Samsung has now started pushing its new One UI 2.1 firmware update for Galaxy M31 as well as Galaxy M21 and to install it, we have the complete manual instructions ahead. Samsung Galaxy M series is the brand’s entry level device lineup that offers value hardware and runs Samsung’s One UI skin. Despite the brand now working on One UI 3 based on Android 11, the entry level phones are only just starting to see One UI 2.1. Regardless, various new tweaks and features make the latest update definitely worthwhile and with the following instructions you can have your Galaxy M21 / M31 updated in no time.
Due to the sheer amount of devices in Samsung’s Galaxy lineup, it has become increasingly diffcult for the brand to push out major software updates. More, since not all can be updated at once, Samsung gives preference to its flagships, then its mid-range and then finally, entry-level phones. All in all, this adds to delays in software updates for phones like Galaxy M devices. Anyhow, One UI 2.1 is here for Galaxy M21 along with Galaxy M31 and with the guide ahead, you can immediately update your device manually.
One UI 2.1 – What’s New and What’s Changed?
Improving on One UI 2 that was released alongside Android 10, One UI 2.1 is a small refinement update. Highlight changes include Music Share, Quick Share and camera app improvements. More, there are small tweaks to overall UI that make the skin that more coherent and intuitive to use.
Samsung is also pushing Single Take, Night Hyperlapse and My Filters within the update. Users can try these out in the camera app once they update their Galaxy M21 / M31 to One UI 2.1 build.
Update Galaxy M21 / Galaxy M31 to One UI 2.1 Update
Following instructions will let you update your Galaxy M21 and Galaxy M31 to Android 10 One UI 2.1 update. These instructions will also double as tips to restore your phone to stock settings once it has been rooted or a custom ROM has been installed.
Things to Remember
- Before you flash, make sure to confirm the model number of your phone and download the file that correctly corresponds to it.
- Firmwares used in this post are official releases by Samsung.
- Make sure you backup all your data in your phone before proceeding.
Download Firmware
The first part invovles downloading the firmware ZIP packages themselves. To do so, use the following links:
| Name | Model | Download |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy M21 | M215F | M215FXXU2ATI9 |
| Samsung Galaxy M31 | M315F | M315FXXU2ATIB |
Installation Instructions
After extracting the ZIP file of your firmware package, use these steps to install One UI 2.1 on Galaxy M21 / M31.
Step 1 – Make sure to download the correct firmware for your phone from the links mentioned before.
Step 2 – Download Odin which will help you to install One UI 2.1.
Step 3 – Switch off your phone and then enter into download mode by pressing volume down and power buttons together. For detailed instructions, read: How to Enter Download / Odin Mode on Samsung phones.
Step 4 – Make sure you have your correct USB drivers installed on your computer.
Step 5 – Open ODIN on your computer. Connect your phone to your computer while your phone is in the Download Mode.
Step 6 – If your phone is connected successfully, one of the ID:COM boxes will turn yellow with the COM port number. This step might take some time.
Step 7 – Now select the files that you have to flash/install on your phone. These files are to be found from the extracted files in Step 1.
- Click on ‘AP’ and select file with ‘AP’ in its name.
- Click on ‘CP’ and select file with ‘MODEM’ in its name. Ignore this step if there is no such file.
- Click on ‘CSC’ and select file with ‘CSC’ in its name. Ignore this step if there is no such file.
- Click on ‘PIT’ and select the .pit file. Ignore this step if there is no such file.
- Click on ‘BL’ and select file with ‘BL’ in it’s name. Ignore if there is no such file.
If you are using an older version of ODIN or flashing a firmware which doesn’t have the above mentioned file name format then look below for the abbreviations to the old name format. Do note that only file name changes, the functionality and back end process remains the same so don’t worry.
- AP = PDA
- BL = Boot Loader
- CP = Modem
Step 8 – In ODIN, check the Auto Reboot and F. Reset Time options. As for the Re-Partition option, check it ONLY if you selected a .PIT file in the above step.
Step 9 – Now click on the Start button in ODIN. Installation process will start and would take a few minutes to complete.
Step 10 – After the installation is completed, your phone will restart. After you see the home screen, unplug your phone from the computer.
That’s all! Your Galaxy M21 / Galaxy M31 should now be running new One UI 2.1 firmware. If you ran into problems, you can reach us through the comments!
