Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160 Firmware

Last Updated: July 2, 2026

The official Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160 firmware is the best solution for fixing boot issues and restoring the phone to its factory condition. This guide provides the necessary files, drivers, and steps to get your device running smoothly again.

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Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160 Firmware (Flash File) Drivers, Tools & Guide

Flashing Samsung firmware with Odin is fairly straightforward once you know what to look out for. I have put everything together on this page: the right firmware file for the Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160, the correct Odin version, and the steps that work.

One thing to do before you start: if your device has a Samsung account signed in, sign it out before doing anything else. Knox will trigger if this step is skipped, and dealing with a KG lock after flashing takes extra time. Also, Samsung firmware comes in .tar.md5 format, after extracting the ZIP, you should see files named AP_*, BL_*, CP_*, and CSC_* (or HOME_CSC_*). If you do not see these, you have the wrong package.

Only one firmware build is currently available for the Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160. This is the stock ROM you should use for recovery, unbricking, or FRP bypass. The Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160 was originally released in 2012, which means USB driver compatibility on newer Windows versions (10/11) may require manual installation rather than plug-and-play. The stock firmware ships with Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean, TouchWiz UI 4, which determines the default apps, security features, and interface you will see after flashing.

Samsung firmware uses a multi-file system (AP, BL, CP, CSC) specific to Odin-based flashing, which differs from single-file scatter-based tools. This firmware was sourced directly from verified repositories and checked for integrity before being listed on this page.

Your Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160 firmware comes as a compressed ZIP file. Download and extract it using WinRAR or 7-Zip. After extracting, you should see files named like AP_*.tar.md5, BL_*.tar.md5, CP_*.tar.md5, and CSC_*.tar.md5 (or HOME_CSC_*.tar.md5). If you do not see these files, you may have the wrong firmware package for your device.

Keep in mind that flashing stock firmware erases all data, which is intentional, as it resolves software issues including FRP lock, app problems, slow performance, forgotten pattern locks, a dead or logo-stuck device, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth issues, battery drain, and soft brick situations.

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Reset Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160 From Recovery Mode

To perform a hard reset on the Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160 without a computer, you must power off the device completely, then hold Volume Up + Power (for older models with a Home button, use Volume Up + Home + Power) at the same time until the recovery menu appears. Use the volume keys to navigate to “Wipe Data/Factory Reset” and confirm with the Power button.

A hard reset erases all data and restores Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160 to its original factory state. This fixes most software problems, slow performance, app crashes, forgotten screen locks, and bootloops. If the issue persists after a factory reset, a full firmware flash using Odin is covered in the following sections.

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Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160 FRP Bypass

The fastest way to bypass FRP on Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160 is to use a free Android apps launcher that lets you access settings during the setup wizard. After flashing or performing a factory reset you may see a Google account lock (FRP). Our free Android apps launcher is the fastest way to get past it. This is also why I always recommend removing your Google account before flashing, it avoids this problem entirely.

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Why Flash Stock ROM on Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160?

Flashing the stock ROM on the Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160 is the most effective way to resolve software glitches, restore deleted apps, and fix connectivity problems.

• Fix Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or mobile data connectivity that stopped working after an update.
• Restore system apps that were accidentally removed or corrupted.
• Update to the latest Android version supported by your phone.
• Resolve OTA update failures and battery drain issues.
• Unlock your device if it has been locked or disabled.
• Repair a phone that shuts down randomly or restarts in a loop.
• Recover from KG lock or Knox-related issues after an incorrect or interrupted flash on your device.

Learn more about stock ROMs and why flashing works.

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How to Pick the Correct Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160 Firmware

To pick the right firmware for the Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160, you must verify the model number, CSC region, and binary level found in the device settings.

1. Identify Your Exact Model Number: Go to Settings › About Phone and note your full model number (e.g. GT-I8160). The letter suffix matters, U/U1 = USA, W = Canada, N = Korea, B/F = International/Global. Flashing firmware built for a different variant can cause issues.
2. Match the CSC (Region): The 3-letter region code in the firmware filename must match your device. Check Settings › About Phone › Software Information for your current CSC, or look at the Service Provider line in Download Mode. Common codes: XAA (US), BTU (UK), INS (India), SER (Russia).
3. Check the Binary Level: Look at the version string in your current firmware (e.g. XXU9BZDP, the number after the letters is the binary level). You cannot downgrade to a lower binary level. If your device is on Binary 9, only flash Binary 9 or higher firmware.
4. Confirm the Build Date: The last 4 characters of the PDA version encode the build date, first character is the year (A=2024, B=2025, C=2026), second is the month (A=Jan through L=Dec).
5. Verify in Download Mode: Power off, hold Volume Down + Power to enter Download Mode. This screen shows your exact model, CSC, and current firmware version, use this to confirm before flashing.

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Firmware Details for Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160

The firmware specifications for the Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160 include Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean, the ST-Ericsson NovaThor U8500 chipset, and a file size of 529.86 MB.

Firmware Information	Details
Device Model	Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160
Firmware Version	N/A
File Size	529.86 MB
Android Version	Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean, TouchWiz UI 4
Platform	ST-Ericsson NovaThor U8500
Release Date	Released 2012, May
Region	Global, Africa and Asia
File Type	.tar.md5 / ZIP (Contains AP, BL, CP, CSC files for Odin)

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Which Firmware Version Should I Download?

This is the question I get asked most often in the comments, so I put together a simple guide. Find your situation in the table and go straight to the right file:

Your Situation	What I Recommend
Phone is completely dead or stuck on logo	the latest version, download this one. It is the latest Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160 firmware available.
FRP / Google account lock only	See the FRP bypass guide above, you likely do not need the full firmware for this.
Not sure which region/CSC to download	Check Settings › About Phone › Software Information for your current CSC, or enter Download Mode (Volume Down + Power), it shows the CSC on screen. Match the 3-letter code (e.g. XAA, BTU, INS) to the firmware filename.
Phone slow after a recent OTA update	Try the next older version, sometimes the latest OTA introduces new bugs and an older build runs better. Make sure the binary level is the same or higher than what your device currently has.
IMEI missing after a previous flash	Re-flash the latest version first, then follow the IMEI repair guide. Do not skip the reflash.
the latest version failed with a flash error	Try the next older version instead and double-check your AP/BL/CP/CSC file assignments in Odin before assuming the firmware is the problem.
Restoring to factory / warranty repair	the latest version, clean state, fresh start.

To tell which Samsung firmware is newer, look at the last 4 characters of the PDA version string (e.g. S938BXXU9CZDP). The first character is the year (A=2024, B=2025, C=2026), the second is the month (A=Jan, B=Feb… L=Dec, Z=final stable), and the last two are the revision (0-9 then A-Z, where Z is highest). But before comparing dates, always check the binary level: the digit just before the date code (e.g. XXU9CZDP = Binary 9). You cannot downgrade to a lower binary level. If your device is on Binary 9, only flash Binary 9 or higher. Also make sure the 3-letter CSC code in the firmware matches your device region.

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Download Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160 Firmware

Download the official stock firmware for your Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160 below. The latest available version is the latest version. After downloading, verify the file size matches the table above, a size mismatch usually means a partial or corrupt download, and flashing a corrupt file can cause more problems than it solves.

Software Details	Download Link	Members Link
File Name: I8160XXNA1_I8160BTUNA1_BTU.zip Size: 529.86 MB	Download Link	Download Link2

Only download firmware that is fully compatible with your exact device model. See the firmware selection guide above if you are not sure.

Important: The Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160 (GT-I8160) should not be confused with other Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 variants that may have different chipsets or regional firmware. Even devices in the same Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 line can use completely different processors. Always verify your exact model code “GT-I8160” in Settings > About Phone before downloading any firmware from this page.

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Prerequisites for Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160 Firmware

Before starting the Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160 flashing process, you need to prepare a few things. Two things that commonly cause problems with Samsung devices: a Samsung account that was not signed out before flashing, which can trigger KG lock, and a USB cable that works for charging but drops the connection mid-flash. Always use a proper data cable, not a charge-only cable.

1. Write Down Your IMEI: Open your phone dialer and type *#06#. Take a photo of the screen showing both IMEI numbers. You may need these later to fix your IMEI if it gets wiped during the flash.
2. Sign Out of Google: Open Settings, go to Accounts, and remove every Google account from the device. If you skip this, Google will lock the phone after flashing and you will need to do an FRP bypass.
3. Remove Samsung Accounts: Sign out of all Samsung accounts to avoid KG lock.
4. Save Your Files: Copy everything important to a PC or cloud storage. After flashing, the phone will be completely empty, no apps, no photos, no messages.
5. Battery Check: Charge to at least 50%. If the phone dies during flashing, you could end up with a device that will not turn on at all.
6. Get the Right Cable: You need a USB data cable, the kind that can transfer files, not just charge. Plug it into a USB 2.0 port on a Windows PC for the most reliable connection.
7. Set Up Drivers:
   • Samsung USB Drivers

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Step-by-Step: Flash Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160 Stock ROM

We are using Odin for this. A quick tip: keep “Auto Reboot” and “F. Reset Time” both checked in Odin, those two options together give you the cleanest flash result. If you are not sure which Odin version to use, check our Odin versions page. Some older Samsung devices work better with older Odin builds.

1. Download the Firmware Package:
   • Use the download links in the table above to get the correct firmware file for your device.
   • Extract the archive with WinRAR or 7-Zip. Use a short folder path like D:flash to avoid issues with some tools.
2. Check Drivers:
   • All drivers from the prerequisites must be installed before connecting your device. Restart your computer after installing them.
3. Load the Firmware File:
   • In Odin, click “BL” and select the BL_*.tar.md5 file. Click “AP” and select the AP_*.tar.md5 file. Repeat for “CP” and “CSC”. Use HOME_CSC to keep data, or CSC for a clean flash.
4. Connect Your Device:
   • Enter Download Mode: Turn off your phone, then hold Volume Down + Power (add Home button on older models) until the warning screen appears. Press Volume Up to confirm and enter Download Mode.
   • Connect your phone to your PC via USB. Odin should show “Added..” in the log area, this means your device is detected.
5. Start Flashing:
   • Press “Start” to begin writing the firmware to your device.
   • Do not unplug the phone, close the flash tool, or interact with the device until the process is 100% complete.
6. Wait and Reboot:
   • After the tool confirms the flash is complete, safely disconnect your phone.
   • Press the power button to start your device. The initial boot is slow, wait up to 8 minutes before assuming there is a problem.

Video Guide for Flashing

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After Flashing: What Happens Next on Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160

Here is what is completely normal after a successful flash:

• How to know the flash was successful: Odin will show “PASS.” in green text at the top-left of the log area. If you see this, everything went fine.
• Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and mobile data should all work right after setup. If mobile data is not connecting, go to Settings, SIM and Network, and re-enter your APN manually, the flash sometimes clears carrier APN settings.
• Battery percentage may seem inaccurate for the first day. The battery statistics are calibrated during normal use. Charge the phone fully once without interruption and the readings will stabilize.
• Fingerprint and face unlock data are erased during the flash. You will need to re-register your fingerprints and face data from scratch in the security settings.
• Storage will show almost full capacity available since all your apps and files are gone. The system partition size varies by firmware version but is typically 4 to 8 GB on most devices.
• Stuck in a bootloop after first boot? Enter recovery mode and do a factory reset from there, see the hard reset guide above. This can happen occasionally and does not mean the firmware is wrong.
• The phone will feel warm during first boot, this is normal. It settles after a few minutes once the initial app setup is complete.

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Troubleshooting Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160 Flash Errors

1. Odin Shows “FAIL” Instead of “PASS”:
   • This is usually a mismatch between the firmware region or model and your device. Confirm your exact model number in Settings › About Phone before selecting the firmware. Even a single letter difference in the model code matters.
2. Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160 Not Recognized by Odin:
   • Reinstall the Samsung USB drivers. Make sure you are in Download Mode. Try a different USB cable, Odin can be sensitive to cable quality.
3. KG Lock / Knox Triggered After Flashing:
   • This happens when a Samsung account was still signed in before flashing, or when unofficial firmware was used. Always sign out of Samsung accounts before flashing. If KG lock is already active, a professional unlocking tool is generally needed.
4. Boot Loop After Flashing:
   • Enter recovery mode (Volume Up + Power) and perform a factory reset. This clears any leftover data from the previous firmware that may be causing the conflict.

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Missing IMEI or Corrupt Baseband on Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160 After Flashing?

A missing IMEI on a Samsung device after flashing usually points to a corrupted EFS partition, this is the partition that stores your IMEI and carrier settings. Note that restoring an IMEI that is not your original number is illegal in most countries, so only do this if you are restoring the number the device had before you flashed. Tools like ChimeraTool or BFT can help with this. Check your local laws before proceeding.

Video Guide: How to repair IMEI

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Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160 Flashing FAQ

Q1: How long does the flashing process take?
A: The actual flash usually takes between 3 and 10 minutes depending on the firmware size and USB connection speed. The first boot after flashing takes another 3 to 8 minutes. Do not interrupt the device during either stage. If the progress bar in Odin appears stuck, give it a few more minutes before assuming something went wrong.

Q2: Can I go back to an older firmware version?
A: It is technically possible on some Exynos builds, but downgrading can cause security issues and app compatibility problems. If the latest version is causing trouble, leave a comment below, there is usually a better fix than rolling back.

Q3: What should I do if I encounter an FRP lock after flashing?
A: Use our free Android apps launcher. FRP lock activates when a Google account was still signed in before flashing. This is why signing out of your Google account before flashing avoids this issue entirely.

Q4: Is it safe to flash during a power outage risk?
A: It is best to avoid flashing during unstable power conditions. If your PC shuts down during the flash, it can corrupt the write and leave the phone in an unbootable state. If you are in an area with unreliable power, use a laptop with a fully charged battery instead of a desktop.

Q5: Will flashing void my warranty?
A: Flashing official stock firmware generally does not void your warranty since you are restoring the device to its factory-intended state. However, some manufacturers may flag that the bootloader was unlocked or that the flash counter increased. Check your specific warranty terms with Samsung support if you are concerned.

Q6: Can I flash this firmware if my phone does not turn on at all?
A: Yes, in most cases. Samsung devices can usually enter Download Mode even when the screen is completely dead, hold Volume Down + Power for 10 seconds. If the battery is completely drained, charge it for at least 15 minutes first.

Q7: Is this firmware compatible with other Samsung models?
A: No. This firmware is built specifically for the Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160 running on the ST-Ericsson NovaThor U8500 chipset. Even variants of the Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 with a different letter suffix can have a completely different chipset inside. Flashing the wrong firmware can leave your phone in a state that is very difficult to recover from. Always check your exact model number in Settings.

Q8: Will flashing erase my data?
A: Yes, flashing with Odin restores the device to factory state, including Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean, TouchWiz UI 4 default settings. All apps, photos, contacts, and accounts will be removed. Back up everything you need before you start. There is no way to recover data once the flash is complete.

People Also Ask About Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160

What is the latest firmware version for Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160?
The latest available Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160 firmware on this page is version the latest version. This page has 1 firmware build available for download. Check the firmware details table above for file sizes and Android versions.

Will flashing firmware on Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160 erase my data?
Yes. Flashing stock firmware on the Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160 with Odin performs a full factory reset. All apps, photos, contacts, and accounts will be removed. Back up everything important before you start. There is no way to recover data after flashing.

How do I check my Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160 model number before flashing?
Go to Settings > About Phone on your Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160 and look for the model number “GT-I8160”. You can also confirm by entering recovery mode (Volume Up + Power while powered off) which displays the build number and model code. Always match this exactly with the firmware filename before flashing.

Can flashing firmware fix a bricked Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160?
Yes. If your Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160 is stuck on the logo, in a bootloop, or will not turn on, flashing the stock firmware with Odin can restore it to working condition. This is the standard repair method used by service centers for Samsung devices.

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Summary

You now have everything needed to flash your Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160 back to stock using Odin. The process is straightforward as long as you follow the steps in order and do not skip the driver installation.

Got stuck somewhere? Drop a comment with the error message and the step number. I check comments regularly and will point you in the right direction.

If this worked for you, share the page so others with the same device can find it too.

Browse all Samsung firmware downloads for more devices.

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Disclaimer: Flashing stock firmware is performed at your own risk. Follow the instructions on this page carefully. I cannot be held responsible for any damage to your device, but I will always try to help if something goes wrong.