Galaxy S5 - Android Version 5.0, how do I update?

Forums › Android › Galaxy S5 - Android Version 5.0, how do I update?

originalGeorge

42 posts

Geek
+1 received by user: 1

#201296 12-Aug-2016 11:09

Hi guys!

I recently received an S5 from my friend as he got a new phone. The phone was competely factory reset.

It is a Samsung S5, in good nick.

Now, I have 2 other friends with this exact phone, their Android Versions are 6.0.1.

Mine however, is 5.0

I have tried to update it under "Software Updates", but it just tells me my phone is up to date, and no update is required.. surely though if they have the same phone, we can have the same Android Version?

Specs, I am with 2Degrees,

Model Number: SM-G900F

Thank you in advance!

gregmcc

2173 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 836

ID Verified

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1610595 12-Aug-2016 11:14

It all depends on the country version of the phone, (CSC I think) some countries never updated to newer versions.

There are ways to do a manual update via software called "odin" it not too difficult, but best left to someone who knows what they are doing.

originalGeorge

42 posts

Geek
+1 received by user: 1

#1610599 12-Aug-2016 11:20

Hmmm yeah that sounds a little tricky, would it still be legit? You would think if they have the same phone with a 6.0.1, I would have it too eh

timmmay

20857 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 5349

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1610605 12-Aug-2016 11:27

If you wanted to get up to date and stay up to date you could consider a good custom ROM, like Resurrection Remix. It takes a bit more work, but it's based on Cyanogenmod and gets updates from Google fairly quickly - I'm patched up to July or so on my S4. Samsung could be way way behind, and over time they just stop providing updates, like they have for the S4. You'd have to be semi technical though, as the instructions aren't as simple as the average person would need.

You'd have to check if it's built for the S5.

originalGeorge

42 posts

Geek
+1 received by user: 1

#1610619 12-Aug-2016 11:52

Thanks guys! I think I am doomed :) Hahahaha

bradstewart

4338 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 166

Retired Mod

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1610829 12-Aug-2016 16:59

Do what I did with my old S5, download the latest unbranded British firmware and flash that.

Download here: http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/download/86187/G900FXXS1CPGZ_G900FOXA1CPE1_BTU/ also has instructions for how to flash it. Quite straight forward.

Only downside is this will factory reset it, upside is you will be on 6.0.1 and will get any future updates.

tehgerbil

1110 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 884

ID Verified

Subscriber

#1610879 12-Aug-2016 18:33

Sorry dude, your Samsung G900F must be a parallel import - there's no models listed under NZ

Quic Broadband

Move to New Zealand's best fibre broadband service (affiliate link). Free setup code: R587125ERQ6VE. Note that to use Quic Broadband you must be comfortable with configuring your own router.

bradstewart

4338 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 166

Retired Mod

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1610881 12-Aug-2016 18:43

tehgerbil:

Sorry dude, your Samsung G900F must be a parallel import - there's no models listed under NZ

When the S5 first launched the 3 networks sold the G900F, later the G900I. They don't show up in that list because they haven't been updated since last year.

http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/database/SM-G900F/TNZ/
http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/database/SM-G900F/VNZ/
http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/database/SM-G900F/NZC/

The networks here are a disgrace for updates. The S7 hasn't had one since April but every other country has been getting them monthly. First thing I did when I got my S7 was to flash the BTU firmware.

tehgerbil

1110 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 884

ID Verified

Subscriber

#1610958 12-Aug-2016 20:18

bradstewart:

tehgerbil:

Sorry dude, your Samsung G900F must be a parallel import - there's no models listed under NZ

When the S5 first launched the 3 networks sold the G900F, later the G900I. They don't show up in that list because they haven't been updated since last year.

http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/database/SM-G900F/TNZ/
http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/database/SM-G900F/VNZ/
http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/database/SM-G900F/NZC/

The networks here are a disgrace for updates. The S7 hasn't had one since April but every other country has been getting them monthly. First thing I did when I got my S7 was to flash the BTU firmware.

Wow. That is pretty appalling. I feel bad for OP. Clearly the carrier don't give a rats bottom as they have updated the G900I!

Salami

237 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 24

#1611062 13-Aug-2016 12:38

I wouldn't say the network is a disgrace. More like samsung NZ is a disgrace.

jeffnz

2870 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 666

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1611086 13-Aug-2016 13:36

originalGeorge:

Thanks guys! I think I am doomed :) Hahahaha

not at all just follow what Brad has posted its actually quite simple to do, it really matters not about csc as I've run Indian firmwares with no issue. Problem with Sammobile site is that its very slow unless you pay so look around.

Try XDA it has the BTU firmware for the 900F but follow the instructions from Sammobile link, download Odin, make sure you have Samsung drivers and follow instructions, very hard to brick your phone.

If you aren't confident post back here as we can talk you through it or point in right direction.

Galaxy S10

Garmin Fenix 5

thinus

34 posts

Geek
+1 received by user: 9

#1613327 17-Aug-2016 16:14

Salami:

I wouldn't say the network is a disgrace. More like samsung NZ is a disgrace.

I think that is a bit harsh.

I have a SM-G900I and got notified and upgraded to android 6.0.1 not too long ago. Connected to 2Degrees but it has some Spark branding splash on power up and shutdown.

Edit: Interestingly enough, according to this

http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/database/SM-G900I/

None of the New Zealand providers have version 6.0.1, so I don't know how reliable that source is.

Dyson

Shop now for Dyson appliances (affiliate link).

Gilco2

1556 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 134

#1614733 20-Aug-2016 09:33

finally here. My 2 degrees S5 900F model just updating to Android Marshmellow 6.0.1