Last Updated: June 2, 2026
Restoring the SM-N981U is a straightforward process when you have the correct Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981U firmware. This guide covers the official flash files, USB drivers, and step-by-step instructions to handle FRP removal, system updates, and IMEI repair.
Device: Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981U | Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ 5G (SM8250-AB) | Flash Tool: Odin
Android: Android 10, upgradable to 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-N981U Firmware (Flash File) Drivers, Tools & Guide
Installing the official Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981U firmware requires Odin, the correct USB drivers, and the extracted .tar.md5 flash files. You will find everything needed to restore your device right here.
Before starting the installation, check if a Samsung account is currently signed in on the device. You must log out of the account to prevent Knox security from triggering a KG lock, which requires extra time to resolve. The software package arrives as a compressed ZIP archive. Once you extract it, you will see specific files labeled AP_*, BL_*, CP_*, and CSC_* (or HOME_CSC_*). If these files are missing, the package is incorrect for your phone.
Download the archive and extract the contents using WinRAR or 7-Zip. After extraction, verify that files like AP_*.tar.md5, BL_*.tar.md5, CP_*.tar.md5, and CSC_*.tar.md5 are present. Missing these files indicates you have downloaded the wrong package for your specific model.
Keep in mind that flashing stock software erases all personal data. This complete wipe is intentional and resolves persistent software problems including FRP lock, application crashes, severe lag, forgotten pattern locks, system freezes, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth drops, battery drain, and soft brick situations.
Hard Reset Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981U
You can factory reset the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981U without a computer by holding the Volume Up and Power buttons together to access the recovery menu. From there, use the volume keys to highlight “Wipe Data/Factory Reset” and press the Power button to confirm the action.
Performing a hard reset completely wipes the internal storage and returns the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981U to its original factory state. This process resolves common glitches like sluggish performance, system crashes, lost screen lock credentials, and continuous bootloops. If the phone remains problematic after the reset, a complete firmware installation using Odin is the next step.
Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981U FRP Bypass
The most efficient way to bypass FRP on the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981U involves using a free Android apps launcher to reach the settings menu during the initial setup. If you performed a factory reset or flashed the phone while a Google account was active, the system will lock.
Our free Android apps launcher provides a quick workaround for this security measure. Removing your Google account before initiating a reset or flash prevents this lock from activating entirely.
Why Do We Need Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981U Firmware?
Flashing the official Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981U firmware resolves severe software issues like bootloops, system freezes, and failed updates. Samsung devices rely on Odin for this procedure, and installing the stock ROM can fix a wide variety of problems:
- Unlock a phone that has been disabled or restricted.
- Upgrade the operating system to the most recent version supported by the hardware.
- Eliminate startup loops, system lag, and random freezing on the SM-N981U.
- Fix over-the-air update failures and rapid battery drain.
- Revert to the original Samsung stock ROM to maintain warranty compliance.
- Repair a device that only boots into the recovery menu.
- Recover from KG lock or Knox errors following an interrupted or incorrect flash.
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 (CSC), and binary level to the downloaded file. Flashing an incompatible package can cause permanent damage to the operating system.
- Identify Your Exact Model Number: Open Settings › About Phone and record the full model number (e.g. SM-N981U). The letter suffix is critical, U/U1 = USA, W = Canada, N = Korea, B/F = International/Global. Installing software meant for a different variant will cause system errors.
- Match the CSC (Region): The 3-letter region code in the file name must correspond to your device. Verify your current CSC under Settings › About Phone › Software Information or check the Service Provider line in Download Mode. Common codes include XAA (US), BTU (UK), INS (India), and SER (Russia).
- Check the Binary Level: Examine the version string in your current software (e.g.
XXU9BZDP, the digit after the letters represents the binary level). Downgrading to a lower binary level is blocked. If your phone operates on Binary 9, only install Binary 9 or newer. - 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 press Volume Down + Power to enter Download Mode. This screen lists your exact model, CSC, and software version for verification.
Firmware Details for Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981U
The official Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981U firmware specifications include a file size of 5.8 GB and compatibility with Android 10, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5. Below is a complete breakdown of the software details.
| Firmware Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Device Model | Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981U |
| Firmware Version | SQU1ATGM |
| File Size | 5.8 GB |
| Android Version | Android 10, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5 |
| Platform | Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ 5G (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?
You should download the firmware version that matches your specific issue, your current binary level, and your regional CSC code. The table below outlines the best options for common scenarios.
| Your Situation | What I Recommend |
|---|---|
| Phone is completely dead or stuck on logo | SQU1ATGM, download this one. It is the latest Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981U 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 SQU1ATGM first, then follow the IMEI repair guide. Do not skip the reflash. |
| SQU1ATGM 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 | SQU1ATGM, 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-N981U Firmware
You can download the official Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981U firmware directly from the links provided below. The latest available build is SQU1ATGM, which is fully compatible with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ 5G (SM8250-AB) chipset.
| Software Details | Download Link | Members Link |
|---|---|---|
|
File Name: N981USQU1ATGM_N981UOYN1ATGM_CCT_5file.zip Size: 5.8 GB | Download Link | Download Link2 |
Only download software 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-N981U 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+ 5G (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-N981U Firmware
Before flashing the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981U firmware, you must back up your data, remove all Samsung and Google accounts, and install the proper USB drivers on your Windows PC. Overlooking these steps often leads to KG lock or dropped connections during the flash.
- 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-N981U
You can install the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981U firmware by loading the extracted AP, BL, CP, and CSC files into Odin and clicking start while the phone is in Download Mode. Ensure the “Auto Reboot” and “F. Reset Time” options are checked before you begin.
We are using Odin for this process. If you need help finding the right version, check our Odin versions page. Older hardware sometimes responds better to previous Odin releases.
- 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-N981U Firmware
After flashing the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981U firmware, the device will take three to eight minutes to boot up while it configures the new operating system. Odin will display a green “PASS.” message to confirm the installation was successful.
- How to know the flash was successful: Odin displays “PASS.” in a green box near the top of the interface. Seeing this confirms the procedure worked perfectly.
- First boot takes 3 to 8 minutes, allow the phone to sit without interruption. The system is rebuilding its core files, and forcing a restart here can cause a bootloop.
- The phone will feel warm during first boot, this is expected behavior. The temperature will normalize once the initial background setup finishes.
- All your apps are gone, this happens because the internal storage was wiped. Reinstall your applications via the Play Store. Google Backup will usually prompt you to restore your data during the initial setup wizard.
- Dial *#06# immediately after setup to verify your IMEI status. Do this before inserting a SIM card. If the screen reads “unknown” or “null”, refer to the IMEI repair guide below.
- Be careful when re-adding your Google account, failing to remove the account prior to flashing triggers the FRP security prompt. Always input your credentials during the setup wizard rather than navigating to Settings later.
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and mobile data should function normally right away. If mobile data fails, navigate to Settings › SIM and Network and input your carrier APN details manually, as the flash sometimes clears this information.
- Stuck in a bootloop after first boot? Boot into recovery mode and execute a factory reset, see the hard reset guide above. This occasionally happens when leftover data from the previous installation conflicts with the new system.
- Samsung Smart Switch: Once the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981U firmware is installed, Smart Switch might recommend additional updates. Allow the application to finish downloading and installing these to ensure your device receives the most recent security patches for your region.
Missing IMEI or Corrupt Baseband on Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981U After Flashing?
A missing IMEI or corrupt baseband on the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981U usually indicates a corrupted EFS partition caused by the flash process. You can often restore your original IMEI using professional repair tools, provided you have the correct credentials.
Keep in mind that altering an IMEI to a number that did not originally belong to the device is illegal in many regions. Only perform this restoration if you are recovering the number the phone had prior to the flash. Software like ChimeraTool or BFT can assist with this task. Review your local regulations before you begin.
Video Guide: How to repair IMEI
Common Issues When Flashing Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981U
Common issues when flashing the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981U include Odin failing to recognize the device, software downgrading errors, or the phone entering a boot loop. Most of these problems stem from incorrect drivers, faulty cables, or mismatched firmware regions.
- Odin Shows “FAIL” Instead of “PASS”:
- This error typically points to a mismatch between the downloaded software and your hardware. Double-check your model number under Settings › About Phone. A single incorrect character in the model code will cause the installation to fail.
- Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981U Not Recognized by Odin:
- Reinstall the Samsung USB drivers and ensure the phone is sitting in Download Mode. Try swapping your current USB cable for a high-quality alternative, as Odin requires a stable data connection.
- KG Lock / Knox Triggered After Flashing:
- This security measure activates when a Samsung account remains logged in prior to flashing, or when unauthorized software is applied. Logging out of all Samsung accounts beforehand prevents this. Resolving an active KG lock usually requires a professional unlocking service.
- Boot Loop After Flashing:
- Access the recovery menu (Volume Up + Power) and perform a factory reset. This wipes away residual data from the older operating system that might be causing the conflict.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Will flashing the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981U firmware erase my data?
A: Yes, using Odin to install this software completely wipes the device and returns it to factory settings, including the Android 10, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5 defaults. Every app, photo, and contact will be deleted. Create a backup beforehand, as recovery is impossible after the process finishes.
Q2: Is this firmware compatible with other Samsung models?
A: No, this specific package only supports the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981U equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ 5G (SM8250-AB) processor. Other variants, even those with a slightly different model suffix, use entirely different hardware. Installing the wrong file can severely damage your phone.
Q3: Can I downgrade from SQU1ATGM to an older firmware version?
A: While technically possible on certain Qualcomm devices, rolling back from SQU1ATGM is generally discouraged. Downgrading introduces security vulnerabilities and app instability on Android 10, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5. If the latest build is causing trouble, troubleshooting the specific issue is a better approach than reverting.
Q4: What should I do if I encounter an FRP lock after flashing?
A: You can use our free Android apps launcher to regain access to the settings menu. Factory resetting or flashing the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981U while a Google account is active will trigger this security measure. Removing the account beforehand prevents this entirely.
Q5: Are custom ROM options available for the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981U?
A: This article focuses entirely on official stock software. The availability of custom ROMs for the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981U depends on developer support for the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ 5G (SM8250-AB) chipset. You can check our Custom ROMs page or the XDA Developers forum for third-party options.
Q6: My Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981U is not detected by Odin. What should I do?
A: Begin by reinstalling the Samsung USB drivers and restarting your computer. Try connecting to a USB 2.0 port instead of USB 3.0, as Odin is often more stable on older ports. Temporarily disable your antivirus software. If the problem persists, leave a comment with the exact error message for further assistance.
Q7: How do I enter recovery mode on my Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981U?
A: Turn off the phone entirely, then press and hold Volume Up and Power simultaneously until the menu loads. Older models with a physical Home button require Volume Up, Home, and Power instead. The screen will display the current build number for your Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981U to help you verify the software version.
Q8: My IMEI shows “unknown” after flashing the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981U. Is my phone permanently damaged?
A: No, the phone is not permanently damaged. This usually means the EFS partition needs restoration. Follow the IMEI repair guide in the troubleshooting section above. Refrain from inserting a SIM card until the original number is fully restored.
Q9: How long does it take to flash Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981U firmware?
A: The Odin flashing procedure typically requires three to ten minutes, depending on the file size and your USB connection speed. The initial reboot afterward takes an additional three to eight minutes. Avoid disconnecting the cable or restarting the phone manually during either phase, even if the progress bar appears to stall.
Final Thoughts on Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981U Firmware
The official Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981U firmware provides a reliable way to restore system stability, remove FRP locks, and fix bootloop errors. Following the Odin steps carefully will result in a clean, fully functional device running the SQU1ATGM build.
If something did not go as expected, a specific error, a step that is not working for your setup, leave a comment below with as much detail as you can: 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.
