Last Updated: June 2, 2026
If your phone is acting up, do not worry, I have been there. You can repair software problems on your SM-N981B by installing the official Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981B firmware. This page contains every file, driver, and step required for hard resets, FRP removal, and IMEI repair.
Device: Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981B | Chipset: Samsung Exynos 990 | Flash Tool: Odin
Android: Android 13, One UI 5 | File Type: .tar.md5 / ZIP (Contains AP, BL, CP, CSC files for Odin)
⚠ Warning: Flashing erases all data. Back up first.
Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981B Firmware (Flash File) Drivers, Tools & Guide
Installing the correct files and tools is the most reliable method to fix software errors on your phone. Getting the hang of Odin takes a little practice, but it is straightforward once you know what to look out for. On this page, I have gathered the exact Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981B firmware, the right Odin version, and the steps that actually work.
Before you begin, check if your device has a Samsung account signed in. Sign it out before doing anything else. Knox will trigger if you skip this step, and dealing with a KG lock later takes extra time. The official Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981B firmware comes in a compressed ZIP file. You will need to 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 package for your device.
Keep in mind that installing stock firmware erases all data. This 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.
Hard Reset Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981B
You can perform a factory reset on your phone without a computer by using the hardware button combination to access the recovery menu. 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 the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981B 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.
Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981B FRP Bypass
The most effective way to bypass FRP on this device is by using a free launcher app to access settings during the initial setup. 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.
Why Do We Need Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981B Firmware?
Flashing the official system files is necessary to repair severe software issues, remove locks, or update the operating system. Samsung devices like the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981B are flashed using Odin, regardless of the chipset inside. Whether you are dealing with a boot issue or a software problem, installing the official package can resolve it:
- Unlock your phone if it has been locked or disabled.
- Upgrade to the newest Android version supported by your hardware.
- Repair startup loops, lagging, and freezing on your SM-N981B Galaxy Note20 5G.
- Fix OTA update failures and battery drain problems.
- Restore the original Samsung stock ROM to keep your warranty valid.
- Recover your phone when it only boots into recovery mode.
- Fix KG lock or Knox-related issues after an incorrect or interrupted flash.
Learn more about stock ROMs and why flashing works.
Choosing the Right Firmware Version
You must verify your exact model number, region code, and binary level before downloading to ensure a successful installation. Flashing the wrong file is a mistake that is difficult to recover from:
- Identify Your Exact Model Number: Go to Settings › About Phone and note your full model number (e.g. SM-N981B). 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.
- 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).
- 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. - 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 your exact model, CSC, and current firmware version, use this to confirm before flashing.
Firmware Details for Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981B
The official system package includes the latest Android 13 update tailored for the Exynos 990 processor. Here is a quick overview of the official firmware specifications:
| Firmware Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Device Model | Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981B |
| Firmware Version | V01 |
| File Size | 2.1 GB |
| Android Version | Android 13, One UI 5 |
| Platform | Samsung Exynos 990 |
| Release Date | Released 2020, August 21 |
| Region | Global, Africa and Asia |
| File Type | .tar.md5 / ZIP (Contains AP, BL, CP, CSC files for Odin) |
Which Firmware Version Should I Download?
You should select a version based on your specific issue, such as choosing the newest release for a complete restore or an older build if a recent update caused problems. This is a question I see 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 Note20 5G SM-N981B 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 Note20 5G SM-N981B Firmware
The official stock package for your device is available below. Download the official Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981B firmware 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: COMBINATION_FAC_FAQ0_N981BXXU2AUE1_FAC_CL21655519_QB40000364_REV01_user_mid_noship_MULTI_CERT.tar.md5.zip Size: 2.1 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.
- Your model number is a variant of SM-N981B with a different letter suffix. Check About Phone carefully, one letter difference can cause a failed or broken flash.
- Your chipset differs from Samsung Exynos 990. Confirm in recovery mode before proceeding.
- You downloaded the file from a source other than this page.
- The file size differs significantly from the sizes listed in the table above, a size mismatch usually means a partial download, which will fail mid-flash.
Prerequisites for Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981B Firmware
Preparing your device and computer correctly prevents common errors like KG lock or dropped USB connections during the installation. Go through this list before you open Odin for the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981B. Two things commonly cause problems with Samsung phones: 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.
- Back Up IMEI Numbers: Dial *#06# and write down both IMEI numbers now. You will need these if you need to restore your IMEI after flashing.
- Remove Google Accounts: Sign out of all Google accounts to prevent FRP lock after flashing.
- Remove Samsung Accounts: Sign out of all Samsung accounts to avoid KG lock.
- Back Up Your Data: Back up everything, photos, contacts, WhatsApp chats, important files. Flashing wipes the device completely.
- Charge Your Device: At least 50% battery. A device that powers off during a flash is very difficult to recover.
- USB Cable & PC: Use a proper data USB cable, not a charge-only cable, and a Windows computer with available USB ports.
- Install Required Drivers:
How to Install Firmware on Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981B
You can install the system files using the Odin flash tool on a Windows PC. 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 Extract:
- Download the correct firmware package from the links above.
- Extract the ZIP to a simple folder path, avoid paths with spaces or special characters, as some flash tools have trouble with them.
- Install the Listed Drivers:
- Confirm all drivers listed above are installed and that your PC has been restarted since installation. Skipping the restart is a common reason drivers do not work correctly.
- 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:
- Click the “Start” button to begin.
- Do not disconnect, move the cable, or touch the device until the process is fully complete. Disconnecting mid-flash is how devices get bricked.
- Wait and Reboot:
- Once flashing finishes successfully, disconnect the device.
- Power on your device. The first boot will take longer than usual, give it up to 8 minutes.
Video Guide for Flashing
What to Expect After Flashing Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981B Firmware
A successful installation will result in a factory-fresh device, though the first startup will take several minutes. I get a lot of comments from people who think something went wrong when it actually did not. Here is what is completely normal after a successful Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981B firmware flash:
- How to confirm a successful flash: Look for the “PASS.” message in green text at the top-left of the Odin log area. Seeing this means everything went exactly as planned.
- The initial startup requires 3 to 8 minutes, do not force the phone to restart. The operating system is configuring itself from scratch, and interrupting this process often leads to bootloops.
- Expect the phone to feel warm during the initial startup, this is perfectly normal. The temperature will settle down after a few minutes once the system finishes the initial setup.
- All installed applications will be missing, this is expected behavior. You can reinstall them from the Play Store. If you had Google backup enabled, the setup wizard will offer to restore your apps automatically.
- Check your IMEI immediately by dialing *#06# after setup, and do this before inserting a SIM card. If the screen displays “unknown” or “null”, refer to the IMEI repair guide below before proceeding.
- Take care when adding your Google account back, failing to remove it before flashing might trigger an FRP prompt. It is best to add it fresh during the setup wizard rather than through the Settings menu later.
- Wireless connections like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and mobile data should function right out of the box. If mobile data fails to connect, navigate to Settings › SIM and Network to manually input your APN details, as the flash sometimes clears these carrier settings.
- Encountering a bootloop after the first boot? Boot into recovery mode and perform a factory reset from there, see the hard reset guide above. This happens occasionally and usually stems from leftover data conflicting with the new system, not a bad file.
- Samsung Smart Switch: After installing your Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981B firmware, Samsung Smart Switch might prompt you to install additional updates. Allow it to finish, this guarantees your phone has the most recent security patches for your specific region.
Missing IMEI or Corrupt Baseband on Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981B After Flashing?
A missing IMEI usually indicates a corrupted EFS partition, which you can often repair using dedicated software tools. This partition stores your IMEI and carrier settings. Restoring an IMEI that does not belong to your original device is illegal in most regions, so only proceed if you are restoring the original number. Software like ChimeraTool or BFT can help with this process. Please check your local regulations before proceeding.
Video Guide: How to repair IMEI
Common Issues When Flashing Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981B
Most installation errors stem from driver issues, incorrect file selection, or leftover account locks. Here are the most frequent problems and how to solve them:
- Odin Shows “FAIL” Instead of “PASS”:
- This typically happens when the file region or model does not match your phone. Double-check your exact model number in Settings › About Phone before choosing your file. A single letter difference in the model code is enough to cause a failure.
- Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981B Not Recognized by Odin:
- Install the Samsung USB drivers again. Ensure your phone is actually in Download Mode. Try swapping your USB cable, as Odin can be quite sensitive to cable quality.
- KG Lock / Knox Triggered After Flashing:
- This occurs when a Samsung account remained logged in prior to the flash, or if unofficial files were applied. Always sign out of Samsung accounts beforehand. Once KG lock is active, you generally need a professional unlocking tool to fix it.
- Boot Loop After Flashing:
- Access recovery mode (Volume Up + Power) and execute a factory reset. This wipes away any residual data from the previous system that might be causing the conflict.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Will flashing the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981B firmware erase my data?
A: Yes. Installing this package with Odin returns your phone to its factory state, including the default Android 13, One UI 5 settings. Every app, photo, contact, and account will be deleted. Make sure to back up everything you need beforehand, as there is no way to recover data after the process finishes.
Q2: Is this firmware compatible with other Samsung models?
A: No. This package is built exclusively for the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981B using the Samsung Exynos 990 chipset. Even a Galaxy Note20 5G with a slightly different letter suffix might use a completely different processor. Installing the wrong file can leave your phone very difficult to repair. Always verify your exact model number in Settings › About Phone.
Q3: Can I downgrade from the latest version to an older firmware version?
A: While technically possible on certain Exynos builds, I advise against it. Rolling back can introduce security vulnerabilities and app compatibility issues on Android 13, One UI 5. If the newest release is giving you trouble, leave a comment below, as there is usually a better solution than downgrading.
Q4: What should I do if I encounter an FRP lock after flashing?
A: Try our free Android apps launcher. FRP activates on the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981B when a Google account remains signed in prior to flashing. This is exactly why I suggest logging out of your Google account before you begin, it prevents this hurdle completely.
Q5: Are custom ROM options available for the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981B?
A: This guide focuses entirely on official Samsung stock firmware. Whether custom ROMs exist for the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981B depends on the open-source kernel support for the Samsung Exynos 990 chipset. You can check our Custom ROMs page or visit the XDA Developers forum for specific custom ROM threads.
Q6: My Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981B is not detected by Odin. What should I do?
A: Start with the drivers, reinstall the Samsung USB drivers, reboot your computer, and try again. If you are using a USB 3.0 port, switch to a USB 2.0 port instead, as Samsung phones tend to be more stable on the older standard. Temporarily turn off your antivirus software. If the issue remains, drop a comment below with the exact error message and I will help you troubleshoot.
Q7: How do I enter recovery mode on my Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981B?
A: Turn the phone off entirely, then press and hold Volume Up + Power together until the recovery menu loads. If you are using an older Samsung model with a physical Home button, press Volume Up + Home + Power. The recovery menu will display the build number for your Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981B, which is useful for verifying your system version before you flash.
Q8: My IMEI shows “unknown” after flashing the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981B. Is my phone permanently damaged?
A: No, it looks scary but it is usually fixable. Follow the IMEI repair guide located in the troubleshooting section above. For Samsung phones, you should check the EFS partition for corruption first. Remember not to insert a SIM card until the IMEI is fully restored.
Q9: How long does it take to flash Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981B firmware?
A: The actual installation process typically takes 3 to 10 minutes, depending on the file size and your USB connection speed. The initial startup after the installation takes a bit longer, usually 3 to 8 minutes. Do not unplug or restart the phone during either phase. If the Odin progress bar seems stuck, wait a few extra minutes before assuming something failed.
Final Thoughts on Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981B Firmware
Following this guide will restore your phone to normal working condition using the official system files. That is everything you need to safely install the official Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981B firmware (the latest version) using Odin and get your phone running smoothly again. If you followed each step, your device should now be operating on a clean build.
If something did not go as planned, perhaps a specific error code or a step that did not work for your setup, leave a comment below with as much detail as possible. Include the exact error message, which step you are on, and what you have already tried. I read every comment and will help you work through it.
If this guide helped you, consider sharing it, it is the best way to help someone else who is dealing with the same problem.
Browse all Samsung firmware downloads for more devices.
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.
