Here is how you can manually flash Sprint Galaxy S20 5G with official March 2020 (G981USQU1ATCH) security update firmware to have the latest security fixes and software enhancements on your phone. Every month, Google releases a new security update that is meant to make Android more secure and less susceptible to problems. After the update is announced initially by Google, brands like Samsung then integrate it into their own firmwares and launch it for their devices. Sprint Galaxy S20 5G is the latest phone to receive the March 2020 security update and here is how you can install it manually using Odin.
5G phones have recently experienced a large boom. Almost all brands now have flagship devices that support the latest 5G network standard. Sprint Galaxy S20 5G being a popular CDMA device in US, Samsung was keen to have it running new firmware as quickly as possible. Since the update is now live for public, you can use our steps ahead to manually install it using Odin. Our procedure will work with all Sprint Galaxy S20 5G phones regardless they are running stock firmware, are rooted or are running custom ROMs.
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.
G981USQU1ATCH – March 2020 Update Firmware Details:
The main focus with this firmware update is improving security. Where the firmware itself is based on Android 10, the same revision as the last update, there are various hidden changes included that will enhance overall reliability of the device.
Furthermore, if you were facing any weird bugs or issues, Samsung would’ve addressed them in this build so be sure to update and check. As for our guide ahead, it is meant to work with the listed phone models only:
- Sprint Galaxy S20 5G G981U
To check the model of your phone, go to Settings > About phone > Model number.
You might find these following Galaxy S20 5G related articles interesting:
- Install Android R: How to Install Android 11 on Computer.
- Custom ROMs: For a complete collection of Sprint Galaxy S20 5G custom ROMs, click here!
If you plan on rooting this phone or are still confused for why to root Galaxy S20 5G, read: Benefits of Rooting Your Android Device.
Sprint Galaxy S20 5G 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 Sprint Galaxy S20 5G properly. If not, you can download the latest official drivers from our Android USB Drivers section here:
Download Sprint Galaxy S20 5G USB drivers!
All set and ready? Good. You can now continue reading below and update Galaxy S20 5G to March 2020 Update official firmware update.
How to Install Galaxy S20 5G March 2020 Security Update Update
Ahead, we have a detailed step-by-step procedure through which you can update Sprint Galaxy S20 5G to March 2020 Update build. The firmware is an official one signed by Samsung and we will utilize latest ODIN to flash Galaxy S20 5G March 2020 Update build.
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 Sprint Galaxy S20 5G G981U. 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 S20 5G.
- Make sure you backup all your data in your phone before proceeding.
Complete Step-By-Step Instructions:
Step 1 – Download Galaxy S20 5G March 2020 Update update from the following links for your specific Galaxy S20 5G model to your computer and extract the zip file.
- Sprint Galaxy S20 5G G981U: G981USQU1ATCH
Step 2 – Download Odin which will help you to install March 2020 Update update on Sprint Galaxy S20 5G.
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.
Step 4 – Make sure you have your Galaxy S20 5G 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 Sprint Galaxy S20 5G has now been updated to March 2020 Update firmware update. Go to Settings > About phone to verify.
Backup and Other Important Tips
Here are some important tips and tricks for backing up data before you install any new firmware:
- Camera photos and videos
- Music
- Account information (logins and passwords)
- WhatsApp messages – Check out our full guide on how to backup WhatsApp messages and media.
- Downloads
Conveniently, Samsung also provides a proprietary tool for creating a complete backup of your phone including settings, app data, photos and more. Named as Samsung Smart Switch you require a computer with ample space to store a complete backup of your phone.
A few more optional tips that you should remember:
- Having problems connecting your Android phone to the computer? You need to enable USB debugging mode. See here: How to Enable USB Debugging.
- Make sure your Android device is charged up to 80-85% battery level.
- 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.
