Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160P Firmware

Last Updated: June 21, 2026

You can fix software issues on the Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160P by flashing the official firmware with Odin. I have put everything together on this page: the right firmware file for the Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160P, the correct Odin version, and the steps that work.

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Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160P 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-I8160P, 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.

As a Samsung device, the Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160P uses Odin for firmware installation. This is the same tool Samsung service centers use, and it works with all Galaxy devices regardless of chipset. The stock firmware ships with Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean, TouchWiz Nature UX 2.0, which determines the default apps, security features, and interface you will see after flashing. There are 2 firmware files available for the Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160P on this page. Pick the one that matches your current Android version for the smoothest flash.

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

Your Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160P 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.

Flashing replaces your current software completely and wipes all personal data. This is by design, it is what clears out FRP locks, bootloops, pattern locks, app crashes, and other software-level problems that a regular reset cannot fix.

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Hard Reset Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160P

You can factory reset the Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160P without a computer by using the hardware keys. 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-I8160P 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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Remove FRP Lock on Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160P

The fastest way to bypass FRP on Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160P 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-I8160P?

Flashing stock firmware on the Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160P resolves software problems like bootloops and restores the original operating system. Samsung devices like the Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160P are flashed using Odin, regardless of the chipset inside. Whether you are dealing with a boot issue or a software problem, flashing the official firmware can resolve it:

• Update to the latest Android version supported by your phone.
• Unlock your device if it has been locked or disabled.
• Restore the original Samsung stock ROM to keep your warranty valid.
• Clear a forgotten screen lock, PIN, or pattern without needing the original credentials.
• Remove persistent malware or adware that survives a factory reset.
• Recover your device when it only boots into recovery mode.
• 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-I8160P Firmware

To pick the correct firmware for the Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160P, you must match the model number and CSC region exactly. The single biggest mistake I see people make is flashing firmware meant for a different variant. Before downloading anything, verify your exact device identity:

1. Identify Your Exact Model Number: Go to Settings › About Phone and note your full model number (e.g. GT-I8160P). 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-I8160P

The Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160P firmware details include Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean and the ST-Ericsson NovaThor U8500 chipset. Here is a quick overview of the official firmware specifications:

Firmware Information	Details
Device Model	Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160P
Firmware Version	N/A
File Size	513.5 MB
Android Version	Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean, TouchWiz Nature UX 2.0
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?

You should download the Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160P firmware that best matches your current software state and device region. 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-I8160P 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-I8160P Firmware

You can download the official Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160P firmware files directly from the links provided 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: I8160PXXMG2_I8160POXXMG1_PHE.zip Size: 513.5 MB	Download Link	Download Link2

File Name: I8160PXXMG2_I8160POXXMG1_XEZ.zip Size: 513.5 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-I8160P (GT-I8160P) 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-I8160P” in Settings > About Phone before downloading any firmware from this page.

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Before You Start: Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160P Requirements

Before starting the flash process for the Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160P, you must ensure your computer and phone are ready. 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. Record IMEI Before Flashing: Dial *#06# and save both IMEI numbers somewhere safe, a screenshot works. If flashing corrupts the baseband, these numbers are what you will need to restore cellular connectivity.
2. Unlink Google Accounts: Go to Settings, then Accounts, and remove all Google accounts. This prevents Factory Reset Protection from activating after the flash. It is the single most skipped step and causes the most post-flash headaches.
3. Remove Samsung Accounts: Sign out of all Samsung accounts to avoid KG lock.
4. Full Data Backup: Flashing erases everything. Transfer your photos, contacts, app data, and any important files to your computer or cloud backup before starting.
5. Charge the Battery: Make sure you have at least 50% charge. A dead battery during a flash can corrupt the system partition and turn a fixable problem into a much bigger one.
6. Windows PC and USB Cable: You will need a Windows computer and a data-capable USB cable. Cheap charge-only cables are the number one reason flash tools fail to detect devices.
7. Driver Installation:
   • Samsung USB Drivers

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Install Stock Firmware on Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160P

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 and Unpack:
   • Pick the correct firmware version from the downloads above and save it to your PC.
   • Extract the ZIP file. If the extracted folder contains another ZIP inside, extract that one too. You should end up with the actual firmware files, not another archive.
2. Driver Check:
   • Double-check that you have installed the required drivers. A missing driver is the most common reason the flash tool cannot detect your phone. Reboot your PC after installing.
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:
   • Start the flash by clicking “Start”.
   • Leave everything untouched until completion. Even bumping the USB cable can interrupt the write and cause a failed flash.
6. Wait and Reboot:
   • The flash is complete when the tool shows a success indicator. Disconnect your phone.
   • Turn the phone on. Do not worry if it sits on the boot logo for several minutes, the system is rebuilding itself from scratch.

Video Guide for Flashing

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After Flashing: What Happens Next on Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160P

After flashing the Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160P, the device will perform a first boot that takes several minutes to complete. 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.
• 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.
• Notification sounds and ringtones will be back to factory defaults. Any custom tones you had set before will need to be re-downloaded and re-assigned in Settings.
• 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.
• The phone may ask for language and region again, this is normal after a flash. You are starting from a clean state, so the setup wizard runs just like when the phone was brand new.
• First boot takes 3 to 8 minutes, do not force-reboot the device. The operating system is setting itself up from scratch. Interrupting this is how devices end up in bootloops.

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What to Do if Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160P Flash Fails

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-I8160P 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-I8160P 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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Frequently Asked Questions

This section answers common questions regarding the Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160P firmware and the flashing process.

Q1: 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.

Q2: 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.

Q3: 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.

Q4: Will flashing erase my data?
A: Yes, flashing with Odin restores the device to factory state, including Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean, TouchWiz Nature UX 2.0 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.

Q5: My IMEI shows “unknown” after flashing. Is my phone permanently damaged?
A: No, it looks alarming, but it is fixable. Follow the IMEI repair guide in the troubleshooting section above. For Samsung devices, check for EFS partition corruption first. Do not insert a SIM card until the IMEI is restored.

Q6: 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.

Q7: Can I go back to an older firmware version?
A: It is technically possible on some MediaTek 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.

Q8: Is this firmware compatible with other Samsung models?
A: No. This firmware is built specifically for the Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160P 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.

People Also Ask About Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160P

What is the latest firmware version for Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160P?
The latest available Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160P firmware on this page is version the latest version. This page has 2 firmware builds 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-I8160P erase my data?
Yes. Flashing stock firmware on the Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160P 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-I8160P model number before flashing?
Go to Settings > About Phone on your Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160P and look for the model number “GT-I8160P”. 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-I8160P?
Yes. If your Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160P 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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Final Thoughts

The Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 GT-I8160P is now restored to its original state after the firmware installation. The flash is done.

If anything went differently than described, an error message, a step that did not match your setup, post it in the comments. I will respond to every question.

This guide gets updated when new builds are released, so you can come back anytime you need a newer version.

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.