Update Galaxy S4 with I9500XXUFNC1 Android 4.4.2 Stock Firmware

Samsung has just started rolling out its newest Android 4.4.2 KitKat Over-The-Air (OTA) update with build number I9500XXUFNC1 for the international variant of Galaxy S4 (GT-I9500).

Though the new build of KitKat update is basically released for India, it can be installed on any unlocked variant of Galaxy S4 I9500 regardless of the country or region. To prevent server overload, the update is being rolled out in phases over Samsung KIES as well as via OTA.

Those who cannot wait for the official release of the firmware update can still install the same manually using our step-by-step guide below. As this is an official firmware from Samsung, there is no need to install custom recovery software on the Galaxy S4.

Android 4.4.2 I9500XXUFNC1 Firmware Details

Model: GT-I9500
Model name: GALAXY S4
Country: India
Version: Android 4.4.2
Changelist: 923538
Build date: Wed, 05 Mar 2014 07:25:51 +0000
Product Code: INS
PDA: I9500XXUFNC1
CSC: I9500ODDFNC1
MODEM: I9500DDUFNA4

IBTimes UK reminds its readers that it will not be held liable for any damage to device during or after firmware installation. Users are advised to proceed at their own risk.

Pre-requisites

1. Install necessary USB Drivers for Galaxy S4 GT-I9500 on the computer.

2. USB Debugging Mode should be enabled on the phone by navigating to Settings >> Developer Options.

3. Back up your important data to avoid potential data loss during firmware installation.

4. Ensure the phone is factory unlocked (not locked to any specific carrier).

5. Verify Galaxy S4 has at least 80 percent battery charge.

6. The Android 4.4.2 I9500XXUFNC1 firmware is compatible with Galaxy S4 (GT-I9500) only. Do not attempt installing it on incorrect variants as it may brick the device. Verify the model number of the Galaxy S4 by navigating to Settings >> About Phone.

Downloads Required

Note:Register via SamMobile to download and install the stock firmware via alternate link.

Steps to Update Galaxy S4 with Android 4.4.2 I9500XXUFNC1 KitKat Official Firmware

Step 1: Extract Android 4.4.2 I9500XXUFNC1 firmware zip file via WinRAR/7-Zip or WinZip to obtain a .tar.md5 file and some other optional files.
Step 2: Next Odin zip file should be extracted to get Odin3 v3.09.exe along with few other files.
Step 3: Power off the Galaxy S4 and boot the device into Download Mode. To do so, press and hold Volume Down, Home and Powerbuttons together until a construction Android robot icon with a warning triangle appears on screen. Then keep tapping Volume Upbutton to progress into Download Mode.
Step 5: Launch Odin on computer as an Administrator.
Step 6: Now connect Galaxy S4 to computer with USB cable in Download Mode. When Odin detects the device and a pop-up message reading "Added!" appears on screen, the ID: COM box will turn light blue with the COM port number.
Note: If the Added message fails to appear, then try re-installing USB drivers or changing the port on computer.
Step 7:In Odin, click on AP button and select the firmware file with .tar.md5 extension (firmware filename: I9500XXDLJ5_I9500ODDDLI7_INU.tar.md5)

Step 8: In Odin, select Auto Reboot and F. Reset Time options. But, the Re-Partition option must be checked only if you used the .pit file in previous step.
Step 9: After ensuring that Step 7 and Step 8 are done correctly, hit the Startbutton in Odin to begin installing the firmware.
Step 10: After the firmware is installed, a PASS message with green background appears in the left-most box at the top of Odin. Galaxy S4 will then reboot to the Home screen. It is now safe to disconnect the USB cable and remove the phone from computer.

Galaxy S4 GT-I9500 is now running I9500XXUFNC1 Android 4.4.2 KitKat stock firmware. Head over to Settings >> About Phone to verify the firmware installed on the device.

Troubleshooting: If Galaxy S4 GT-I9500 is stuck at boot animation after Step 10, then boot into recovery mode (press and hold the Volume Up, Home and Power buttons together), and perform Wipe data/Factory Reset and Wipe Cache Partition task before choosing Reboot System Now option.

Note: In recovery mode, use Volume keys to navigate between options and Power key to select the option. Performing data wipe task will erase your device's internal memory and not external SD card data.

[Source: SamMobile]