Last Updated: June 2, 2026
Repairing software problems on your SM-N981N requires the correct Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981N firmware. You will find all the necessary flash files, drivers, and instructions on this page to handle hard resets, FRP removal, and IMEI repair.
Device: Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981N | Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ (SM8250-AB) | Flash Tool: Odin
Android: Android 10, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1 | 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-N981N Firmware (Flash File) Drivers, Tools & Guide
The official Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981N firmware package provides every file and tool required to fix software errors, bootloops, and system crashes. Using Odin to flash Samsung phones is a simple process when you have the right files. This page includes the correct Odin version, the exact flash file, and the steps that actually work.
Before you begin, sign out of any Samsung accounts on the device. Skipping this step will trigger Knox, and removing a KG lock later takes extra effort. Samsung packages its firmware in .tar.md5 format. Once you extract the ZIP, look for files labeled AP_*, BL_*, CP_*, and CSC_* (or HOME_CSC_*). If these are missing, the package is incorrect.
Your Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981N firmware downloads as a ZIP archive. Extract it using WinRAR or 7-Zip. 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 these files are not present, you likely downloaded the wrong package.
Remember that installing stock firmware wipes all data. This factory reset effect clears software glitches, FRP locks, forgotten passwords, app crashes, battery drain, and soft brick conditions.
Hard Reset Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981N
A hard reset on the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981N is performed by holding Volume Up + Power while the phone is powered off to access the recovery menu. Once the recovery menu loads, use the volume keys to highlight “Wipe Data/Factory Reset” and press the Power button to confirm. On older models with a physical Home button, you would hold Volume Up + Home + Power instead.
Performing a factory reset wipes all user data and returns the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981N to its out-of-box state. This resolves typical glitches like lagging, frozen screens, bootloops, and forgotten pattern locks. If the phone remains problematic after the reset, a complete firmware flash with Odin is the next step.
Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981N FRP Bypass
The most effective method to bypass FRP on the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981N involves using a free Android apps launcher to access settings during the initial setup. Following a factory reset or a firmware flash, the system might lock you out with a Google account verification prompt. You can use our free Android apps launcher to get around this quickly. This is exactly why removing your Google account before a flash is always the best practice.
Why Do We Need Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981N Firmware?
Flashing the official Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981N firmware resolves severe software issues, updates the operating system, and restores the device to factory conditions. Samsung phones use Odin for flashing, regardless of the internal processor. Installing the official firmware fixes a wide range of problems:
- Remove locks if the device is disabled.
- Upgrade the phone to the newest supported Android OS.
- Eliminate freezing, lag, and continuous bootloops.
- Fix battery drain and over-the-air update failures.
- Restore the original stock ROM to maintain warranty status.
- Recover a phone that only boots into recovery mode.
- Fix Knox or KG lock errors caused by interrupted or incorrect flashes.
Learn more about stock ROMs and why flashing works.
Choosing the Right Firmware Version
Selecting the correct firmware version requires matching your exact model number, region code, and binary level to prevent permanent damage. Flashing an incorrect file is a serious mistake. Verify the following details before you proceed:
- Identify Your Exact Model Number: Open Settings › About Phone and check the full model number (e.g. SM-N981N). The suffix letter indicates the region: U/U1 = USA, W = Canada, N = Korea, B/F = International/Global. Using the wrong variant causes critical errors.
- Match the CSC (Region): The firmware filename includes a 3-letter region code that must match your phone. Find your current CSC under Settings › About Phone › Software Information or on the Download Mode screen. Examples include XAA (US), BTU (UK), INS (India), and SER (Russia).
- Check the Binary Level: Look at the version string on your phone (e.g.
XXU9BZDP). The number after the letters represents the binary level. You cannot downgrade this number. If your device is on Binary 9, you must flash Binary 9 or higher. - Confirm the Build Date: The final 4 characters of the PDA version indicate the build date. The first character is the year (A=2024, B=2025, C=2026), and the second is the month (A=Jan through L=Dec).
- Verify in Download Mode: Power down the device, then hold Volume Down + Power to enter Download Mode. This screen displays your exact model, CSC, and software version for verification.
Firmware Details for Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981N
The official firmware specifications for the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981N include Android 13, One UI 5.1, and the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ processor. Review the official software details below:
| Firmware Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Device Model | Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981N |
| Firmware Version | N/A |
| File Size | N/A |
| Android Version | Android 10, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1 |
| Platform | Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ (SM8250-AB) |
| 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?
The correct firmware version depends entirely on your specific issue, such as a dead phone, FRP lock, or a buggy OTA update. I receive this question constantly. Use the table below to find your exact situation and download 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-N981N 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-N981N Firmware
You can download the official Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981N firmware directly from the links provided below. The newest available release is the latest version. After downloading, compare the file size against the specifications table. A mismatched file size points to a corrupted download, and flashing a broken file creates more problems than it fixes.
| Software Details | Download Link | Members Link |
|---|---|---|
|
File Name: Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981N Firmware (firmwarefile) Size: N/A | Download Link | Download Link2 |
Ensure the file matches your exact model. See the firmware selection guide above if you are not sure.
- Your model number is a variant of SM-N981N with a different letter suffix. Check About Phone carefully, one letter difference can cause a failed or broken flash.
- Your chipset differs from Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ (SM8250-AB). 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-N981N Firmware
Preparing to flash the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981N firmware requires a Windows PC, proper USB drivers, and a full data backup. Two common mistakes cause the most failures here. First, leaving a Samsung account signed in triggers KG lock. Second, using a cheap charge-only cable drops the connection during the flash. Always use a high-quality data 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: Ensure 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-N981N
Installing the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981N firmware requires the Odin flash tool and a careful step-by-step process. We are using Odin for this. Keep “Auto Reboot” and “F. Reset Time” checked in Odin for the cleanest result. If you need help choosing an Odin version, visit our Odin versions page. Older Samsung models occasionally behave 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-N981N Firmware
After flashing the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981N firmware, the phone will take several minutes to boot, and all previous data will be erased. Many people assume the flash failed because the phone acts differently at first. Here is what is completely normal:
- How to know the flash was successful: Odin will display “PASS.” in green text at the top-left of the log area. Seeing this means everything went according to plan.
- 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.
- 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.
- Dial *#06# immediately after setup to check your IMEI. Do this before you insert a SIM card. If it shows “unknown” or “null”, follow the IMEI repair guide below before doing anything else.
- Be careful when re-adding your Google account, if you did not remove it before flashing, you may see an FRP prompt. Add it fresh during the setup wizard, not afterwards through Settings.
- 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.
- 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, it is usually a conflict with leftover data from the old install.
- Samsung Smart Switch: After flashing your Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981N firmware, Samsung Smart Switch may prompt you to install additional updates. Let it complete, this ensures your device has the latest security patches for your region.
Missing IMEI or Corrupt Baseband on Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981N After Flashing?
A missing IMEI or corrupt baseband after flashing the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981N indicates a wiped or damaged EFS partition. The EFS partition holds your IMEI and network details. Restoring an IMEI that does not belong to the original device is illegal in most regions, so only repair the number that came with the phone. Software like ChimeraTool or BFT can fix this issue. Verify your local regulations before proceeding.
Video Guide: How to repair IMEI
Common Issues When Flashing Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981N
Common issues when flashing the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981N include Odin failures, driver conflicts, and bootloops. Here is how to resolve them:
- 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 Note20 5G SM-N981N 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Will flashing the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981N firmware erase my data?
A: Yes. Using Odin to install this firmware returns the phone to its factory defaults, including Android 10, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1 settings. Every app, photo, contact, and account will be deleted. Save your files beforehand, because recovery is impossible after the flash finishes.
Q2: Is this firmware compatible with other Samsung models?
A: No. This specific flash file is designed only for the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981N with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ (SM8250-AB) processor. Even a different variant of the SM-N981N might use different internal hardware. Installing the wrong file can ruin the phone. Verify your exact model in Settings › About Phone.
Q3: Can I downgrade from the latest version to an older firmware version?
A: Downgrading is sometimes possible on Qualcomm devices, but I advise against it. Rolling back can create security vulnerabilities and app crashes on Android 10, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1. If the newest update is causing trouble, leave a comment below so we can find a better solution.
Q4: What should I do if I encounter an FRP lock after flashing?
A: Use our free Android apps launcher. FRP activates on the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981N when a Google account remains signed in prior to the flash. Removing your Google account beforehand prevents this entirely.
Q5: Are custom ROM options available for the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981N?
A: This article focuses entirely on official Samsung stock firmware. Whether custom ROMs exist for the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981N depends on open-source kernel support for the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ (SM8250-AB). Visit our Custom ROMs page or the XDA Developers forum for specific custom builds.
Q6: My Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981N is not detected by Odin. What should I do?
A: Start by reinstalling the Samsung USB drivers and restarting your computer. Move the cable to a USB 2.0 port instead of USB 3.0, as Samsung phones connect more reliably to 2.0. Temporarily disable your antivirus software. If the problem persists, leave a comment with the error message and I will assist you.
Q7: How do I enter recovery mode on my Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981N?
A: Turn the phone completely off, then press and hold Volume Up + Power together until the recovery menu loads. If you have an older Samsung model with a Home button, press Volume Up + Home + Power. The recovery screen displays the build number for your Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981N to help you verify the software version.
Q8: My IMEI shows “unknown” after flashing the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981N. Is my phone permanently damaged?
A: No, the phone is not ruined, and the issue is repairable. Read the IMEI repair guide in the troubleshooting section. Check the EFS partition for corruption first. Do not put a SIM card into the phone until the IMEI is fixed.
Q9: How long does it take to flash Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981N firmware?
A: The Odin flashing procedure generally takes 3 to 10 minutes, depending on the file size and USB speed. The initial reboot after the flash takes an additional 3 to 8 minutes. Leave the phone alone during both stages. If the Odin progress bar stops moving, wait a few extra minutes before assuming it failed.
Final Thoughts on Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981N Firmware
Following this guide ensures a safe and successful installation of the official Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981N firmware using Odin. If you followed the instructions correctly, your phone should now operate on a clean, stable build of the latest version.
If you run into an error or a specific step fails, leave a comment below. Provide the exact error message, the step you are on, and the solutions you have already attempted. I read the comments and will help you troubleshoot.
If this article was useful, please share it to help others facing the same software issues.
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.
