Android 9 Pie download
Update [February 15, 2019]: Samsung released the Android Pie update for the Galaxy Note 8 users today. The update comes as software version DSB2, a short form of the full version N950FXXU5DSB2 — and even better thing is that the Pie update is now available as firmware too.
So, in case you haven’t received the Pie update from Samsung for any reason as an OTA, you no longer need to wait for it. You can simply download and install the Pie firmware now. Download link for the N950FXXU5DSB2 Pie update firmware is given in the table below, while you can find the guide to install it too on this page.
Update [January 26, 2019]: Added CRL2 firmware for the unlocked Galaxy Note 8. The full version is N950U1UEU5CRL2. You need this firmware in order to install the official Android Pie beta update ZSAB on the unlocked Note 8 (works on carrier variants at T-Mobile and Sprint, too).
Update [December 21, 2018]: A leaked OTA update based on Android Pie and One UI is now available for the Galaxy Note 8, model no. SM-N950U. If you one, see our guide here to install the leaked Android Pie One UI update on your Galaxy Note 8.
Here are some free and fast download links for the Galaxy Note 8 firmware files. There hasn’t been any huge OTA release for the Note 8 yet, which comes with Android 7.1.1 out of the box and should receive Oreo as its first big update. Check this page for more Note 8 Android 8.0 news.
Using the firmware, which is a stock Samsung ROM basically, containing the OS and everything software, you can easily reset your Galaxy Note 8 to the factory reset condition. This is useful because if you get a soft-brick Note 8 because of any bad installation of apps or software, you can easily install the firmware for your model no. to get it back to stock in working condition.
Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Firmware
Update [March 19, 2018]: The Android 8.0 firmware for the Galaxy Note 8 is now available. Hence, it is easy to update manually to Android Oreo on your Galaxy Note 8, model no. SM-G950F. The Oreo firmware comes as software version N950FXXU3CRC1. See below for the download link of N950FXXU3CRC1, and the guide to install it.
All the Galaxy Note 8 models in the US come with the same model no. now, but their firmware are available separately. But because their firmware are cross-compatible, meaning you can flash a firmware meant strictly for T-Mobile Galaxy Note 8 on AT&T Note 8, and that won’t cause any problem — your AT&T SIM would work just alright. Nonetheless, we have still segregated firmware for respective carrier models, because we can, and it feels safer too.
Read: Download Galaxy S8 Oreo update (US)
How to identify firmware exactly meant for your carrier in the USA?
Well, the US Galaxy Note 8 comes with model no. SM-N950U for all carriers (SM-N950U1 is an unlocked device), so you have to find the SM-N950U firmware that ends with the code of your carrier. The carrier codes are as follows:
- ATT for AT&T
- SPR for Sprint
- TMB for T-Mobile
- VZW for Verizon Wireless
- USC for US Cellular
The other firmware are as per your device’s model no., as usual, so no code-finding-in-firmware-name-exercise required for models other than SM-N950U (US model).
Note: Do not install SM-N950U1 firmware on SM-N950U device, or vice-versa. Also, Canadian Galaxy Note 8 comes with model no. SM-N950W.
It’s common to not find a lot of firmware files for AT&T model of Samsung devices. Well, that’s the case with Samsung’s Note 8 too, and thus you won’t find a particular firmware for AT&T variant above, but we do have one firmware for the AT&T Galaxy Note 8, given below.
- AT&T Note 8 firmware – version N950USQU1AQIA – filename: N950USQU1AQIA.zip (code: ATT)
- More AT&T firmware will be added here when available. For other S8 sets, look below.
| Model | Date | Software version | Android version | Free Download Link |
| SM-N9500 | 16 Jun 2018 | N9500ZHU2CRD5 | Android 8.0.0 Oreo | N9500ZHU2CRD5_N9500ZZH2CRD5_TGY.zip |
| SM-N9500 | 09 Feb 2018 | N9500ZHU2BRB1 | Android 7.1.1 Nougat | N9500ZHU2BRB1_N9500ZZH2BRB1_TGY.zip |
| SM-N9508 | 03 May 2018 | N9508ZMU2CRD5 | Android 8.0.0 Oreo | N9508ZMU2CRD5_N9508CHM2CRD5_CHM.zip |
| SM-N9508 | 15 Jun 2018 | N9508ZMU2BRA2 | Android 7.1.1 Nougat | N9508ZMU2BRA2_N9508CHM2BRA2_CHM.zip |
| SM-N950F | 15 Feb 2019 | N950FXXU5DSB2 | Android 9 Pie | N950FXXU5DSB2_N950FOXM5DSB2_INS.zip |
| SM-N950F | 08 Jan 2018 | N950FXXU5CSA3 | Android 8.0.0 Oreo | N950FXXU5CSA3_N950FOXM5CRHA_INS.zip |
| SM-N950F | 15 Apr 2018 | N950FXXU3CRE5 | Android 8.0.0 Oreo | N950FXXU3CRE5_N950FOXM3CRE5_BTU.zip |
| SM-N950F | 15 Mar 2018 | N950FXXU3CRC7 | Android 8.0.0 Oreo | N950FXXU3CRC7_N950FOLN3CRC7_XSA.zip |
| SM-N950F | 02 Mar 2018 | N950FXXU3CRC1 | Android 8.0.0 Oreo | N950FXXU3CRC1_N950FOXM3CRC1_TUR.zip |
| SM-N950F | 08 Feb 2018 | N950FXXU3BRB5 | Android 7.1.1 Nougat | N950FXXU3BRB5_N950FOWA3BRA3_CDR.zip |
| SM-N950F | 26 Jan 2018 | N950FXXU3BRA8 | Android 7.1.1 Nougat | N950FXXU3BRA8_N950FOXM2BRA1_ATO.zip |
| SM-N950F | 24 Apr 2018 | N950FXXS3CRD8 | Android 8.0.0 Oreo | N950FXXS3CRD8_N950FOXM3CRC8_BTU.zip |
| SM-N950F | 04 Apr 2018 | N950FXXS3CRD2 | Android 8.0.0 Oreo | N950FXXS3CRD2_N950FOXM3CRC1_TUR.zip |
| SM-N950N | 26 Mar 2018 | N950NKSU3CRC2 | Android 8.0.0 Oreo | N950NKSU3CRC2_N950NOKR3CRC2_LUC.zip |
| SM-N950N | 13 Feb 2018 | N950NKSU3BRA1 | Android 7.1.1 Nougat | N950NKSU3BRA1_N950NOKR3BRA1_LUC.zip |
| SM-N950U | 15 Dec 2018 | N950USQS5CRK1 | Android 8.0.0 Oreo | N950USQS5CRK1_N950UOYN5CRK1_TMB.zip |
| SM-N950U | 20 Apr 2018 | N950USQU4CRD7 | Android 8.0.0 Oreo | N950USQU4CRD7_N950UOYN4CRD7_VZW.zip |
| SM-N950U | 01 Jun 2018 | N950USQU3CRC2 | Android 8.0.0 Oreo | N950USQU3CRC2_N950UOYN3CRC2_USC.zip |
| SM-N950U | 12 Jan 2018 | N950USQU3BRA9 | Android 7.1.1 Nougat | N950USQU3BRA9_N950UOYN3BRA9_TMB.zip |
| SM-N950U | 05 Dec 2018 | N950USQU3BRA5 | Android 7.1.1 Nougat | N950USQU3BRA5_N950UOYN3BRA5_VZW.zip |
| SM-N950U | 11 Dec 2017 | N950USQU2BQLA | Android 7.1.1 Nougat | N950USQU2BQLA_N950UOYN2BQLA_TMB.zip |
| SM-N950U | 25 Oct 2017 | N950USQU2BQJA | Android 7.1.1 Nougat | N950USQU2BQJA_N950UOYN2BQJA_USC.zip |
| SM-N950U | 14 Sep 2017 | N950USQU1AQI9 | Android 7.1.1 Nougat | N950USQU1AQI9_N950UOYN1AQI9_USC.zip |
| SM-N950U | 08 Sep 2017 | N950USQU1AQI5 | Android 7.1.1 Nougat | N950USQU1AQI5_N950UOYN1AQI5_TMB.zip |
| SM-N950U | 07 Aug 2017 | N950USQU1AQH7 | Android 7.1.1 Nougat | N950USQU1AQH7_N950UOYN1AQH7_USC.zip |
| SM-N950U | 03 May 2018 | N950USQS4CRE1 | Android 8.0.0 Oreo | N950USQS4CRE1_N950UOYN4CRE1_USC.zip |
| SM-N950U | 06 Feb 2018 | N950USQS3BRB4 | Android 7.1.1 Nougat | N950USQS3BRB4_N950UOYN3BRB4_SPR.zip |
| SM-N950U | 05 Feb 2018 | N950USQS3BRB1 | Android 7.1.1 Nougat | N950USQS3BRB1_N950UOYN3BRB1_VZW.zip |
| SM-N950U | 20 Jun 2018 | N950USQS3BRA8 | Android 7.1.1 Nougat | N950USQS3BRA8_N950UOYN3BRA8_USC.zip |
| SM-N950U | 07 Dec 2017 | N950USQS2BQL5 | Android 7.1.1 Nougat | N950USQS2BQL5_N950UOYN2BQL5_VZW.zip |
| SM-N950U | 16 Jun 2017 | N950USQS2BQK2 | Android 7.1.1 Nougat | N950USQS2BQK2_N950UOYN2BQK2_VZW.zip |
| SM-N950U1 | 11 Jan 2019 | N950U1UEU5CRL2 | Android 8.0.0 Oreo | N950U1UEU5CRL2_N950U1OYM5CRL2_TMK.zip |
| SM-N950U1 | 20 Apr 2018 | N950U1UEU4CRD7 | Android 8.0.0 Oreo | N950U1UEU4CRD7_N950U1OYM4CRD7_USC.zip |
| SM-N950U1 | 05 Mar 2018 | N950U1UEU3CRC1 | Android 8.0.0 Oreo | N950U1UEU3CRC1_N950U1OYM3CRC1_USC.zip |
| SM-N950U1 | 15 Jan 2018 | N950U1UEU3BRA5 | Android 7.1.1 Nougat | N950U1UEU3BRA5_N950U1OYM3BRA5_LRA.zip |
| SM-N950U1 | 02 Nov 2017 | N950U1UEU2BQK1 | Android 7.1.1 Nougat | N950U1UEU2BQK1_N950U1OYM2BQK1_USC.zip |
| SM-N950U1 | 08 Sep 2017 | N950U1UEU1AQI5 | Android 7.1.1 Nougat | N950U1UEU1AQI5_N950U1OYM1AQI5_USC.zip |
| SM-N950U1 | 10 Aug 2017 | N950U1UEU1AQH9 | Android 7.1.1 Nougat | N950U1UEU1AQH9_N950U1OYM1AQH9_USC.zip |
| SM-N950U1 | 03 May 2018 | N950U1UES4CRE1 | Android 8.0.0 Oreo | N950U1UES4CRE1_N950U1OYM4CRE1_USC.zip |
| SM-N950U1 | 14 Jun 2017 | N950U1UES2BQL2 | Android 7.1.1 Nougat | N950U1UES2BQL2_N950U1OYM2BQL2_USC.zip |
| SM-N950W | 16 Jun 2018 | N950WVLU4CRD5 | Android 8.0.0 Oreo | N950WVLU4CRD5_N950WOYV4CRD5_XAC.zip |
| SM-N950W | 03 Apr 2018 | N950WVLU3CRC2 | Android 8.0.0 Oreo | N950WVLU3CRC2_N950WOYV3CRC2_TLS.zip |
| SM-N950W | 16 Jan 2018 | N950WVLU3BRA5 | Android 7.1.1 Nougat | N950WVLU3BRA5_N950WOYV3BRA5_XAC.zip |
| SM-N950W | 25 Oct 2017 | N950WVLU2BQJA | Android 7.1.1 Nougat | N950WVLU2BQJA_N950WOYV2BQJA_XAC.zip |
| SM-N950W | 08 Sep 2017 | N950WVLU1AQI5 | Android 7.1.1 Nougat | N950WVLU1AQI5_N950WOYV1AQI5_XAC.zip |
| SM-N950W | 07 Aug 2017 | N950WVLU1AQH7 | Android 7.1.1 Nougat | N950WVLU1AQH7_N950WOYV1AQH7_XAC.zip |
| SM-N950W | 03 May 2018 | N950WVLS4CRE1 | Android 8.0.0 Oreo | N950WVLS4CRE1_N950WOYV4CRE1_XAC.zip |
| SM-N950W | 05 Feb 2018 | N950WVLS3BRB1 | Android 7.1.1 Nougat | N950WVLS3BRB1_N950WOYV3BRB1_GLW.zip |
| SM-N950W | 16 Jun 2017 | N950WVLS2BQK1 | Android 7.1.1 Nougat | N950WVLS2BQK1_N950WOYV2BQK1_XAC.zip |
| SM-N950X | 13 Jun 2017 | N950XXXU1AQH6_LLK | Android 7.1.1 Nougat | N950XXXU1AQH6_LLK_N950XPAP1AQH6_LLK_PAP.zip |
How to download the correct firmware file
This is an important part!
Be sure to check and find the correct model no. of your Galaxy Note 8. Then, based on your device’s model no., look for the appropriate firmware build from above.
You can identify the model no. using an app called Droid Info, or simply check it on its packaging box, or under Settings > About. Another solid trick would be to look at the packaging box of your device (in case you can’t power on the device because it is bricked).
Now that you know the model no., download the latest firmware from above for that model no. exactly.
Next, install the firmware on your Galaxy Note 8 by following the guide linked right below.
How to install a firmware
First, read our disclaimer, then take backup and then follow the guide below to install the firmware.
Disclaimer: Installing an official firmware through Odin doesn’t void your device’s warranty, but it remains an unofficial process and thus you need to be cautious of it. In any case, you only are responsible for your device. We won’t be liable if any damage occurs to your device and/or its components.
Backup, backup, backup! Create an appropriate backup of contacts, pictures, videos, songs and other important files stored on your device before proceeding with the steps below, so that in case something goes wrong you’ll have a backup of all your important files. Sometimes, firmware installation may delete everything on your device! Like, when you change the CSC of your device, knowingly or not.
Step-by-step Firmware Installation Guide
Let’s see how to install the firmware on your Galaxy Note 8. Make sure you have more than 30% battery on your device.
Step 1. Make sure you have downloaded the firmware on your PC. Search our site for it if you don’t have it already.
Step 2. Install Samsung USB driver (method 1 on the linked page) first of all. Double-click the .exe file of drivers to begin the installation. (Not required if you have already done this.)
Step 3. Also, download Odin PC software (latest version).
Step 4. Extract the firmware file now. You can use free software like 7-zip for this. Install 7-zip, then right click on firmware file and under 7-zip, select ‘Extract here’. You should get files in .tar.md5 format now. (You may a bunch of files, and you will find text like AP, BL, CP or CSC etc. written at the beginning of those files.) We will be loading this file into Odin, to be installed on the device.
Step 5. Extract the Odin file. You should get the Odin exe file (other files could be hidden, hence not visible).
Step 6. Disconnect your Galaxy device from PC if it is connected.
Step 7. Boot your device into download mode:
- Power off your device. Wait for 6-7 seconds after screen goes off.
- Press and hold the three buttons Volume down + Bixby + Power together until you see the Warning screen.
- If your device has a home button, use Volume down + Home + Power buttons combo.
- If your device doesn’t have a home or Bixby button, then use Volume down + Volume up + Power buttons combo.
- Press Volume Up to continue to download mode.
Step 8. Double click on Odin .exe file (from step 5) to open the Odin window as shown below. Be careful with Odin, and do just as said to prevent problems.
Step 9. Connect your device now using the USB cable. Odin should recognize your device. It’s a must. When it recognizes, you will see Added!! message appearing in the Log box in the bottom left, and the first box under ID:COM will also show a no. and turn its background blue. Look at the pic below.
- You cannot proceed until you get the Added!! message, which confirms that Odin has recognized your device.
- If you don’t get Added!! message, you need to install/re-install drivers again, and use the original cable that came with the device. Mostly, drivers are the problem (look at step 2 above).
- You can try different USB ports on your PC too.
Step 10. Load the firmware files into Odin. Click the AP button on Odin and the select the .tar.md5 file from above. See the screenshot below to find how the Odin window will look like after you have loaded the files.
- Click on BL tab, and select the file beginning with BL text.
- Click on AP tab, and select the file beginning with AP text.
- Click on CP tab, and select the file beginning with CP text.
- [Different!] Click on CSC tab, and select the file beginning with HOME_CSC text. If HOME_CSC file isn’t available, then select the file beginning with CSC text.
About CSC file: Using the HOME_CSC file won’t reset your device, and data on the phone shouldn’t be deleted. However, when we select regular CSC file, and it results in CSC on the device being different than that in CSC file, your phone will be formatted automatically. You can even choose to ignore loading the CSC file, that may do alright too. But if it doesn’t work out, repeat the whole process and select CSC file this time around.
- Info: When you load files, Odin checks the md5 sum of firmware file, which takes time. So, simply wait until that’s done and the firmware file is loaded. Don’t worry if Odin gets unresponsive for a while, it’s normal. Binary size will also show up in Odin.
One firmware file? If you got only one firmware file after extracting the zip, the it’s okay too. It would begin with AP, and has to be loaded to the AP tab in Odin. Ignore other tabs in Odin. That’s it.
Step 11. Click on Options tab, and make sure Re-partition checkbox is NOT selected. Don’t use PIT tab, ever.
Go back to the Log tab now, as it will show the progress of the firmware installation when you hit the start button in the next step.
Step 12. Verify that everything is okay as mentioned above. When satisfied, click the Start button on Odin now to start flashing the firmware on your device.
Wait till installation is finished, after which your device will reboot automatically. You’ll get PASS message as shown below upon successful installation from Odin.
Some errors you may run into, and with respective solution.
- If Odin gets stuck at setup connection, then you need to do this all again. Disconnect your device, close Odin, boot device into download mode again, open Odin, and then select the file and flash it again as said above.
- If you get FAIL in the top left box, then also you need to flash the file again as stated just above.
Done!
Need help? Sure, let us know via comments below.
Firmware Benefits
You can use the firmware for a variety of purposes, which includes:
- Fix your Galaxy Note 8 if it’s giving you force closes errors and restarts randomly.
- Unbrick your Galaxy Note 8 if it’s bootlooping and stuck at logo when restarting.
- Go Back to Stock on your Galaxy Note 8 — helps when looking to sell the device, or fix installing OTA updates if broken.
- Restore Galaxy Note 8 to factory state.
- Upgrade your Galaxy Note 8 to newer Android version.
- Downgrade your Galaxy Note 8 to lower build no. at same Android version.
- Unroot your Galaxy Note 8.
- Remove custom recovery like TWRP and CWM, if installed, on your Galaxy Note 8.
To perform any of the above, simply install the firmware meant for your device, as per its Galaxy Note 8 firmware in Settings > About device.
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