Samsung is now pushing August 2019 security update to Galaxy Note 9 and you can install it with this guide, manually. Despite just launching Galaxy Note 10, the successor to the Note 9, Samsung is keeping its older phone all up to date with this latest firmware. Initially, Galaxy Note 9 was launched with Oreo and only months back did it get updated to Android Pie. Unlike the major Pie release, this update is minor but just as important as it addresses security issues, improves reliability and performance. Being official, the update should arrive through OTA but you can install it manually using our guide ahead on Galaxy Note 9.
Usually, all Samsung phones receive software updates gradually and in phases. To skip the wait, you can officially install the firmware without losing warranty using this manual procedure. Further, if you have modified your Galaxy Note 9, you can use this tutorial to restore it back to latest official Samsung firmware and factory settings. Now, as we go on to explain the whole process, we recommend you first create a backup of all apps and data.
Disclaimer: Please use this guide at your own risk. We, at TeamAndroid, would not be held responsible if you brick or generally mess up with your device. Further, the firmwares, system files or apps used are property of their respective owners.
August 2019 Firmware Details:
This update is focused on improving reliability, performance and security. There aren’t major changes that users will directly notice but behind the scenes, crucial improvements are present hence making it a must to update to it.
This firmware tutorial applies to both Samsung Galaxy Note 9. The specific model numbers supported through this guide are mentioned ahead.
- Samsung Galaxy Note 9 N960F
To make sure you own the correct Samsung Galaxy Note 9 model / variant, go to Settings > About phone > Model number. Also, you can consult our Galaxy Note 9 Model Numbers and Variants article.
You might find these following Galaxy Note 9 related articles interesting:
- USB Drivers: Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Drivers and How to Connect with Computer.
- Recovery Mode: How to Access Recovery Mode on the Samsung Galaxy Note 9.
- Install Android Pie: How to Install Android 9.0 Pie on Computer.
- Custom ROMs: For a complete collection of Samsung Galaxy Note 9 custom ROMs, click here!
If you plan on rooting this phone or are still confused for why to root Galaxy Note 9, read: Benefits of Rooting Your Android Device.
Samsung Galaxy Note 9 USB Drivers
You will need to connect your Android phone with the computer. For that, please make sure you have installed the USB drivers for Samsung Galaxy Note 9 properly. If not, you can download the latest official drivers from our Android USB Drivers section here:
Download Samsung Galaxy Note 9 USB drivers!
All set and ready? Good. You can now continue reading below and update Galaxy Note 9 to August 2019 official firmware update.
How to Install August 2019 Firmware Update on Galaxy Note 9
Ahead, we have a detailed step-by-step procedure through which you can update Samsung Galaxy Note 9 to August 2019 firmware. The firmware is an official one signed by Samsung and we will utilize latest ODIN to flash it onto Galaxy Note 9.
Please read every line carefully and make sure you read the tutorial once before actually performing on your device.
To Remember:
- This tutorial is only for Samsung Galaxy Note 9. Please don’t try this on any other variants of the phone.
- Firmwares used in this post are official releases by Samsung for the Galaxy Note 9.
- Make sure you backup all your data in your phone before proceeding.
Complete Step-By-Step Instructions:
Step 1 – Download August 2019 firmware from the following links for your specific Galaxy Note 9 model to your computer and extract the zip file.
- Galaxy Note 9 N960F: N960FXXS3CSG5
Step 2 – Download Odin which will help you to install Android 9.0 Pie update on Samsung Galaxy Note 9.
Step 3 – Switch OFF your phone. Now go to Download Mode. How? Press and hold the Volume Down + Bixby buttons together, and then press the Power button till you see the construction Android robot and a triangle. Press Power again to confirm to enter into Download Mode. Read: How to Enter Download Mode on Galaxy Note 9.
Step 4 – Make sure you have your Galaxy Note 9 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 it. Your Samsung Galaxy Note 9 has now been updated to Android 9.0 Pie firmware update. Go to Settings > About phone to verify.
Backup and Other Important Tips
Please take a look at the following tips and important points you need to take care of. These are important, as we don’t want anyone losing their personal data or apps.
Always backup your important data that you might need after you install a new custom ROM, an official software update or anything else. Make a backup for just in case, you never know when anything might go wrong. Read: How to Backup Android Apps, Text Messages, WhatsApp, Call History.
Samsung users can also back up data using Samsung Smart Switch to your computer. Smart Switch helps to move data across different Android devices i.e moving Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge backup data to Samsung Galaxy Note 9.
If you already have a custom recovery (ClockworkMod, TWRP etc.) installed on your phone, we strongly recommend a backup using that as it creates a complete image of your existing phone set up. [Tutorial: How to Backup Android Phone using TWRP]
A few more optional tips that you should remember:
1. Having problems connecting your Android phone to the computer? You need to enable USB debugging mode. See here: How to Enable USB Debugging — for Gingerbread, Ice Cream Sandwich, Jelly Bean, KitKat, Marshmallow, Nougat and Oreo. 2. Make sure your Android device is charged up to 80-85% battery level. This might help you: How to Check Battery Percentage. Why? Because, if your phone goes off suddenly while installing a custom ROM, flashing an official firmware update or installing mods etc. — your phone might get bricked or go dead permanently. No one wants that, right? 3. Most of the tutorials and how-to guides on Team Android are for factory unlocked Android phones and tablets. We recommend NOT to try our guides if your phone is locked to a carrier, unless we have specified the carrier name or device model.
If you run into any problems, feel free to drop us a comment below and we will reply you back ASAP with the fix or the solution to your problem.
