Last Updated: June 26, 2026
This page provides the official stock ROM, the correct drivers, and step-by-step instructions for the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 SM-N9005 firmware.
Device: Samsung Galaxy Note 3 SM-N9005 | Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 (MSM8974AA) | Flash Tool: Odin
Android: Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean), upgradable to 5.0 (Lollipop) | File Type: .tar.md5 / ZIP (Contains AP, BL, CP, CSC files for Odin)
⚠ Warning: Flashing erases all data. Back up first.
Device: Samsung Galaxy Note 3 SM-N9005 (Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 (MSM8974AA))
Flash Tool: Odin
Latest Build: the latest version
Firmware Files: 4 available
What You Need: Windows PC, USB data cable, Odin, USB drivers
Time Required: 10-20 minutes (plus 3-8 min first boot)
Samsung Galaxy Note 3 SM-N9005 Firmware (Flash File) Drivers, Tools & Guide
Flashing the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 SM-N9005 firmware restores the phone to its factory state using the Odin tool. This page contains the necessary files and instructions to complete the process.
Before starting, sign out of the Samsung account if one is currently active. Skipping this step can trigger the Knox security feature and lead to a lock that requires professional tools to fix. The firmware package comes as a compressed ZIP file. After extraction, look for files named AP_*, BL_*, CP_*, and CSC_*. If these files are missing, the package is incorrect.
The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 SM-N9005 firmware relies on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 (MSM8974AA) processor. This requires the Qualcomm Flash Image Loader (QFIL) and Qualcomm HS-USB drivers to be installed on the computer. The stock software starts with Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean) and can be updated to 5.0 (Lollipop). There are four firmware versions available for this model. Select the one that matches the current Android version on the device for the best result.
The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 SM-N9005 was released in 2013. This page contains the latest available firmware builds. With four versions archived for this device, the page covers various Android builds and security patch levels.
The firmware download is a compressed ZIP file. Extract it using WinRAR or 7-Zip. The extraction process will reveal files named AP_*.tar.md5, BL_*.tar.md5, CP_*.tar.md5, and CSC_*.tar.md5. If these files are not present, the firmware package is likely for a different model.
This process wipes all personal data. A clean flash resolves persistent software problems, including bootloops, forgotten locks, Google account verification, battery drain, and system errors.
Samsung Galaxy Note 3 SM-N9005 Hard Reset Guide
Perform a hard reset on the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 SM-N9005 by holding Volume Up + Power (or Volume Up + Home + Power for older models) until the recovery menu appears.
A hard reset deletes all data and restores the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 SM-N9005 to factory settings. This fixes most software issues, such as slow performance, app crashes, screen locks, and bootloops. If the problem remains after a reset, a full firmware flash is required.
Remove FRP Lock on Samsung Galaxy Note 3 SM-N9005
Bypass the Google account lock on the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 SM-N9005 by using a free Android apps launcher that allows access to settings during the setup wizard. After flashing or resetting the device, a Google account lock (FRP) may appear. Using a free Android apps launcher is the quickest way to bypass this screen. This is also why removing the Google account before flashing is recommended to prevent this issue.
Why Flash Stock ROM on Samsung Galaxy Note 3 SM-N9005?
Flashing the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 SM-N9005 firmware fixes software issues like bootloops, lag, and forgotten locks. Whether the device is unresponsive or has system errors, restoring the stock ROM can resolve the problem.
- Restore the original Samsung stock ROM to maintain warranty status.
- Recover the device when it only boots into recovery mode.
- Fix startup loops, lagging, and freezing.
- Unlock the device if it has been locked or disabled.
- Repair random shutdowns or restart loops.
- Clear a forgotten screen lock, PIN, or pattern without credentials.
- Recover from a Knox (KG) lock after an incorrect flash.
Learn more about stock ROMs and why flashing works.
Samsung Galaxy Note 3 SM-N9005 Firmware Compatibility Check
To avoid bricking the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 SM-N9005, verify the exact model number and CSC region before downloading firmware. Flashing the wrong variant often causes issues.
- Identify Your Exact Model Number: Go to Settings › About Phone and note the full model number (e.g. SM-N9005). The letter suffix matters, U/U1 = USA, W = Canada, N = Korea, B/F = International/Global.
- Match the CSC (Region): The 3-letter region code in the firmware filename must match the device. Check Settings › About Phone › Software Information for the current CSC, or look at the Service Provider line in Download Mode. Common codes: XAA (US), BTU (UK), INS (India), SER (Russia).
- Check the Binary Level: Look at the version string in the current firmware (e.g.
XXU9BZDP, the number after the letters is the binary level). You cannot downgrade to a lower binary level. If the device is on Binary 9, only flash Binary 9 or higher firmware. - 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).
- Verify in Download Mode: Power off, hold Volume Down + Power to enter Download Mode. This screen shows the exact model, CSC, and current firmware version, use this to confirm before flashing.
Firmware Details for Samsung Galaxy Note 3 SM-N9005
Here is a quick overview of the official firmware specifications:
| Firmware Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Device Model | Samsung Galaxy Note 3 SM-N9005 |
| Firmware Version | N/A |
| File Size | 1.27 GB to 1.31 GB |
| Android Version | Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean), upgradable to 5.0 (Lollipop) |
| Platform | Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 (MSM8974AA) |
| Release Date | Released 2013, September |
| Region | Global, Africa and Asia |
| File Type | .tar.md5 / ZIP (Contains AP, BL, CP, CSC files for Odin) |
Which Firmware Version Should I Download?
Select the correct Samsung Galaxy Note 3 SM-N9005 firmware version based on your current situation, such as a dead phone or slow performance.
| 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 Note 3 SM-N9005 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.
Download Samsung Galaxy Note 3 SM-N9005 Firmware
Download the official stock firmware for your Samsung Galaxy Note 3 SM-N9005 firmware below. The latest available version is the latest version. Verify the file size matches the table above, a size mismatch usually means a partial or corrupt download, which can cause more problems than it solves.
| Software Details | Download Link | Members Link |
|---|---|---|
|
File Name: N9005XXUGBOI8_N9005OJVGBOI1_KSA.zip Size: 1.27 GB | Download Link | Download Link2 |
| File Name: N9005XXUGBOK6_N9005OXXGBOJ2_XEF.zip Size: 1.28 GB | Download Link | Download Link2 |
| File Name: N9005XXUGNG1_N9005OJVGNH1_KSA.zip Size: 1.31 GB | Download Link | Download Link2 |
| File Name: N9005XXUGNG1_N9005OXXGNG1_XEF.zip Size: 1.29 GB | 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 Note 3 SM-N9005 (SM-N9005) should not be confused with other Galaxy Note 3 variants that may have different chipsets or regional firmware. Even devices in the same Galaxy Note 3 line can use completely different processors. Always verify your exact model code “SM-N9005” in Settings > About Phone before downloading any firmware from this page.
- The model code on your phone must match SM-N9005 exactly. Even a single letter variant (like adding or dropping an “i” or “s”) can mean a different chipset inside.
- Your chipset should be Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 (MSM8974AA). Recovery mode shows this information if you are not sure.
- Do not mix firmware from other download sites with the files on this page.
- If the downloaded file is much smaller than what is listed in the table above, re-download it, partial files will fail.
Samsung Galaxy Note 3 SM-N9005 Flash Setup Checklist
Go through this list before you open Odin for the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 SM-N9005. 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.
- Save Your IMEI Numbers: Type *#06# in the phone dialer and note down both numbers. These are your device identifiers for the cellular network. If flashing wipes them, you will need the originals to write them back.
- Disconnect Google Accounts: Before you start, remove all Google accounts from the phone. Settings then Accounts then tap each Google account and remove it. This avoids the FRP verification screen that appears after flashing if accounts were still linked.
- Remove Samsung Accounts: Sign out of all Samsung accounts to avoid KG lock.
- Create a Backup: Copy your data to your computer or an SD card. Flashing replaces the entire software on the phone, which means all personal data, apps, and settings will be permanently deleted.
- Charge First: Get the battery above 50% before starting. The flashing process takes a few minutes and the first boot takes several more. A power failure during either stage can leave the device in a state that requires more advanced recovery.
- Prepare Your PC Connection: You need a Windows computer and a USB cable that supports data transfer. Test the cable first by connecting the phone normally, if it shows up in File Explorer, the cable is good.
- Install the Right Drivers:
How to Install Firmware on Samsung Galaxy Note 3 SM-N9005
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
After Flashing: What Happens Next on Samsung Galaxy Note 3 SM-N9005
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- All your apps are gone, this is expected. Reinstall them from the Play Store. If you had a Google account backup active, it will offer to restore your apps automatically during setup.
- 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.
Fix Common Samsung Galaxy Note 3 SM-N9005 Firmware Errors
- 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.
- Samsung Galaxy Note 3 SM-N9005 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Missing IMEI or Corrupt Baseband on Samsung Galaxy Note 3 SM-N9005 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
Questions About Samsung Galaxy Note 3 SM-N9005 Firmware
Q1: What if the flash fails halfway through?
A: The user should not panic and should not disconnect the phone. Close Odin, restart it, and try the flash again from the beginning. In most cases, a failed flash just means the process needs to be repeated. The device is usually still detectable by the flash tool even after a failed attempt.
Q2: My device is not detected by Odin. What should I do?
A: The user should start with the drivers, reinstall the Samsung USB drivers, restart the PC, then try again. Switch to a USB 2.0 port if on USB 3.0. Disable the antivirus temporarily. If none of that works, the user should leave a comment with the exact error message.
Q3: Can I go back to an older firmware version?
A: It is technically possible on some Qualcomm builds, but downgrading can cause security issues and app compatibility problems. If the latest version is causing trouble, the user should leave a comment below, there is usually a better fix than rolling back.
Q4: Will flashing erase my data?
A: Yes, flashing with Odin restores the device to factory state, including Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean), upgradable to 5.0 (Lollipop) default settings. All apps, photos, contacts, and accounts will be removed. The user must back up everything needed before starting. 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. The user should follow the IMEI repair guide in the troubleshooting section above. For Samsung devices, check for EFS partition corruption first. The user should not insert a SIM card until the IMEI is restored.
Q6: Will flashing void my warranty?
A: Flashing official stock firmware generally does not void the warranty since the device is restored to its factory-intended state. However, some manufacturers may flag that the bootloader was unlocked or that the flash counter increased. The user should check their specific warranty terms with Samsung support if they are concerned.
Q7: Do I need an internet connection during flashing?
A: No. The flashing process is entirely offline, it happens between the PC and the phone via the USB cable. The user does not need internet at any point during the flash itself. Internet is needed later to set up the phone and download apps.
Q8: How do I enter recovery mode?
A: Power the device off completely, then hold Volume Up + Power at the same time until the recovery menu appears. For older Samsung models with a physical Home button, use Volume Up + Home + Power. The recovery menu displays the build number which the user can use to verify the firmware version before flashing.
People Also Ask About Samsung Galaxy Note 3 SM-N9005
How do I check my Samsung Galaxy Note 3 SM-N9005 model number before flashing?
Go to Settings > About Phone on the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 SM-N9005 and look for the model number “SM-N9005”. The user can also confirm by entering recovery mode (Volume Up + Power while powered off) which displays the build number and model code. The user should match this exactly with the firmware filename before flashing.
What chipset does the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 SM-N9005 use?
The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 SM-N9005 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 (MSM8974AA), a Qualcomm processor. Flashing requires QFIL (Qualcomm Flash Image Loader) and Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader drivers. The device must be in EDL (Emergency Download) mode for firmware installation.
What is the latest firmware version for Samsung Galaxy Note 3 SM-N9005?
The latest available Samsung Galaxy Note 3 SM-N9005 firmware on this page is version the latest version. This page has 4 firmware builds available for download. The user should check the firmware details table above for file sizes and Android versions.
Can flashing firmware fix a bricked Samsung Galaxy Note 3 SM-N9005?
Yes. If the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 SM-N9005 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.
Final Thoughts
That covers the entire flashing process for the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 SM-N9005 firmware. With the latest version installed, the device should boot cleanly and be ready for setup.
If the user ran into an issue that is not covered here, or if one of the steps did not work the way it should, they should let me know in the comments. Include the error code or screenshot if they have one.
Bookmark this page if the user works on Samsung devices regularly. I keep it updated when new firmware versions come out.
Browse all Samsung firmware downloads for more devices.
Disclaimer: Flashing stock firmware is performed at the user’s own risk. The user should follow the instructions on this page carefully. I cannot be held responsible for any damage to the device, but I will always try to help if something goes wrong.
