom left of screen. If the message fails to appear, then try another USB port (preferably the one at the back of your desktop). If all else fails, then just reinstall the phone's USB drivers on computer. When the device connects successfully, the ID:COM box will turn yellow with the corresponding COM port number.

Step 7: Choose the following files from I9500UBUAMDE folder that you obtained in Step 2 in Odin using respective checkboxes:

1. Select the PDA checkbox, and click the file named '.tar.md5' (required)

2. Choose the Phone checkbox, and select the file named 'modem' (ignore if there is no such file)

3. Click the CSC checkbox, and choose the file named 'CSC' (ignore if such file is not found)

4. Choose the PIT checkbox, and click the .pit file (ignore if such file is absent)

Step 8: In Odin, select Auto Reboot and F. Reset Time checkboxes. But, the Re-Partition checkbox should be selected, only if a .pit file was chosen in the previous step in ODIN.

Step 9: To prevent ROM flashing errors, verify that Step 7 and Step 8 are done correctly. Then hit the START button to begin the flashing process.

Step 10: Once the ROM installation is done, 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. Now, safely unplug the USB cable to disconnect the device from computer.

Your Galaxy S4 I9500 is now running on Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean based UBUAMDE official firmware. Go to Settings > About Phone to verify the firmware installed.

Troubleshooting Steps:

If the phone is stuck at boot animation or Samsung logo after Step 10, then go to recovery mode (press and hold the Volume Up, Home and Power buttons together). Then perform Wipe data/Factory Reset as well as Wipe Cache Partition before tapping reboot system now. NOTE: Use Volume keys to navigate between options and Power key to select an option in recovery. Please note that performing a data wipe task will erase your phone's internal memory and not data on the SD card.

[Source: Droid Firmwares]