Samsung is handing its infinity display with Galaxy A8 and Galaxy A8+ 2017 to smartphone buyers looking to buy a solid mid-range Android phone. While there is some solid competition under this range from established names (read: OnePlus and Nokia), this still makes sense given the brand goodwill Samsung enjoys, and a somehow-still-persisting traditional belief in people’s mind that Chinese OEMs don’t offer quality, something we digress.

Anyway, if you own a Galaxy A8, or are looking to buy one, you would be glad to know that we already have a stock firmware with us, and have made it available for download for you guys too.

Having a stock firmware of your device is plenty helpful, as in case an emergency arises, where your phone is bricked due to any reason you can simply install the firmware to go back to stock on your A8. This helps in unbricking the phone, as well, as update the software when with the latest firmware, which we shall provide you below.

In case you ever root your Galaxy A8 or install TWRP recovery, this will also help you unroot the Galaxy A8, and remove TWRP recovery — all you need to do it is install the firmware provided below on your Galaxy A8 using the installation guide that is also provided below.

Samsung Galaxy A8 Firmware

Android 8.0 Oreo firmware?

Update [June 12, 2018]: None of the Galaxy A8 models have received the Android Oreo update till date. But the good news is that the Oreo update has already been certified for the 2018 models of the rebooted Galaxy A8 sets, the Galaxy A8 2018 (SM-A530) and Galaxy A8+ 2018 (SM-A730).

And not only that, even bigger — and far more cheerful — news is that even the 2016 model of the Galaxy A8 (SM-A810) will be receiving Oreo update, which given its age, is an incredible news and a welcome step from Samsung.

However, Oreo update for the Galaxy A8 2015 (SM-A800) is not expected at all, which is fair.

Galaxy A8 2017

This is Samsung Galaxy A8, released in 2018, carrying the model no. SM-A530.

Model Date Software version | Android version Free Download Link
SM-A530F 07 July 2018 A530FXXU2BRG1 | Android 8.0.0 Oreo A530FXXU2BRG1_A530FOXM2BRG1_SER.zip
SM-A530F 10 Apr 2018 A530FXXU2ARD2 | Android 7.1.1 Nougat A530FXXU2ARD2_A530FOJM2ARD1_TUR.zip
SM-A530F 09 Apr 2018 A530FXXU2ARD1 | Android 7.1.1 Nougat A530FXXU2ARD1_A530FOXM2ARD1_ATO.zip
SM-A530F 21 Mar 2018 A530FXXU2ARC9 | Android 7.1.1 Nougat A530FXXU2ARC9_A530FOXM2ARC9_SER.zip
SM-A530F 19 Feb 2018 A530FXXU2ARB6 | Android 7.1.1 Nougat A530FXXU2ARB6_A530FOXM2ARB6_BTU.zip
SM-A530F 29 Jan 2017 A530FXXU1ARAB | Android 7.1.1 Nougat A530FXXU1ARAB_A530FOXM1ARAB_ATO.zip
SM-A530F 02 May 2018 A530FXXS2ARE1 | Android 7.1.1 Nougat A530FXXS2ARE1_A530FOXM2ARD1_SER.zip
SM-A530F 15 Mar 2018 A530FXXS2ARC4 | Android 7.1.1 Nougat A530FXXS2ARC4_A530FOJM1ARA3_TUR.zip
SM-A530F 05 Mar 2018 A530FXXS2ARC1 | Android 7.1.1 Nougat A530FXXS2ARC1_A530FOXM2ARB6_ATO.zip
SM-A530N 19 Feb 2018 A530NKSU2ARB6 | Android 7.1.1 Nougat A530NKSU2ARB6_A530NOKR2ARB6_LUC.zip

Galaxy A8 Plus 2017

This is Samsung Galaxy A8, released in 2018, carrying the model no. SM-A730.

Model Date Software version | Android version Free Download Link
SM-A730F 09 July 2018 A730FXXU2BRG1 | Android 8.0.0 Oreo A730FXXU2BRG1_A730FOXM2BRG1_SER.zip
SM-A730F 28 May 2018 A730FXXU2ARE2 | Android 7.1.1 Nougat A730FXXU2ARE2_A730FOJM2ARE1_TUR.zip
SM-A730F 23 Sep 2018 A730FXXU2ARE1 | Android 7.1.1 Nougat A730FXXU2ARE1_A730FODM2ARD4_INS.zip
SM-A730F 09 Apr 2018 A730FXXU2ARD1 | Android 7.1.1 Nougat A730FXXU2ARD1_A730FOJM2ARD1_TUR.zip
SM-A730F 21 Mar 2018 A730FXXU2ARC9 | Android 7.1.1 Nougat A730FXXU2ARC9_A730FOXM2ARC9_SER.zip
SM-A730F 12 Sep 2018 A730FXXU2ARC4 | Android 7.1.1 Nougat A730FXXU2ARC4_A730FODM2ARC1_INS.zip
SM-A730F 19 Feb 2018 A730FXXU2ARB6 | Android 7.1.1 Nougat A730FXXU2ARB6_A730FOXM2ARB6_SER.zip
SM-A730F 29 Jan 2018 A730FXXU1ARAC | Android 7.1.1 Nougat A730FXXU1ARAC_A730FODM1ARA2_INS.zip
SM-A730F 29 Jan 2017 A730FXXU1ARAB | Android 7.1.1 Nougat A730FXXU1ARAB_A730FOJM1ARAB_TUR.zip
SM-A730F 11 Jan 2018 A730FXXU1ARA6 | Android 7.1.1 Nougat A730FXXU1ARA6_A730FODM1ARA2_INS.zip
SM-A730F 21 Dec 2017 A730FXXU1AQLE | Android 7.1.1 Nougat A730FXXU1AQLE_A730FOJM1AQLE_TUR.zip

Galaxy A8 2016

Model Date Software version | Android version Free Download Link
SM-A810F 05 Oct 2017 A810FXXU1BQJ1 | Android 7.0 Nougat A810FXXU1BQJ1_A810FOJV1BQJ1_TUR.zip
SM-A810F 11 Jun 2017 A810FXXU1BQI1 | Android 7.0 Nougat A810FXXU1BQI1_A810FOJV1BQI1_TUR.zip
SM-A810F 09 Aug 2017 A810FXXU1BQH3 | Android 7.0 Nougat A810FXXU1BQH3_A810FOJV1BQH3_TUR.zip
SM-A810F 24 Jan 2017 A810FXXU1AQA2 | Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow A810FXXU1AQA2_A810FOJV1AQA1_TUR.zip
SM-A810F 14 Dec 2016 A810FXXU1APL1 | Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow A810FXXU1APL1_A810FOJV1APL1_TUR.zip
SM-A810F 17 Oct 2016 A810FXXU1APJ1 | Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow A810FXXU1APJ1_A810FOJV1APJ2_TUR.zip
SM-A810F 19 Sep 2016 A810FXXU1API7 | Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow A810FXXU1API7_A810FOJV1API7_TUN.zip
SM-A810S 13 Jun 2018 A810SKSU2BRA1 | Android 7.0 Nougat A810SKSU2BRA1_A810SSKC2BRA1_SKC.zip
SM-A810S 17 Apr 2017 A810SKSU1AQD2 | Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow A810SKSU1AQD2_A810SSKC1AQD2_SKC.zip
SM-A810YZ 06 Jan 2018 A810YZZTU1BRA1 | Android 7.0 Nougat A810YZZTU1BRA1_A810YZZZT1BRA1_BRI.zip
SM-A810YZ 14 Jul 2017 A810YZZTU1AQG2 | Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow A810YZZTU1AQG2_A810YZZZT1AQG2_BRI.zip

Galaxy A8 2015

Model Date Software version | Android version Free Download Link
SM-A800F 09 May 2017 A800FXXU1BQE2 | Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow A800FXXU1BQE2_A800FODD1BQF2_INS.zip
SM-A800F 10 Feb 2017 A800FXXU1BQB1 | Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow A800FXXU1BQB1_A800FODD1BQB1_INS.zip
SM-A800F 21 Oct 2016 A800FXXU1BPJ3 | Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow A800FXXU1BPJ3_A800FOJV1BPJ2_KSA.zip
SM-A800F 05 Oct 2016 A800FXXU1BPJ1 | Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow A800FXXU1BPJ1_A800FOJV1BPJ1_TUR.zip
SM-A800F 12 Sep 2016 A800FXXU1BPI2 | Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow A800FXXU1BPI2_A800FODD1BPI2_INS.zip
SM-A800F 19 Aug 2016 A800FXXU1BPH4 | Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow A800FXXU1BPH4_A800FOLB1BPH4_XXV.zip
SM-A800F 21 Jun 2016 A800FXXU1BPF5 | Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow A800FXXU1BPF5_A800FOJV1BPF5_TUN.zip
SM-A800F 04 May 2016 A800FXXU1APE1 | Android 5.1.1 Lollipop A800FXXU1APE1_A800FOJV1APB1_TUN.zip
SM-A800F 07 Apr 2016 A800FXXU1APD1 | Android 5.1.1 Lollipop A800FXXU1APD1_A800FODD1APD1_INS.zip
SM-A800F 14 Mar 2016 A800FXXU1APC3 | Android 5.1.1 Lollipop A800FXXU1APC3_A800FODD1APC1_INS.zip
SM-A800F 23 Feb 2016 A800FXXU1APB3 | Android 5.1.1 Lollipop A800FXXU1APB3_A800FOJV1APB1_MID.zip
SM-A800F 26 Jan 2016 A800FXXU1APA1 | Android 5.1.1 Lollipop A800FXXU1APA1_A800FOJV1APA1_AFR.zip
SM-A800F 23 Dec 2015 A800FXXU1AOL3 | Android 5.1.1 Lollipop A800FXXU1AOL3_A800FODD1AOL2_SLK.zip
SM-A800F 17 Dec 2015 A800FXXU1AOL2 | Android 5.1.1 Lollipop A800FXXU1AOL2_A800FODD1AOL1_INS.zip
SM-A800F 27 Oct 2015 A800FXXU1AOJ3 | Android 5.1.1 Lollipop A800FXXU1AOJ3_A800FOJV1AOJ3_MID.zip
SM-A800F 27 Mar 2017 A800FXXS1BQC3 | Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow A800FXXS1BQC3_A800FOLB1BPH4_XSP.zip
SM-A800F 28 Nov 2016 A800FXXS1BPK1 | Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow A800FXXS1BPK1_A800FOJV1BPF5_MID.zip
SM-A800I 17 May 2017 A800IXXU2BQE2 | Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow A800IXXU2BQE2_A800IODD2BQE1_INS.zip
SM-A800I 22 Oct 2016 A800IXXU2BPJ4 | Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow A800IXXU2BPJ4_A800IOJV2BPK1_THR.zip
SM-A800I 10 Oct 2016 A800IXXU2BPJ3 | Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow A800IXXU2BPJ3_A800IOLB2BPJ3_XME.zip
SM-A800I 04 Oct 2016 A800IXXU2BPJ2 | Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow A800IXXU2BPJ2_A800IOJV2BPJ1_TUR.zip
SM-A800I 04 Oct 2016 A800IXXU2BPJ1 | Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow A800IXXU2BPJ1_A800IODD2BPJ1_SLK.zip
SM-A800I 19 Sep 2016 A800IXXU2BPI3 | Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow A800IXXU2BPI3_A800IOLB2BPI3_XXV.zip
SM-A800I 25 Jul 2016 A800IXXU2BPG7 | Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow A800IXXU2BPG7_A800IODD2BPH1_SLK.zip
SM-A800I 05 Jul 2016 A800IXXU2BPG1 | Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow A800IXXU2BPG1_A800IOLB2BPG2_XXV.zip
SM-A800I 24 May 2016 A800IXXU2APE1 | Android 5.1.1 Lollipop A800IXXU2APE1_A800IODD2APE1_SLK.zip
SM-A800I 18 Apr 2016 A800IXXU2APD3 | Android 5.1.1 Lollipop A800IXXU2APD3_A800IODD2APD1_INS.zip
SM-A800I 17 Mar 2016 A800IXXU2APC2 | Android 5.1.1 Lollipop A800IXXU2APC2_A800IODD2APB1_SLK.zip
SM-A800I 10 Mar 2016 A800IXXU2APC1 | Android 5.1.1 Lollipop A800IXXU2APC1_A800IOLB2APC1_XSP.zip
SM-A800I 24 Feb 2016 A800IXXU2APB3 | Android 5.1.1 Lollipop A800IXXU2APB3_A800IODD2APB1_INS.zip
SM-A800I 16 Feb 2016 A800IXXU2APB2 | Android 5.1.1 Lollipop A800IXXU2APB2_A800IOJV1APB1_MID.zip
SM-A800I 04 Feb 2016 A800IXXU2APB1 | Android 5.1.1 Lollipop A800IXXU2APB1_A800IOLB2APB1_XME.zip
SM-A800I 07 Jan 2016 A800IXXU2APA1 | Android 5.1.1 Lollipop A800IXXU2APA1_A800IODD2APA1_INS.zip
SM-A800I 02 Dec 2015 A800IXXU2AOL2 | Android 5.1.1 Lollipop A800IXXU2AOL2_A800IODD2AOK5_INS.zip
SM-A800I 27 Oct 2015 A800IXXU2AOJ6 | Android 5.1.1 Lollipop A800IXXU2AOJ6_A800IOLB2AOJ6_XME.zip
SM-A800I 15 Oct 2015 A800IXXU1AOJ2 | Android 5.1.1 Lollipop A800IXXU1AOJ2_A800IOJV1AOJ2_THR.zip
SM-A800I 01 Oct 2015 A800IXXU1AOJ1 | Android 5.1.1 Lollipop A800IXXU1AOJ1_A800IOJV1AOJ3_XSG.zip
SM-A800I 03 Apr 2017 A800IXXS2BQC5 | Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow A800IXXS2BQC5_A800IOLB2BPI3_XXV.zip
SM-A800I 30 Mar 2017 A800IXXS2BQC4 | Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow A800IXXS2BQC4_A800IOJV2BPG3_AFR.zip
SM-A800I 28 Mar 2017 A800IXXS2BQC3 | Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow A800IXXS2BQC3_A800IOLB2BPJ3_XME.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 A8. 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 A8 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 A8. Make sure you have more than 30% battery on your device.

Step 1. Make sure you have downloaded the correct firmware file on your PC. See above for how to download correct firmware file for your Galaxy A8 and download links.

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 a 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 a file in .tar.md5 format now. (You may get 4 or more files, with 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 (in step 10 below).

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 A8 from PC if it is connected.

Step 7. Boot into download mode:

  • Power off your device. Wait for 6-7 seconds after screen goes off.
  • Press and hold the three buttons Volume down + Home + Power together until you see the Warning screen.
  • 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 file into Odin. Click the AP button on Odin and the select the .tar.md5 file from above.

Load the firmware files(s) on your device. This depends on how many files you got in step 4 above upon extracting the firmware .zip file.

Case 1: If you got a single .tar/.tar.md5 file, then load this into AP tab of your Odin software. Then go to next step.

To load the file, click on AP tab, select the single firmware file starting with AP text, wait for it to load, and then skip to step 11, ignoring the rest of the part of this step.

Case 2: If you got more than one .tar/.tar.md5 file, then you must be having files starting with AP, CSC, Home_CSC, BL, CP, etc. stuff. In this case, choose the files as follows. Select the firmware files as follows.

  • 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 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.

Step 11. Click on Options tab, and make sure Re-partition checkbox is NOT selected. Don’t use PIT tab, ever.

Go back to Log tab now, as it will show the progress of firmware installation when you hit the start button in 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.

That’s it. Let device restart automatically.

The first start of the device may take time, so wait patiently again. When it has, verify the installation. Check the Settings > About device, to confirm new build no. based on the firmware you just installed.

Need help? Be sure to let us know via comments below.

Firmware Benefits

You can use the firmware for a variety of purposes, which includes:

  • Fix your Galaxy A8 if it’s giving you force closes errors and restarts randomly.
  • Unbrick your Galaxy A8 if it’s bootlooping and stuck at logo when restarting.
  • Go Back to Stock on your Galaxy A8 — helps when looking to sell the device, or fix installing OTA updates if broken.
  • Restore Galaxy A8 to factory state.
  • Upgrade your Galaxy A8 to newer Android version.
  • Downgrade your Galaxy A8 to lower build no. at same Android version.
  • Unroot your Galaxy A8.
  • Remove custom recovery like TWRP and CWM, if installed, on your Galaxy A8.

To perform any of the above, simply install the firmware meant for your device, as per its Galaxy A8 firmware in Settings > About device.