Last Updated: June 2, 2026
Getting your SM-N981U1 back to normal is easy when you use the official Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981U1 firmware. This guide provides every file, driver, and instruction you need to handle hard resets, FRP bypass, and system repairs.
Device: Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981U1 | Chipset: Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G+ (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-N981U1 Firmware (Flash File) Drivers, Tools & Guide
Installing Samsung software with Odin is a reliable process once you understand the steps. I have organized all the necessary resources on this page, including the correct Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981U1 firmware file, the right Odin version, and proven steps to follow.
Before you begin, please sign out of your Samsung account if one is currently active on the phone. Skipping this step will trigger Knox security, which adds unnecessary time to the repair process. When you download the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981U1 firmware, it will arrive as a compressed ZIP file. You can extract it using WinRAR or 7-Zip. Once extracted, look for files labeled AP_*.tar.md5, BL_*.tar.md5, CP_*.tar.md5, and CSC_*.tar.md5 (or HOME_CSC_*.tar.md5). If these files are missing, the package is incorrect for your device.
Please remember that installing stock firmware will completely wipe your data. This factory reset is intentional and helps clear out persistent software bugs, FRP locks, forgotten passwords, bootloops, and battery drain.
Hard Reset Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981U1
You can factory reset the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981U1 without a computer by using the hardware button combination. Turn off the phone entirely, then press and hold Volume Up + Power simultaneously until the recovery menu loads. (If your phone has a physical Home button, use Volume Up + Home + Power). Use the volume keys to highlight “Wipe Data/Factory Reset” and press the Power button to confirm.
Performing a hard reset returns the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981U1 to its original factory settings by erasing all personal data. This step resolves common glitches like app crashes, sluggish performance, and continuous restarts. If the phone still misbehaves after the reset, the following sections explain how to perform a complete firmware installation.
Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981U1 FRP Bypass
The most effective method to bypass FRP on the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981U1 involves using a free launcher tool to access settings during the initial setup. After a factory reset or a fresh flash, the system might ask for the previously synced Google account details. You can use our free Android apps launcher to get past this verification screen quickly. To prevent this lock from happening in the future, always remove your Google account before installing new firmware.
Why Do We Need Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981U1 Firmware?
Flashing the official software resolves deep system problems on your Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981U1, regardless of the internal processor. Here are the most common reasons to install it:
- Remove screen locks if the device is disabled.
- Upgrade the operating system to the newest available release.
- Stop random freezing, lagging, and continuous bootloops on your SM-N981U1 Galaxy Note20 5G.
- Fix failed over-the-air updates and rapid battery draining.
- Reinstall the original stock ROM to maintain warranty status.
- Repair a phone that only boots into the recovery environment.
- Clear KG lock or Knox errors caused by an interrupted or incorrect installation on your device.
Learn more about stock ROMs and why flashing works.
Choosing the Right Firmware Version
Selecting the correct software build is crucial before starting the installation process. Taking a few minutes to verify your files will save you from difficult errors later:
- Identify Your Exact Model Number: Go to Settings › About Phone and note your full model number (e.g. SM-N981U1). 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-N981U1
Below is a complete breakdown of the official software specifications for this device:
| Firmware Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Device Model | Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981U1 |
| Firmware Version | N/A |
| File Size | 5.4 GB |
| Android Version | Android 10 (upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5) |
| Platform | Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G+ (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?
The correct firmware version depends entirely on the current state of your phone and the specific issue you are trying to fix. I receive many questions about which file to choose, so I created this reference table. Find your scenario below to locate the correct download:
| 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-N981U1 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-N981U1 Firmware
You can download the official stock software directly from the links provided in the table below. The most recent release is the latest version. Once the download finishes, compare the file size against the details listed earlier. If the size is different, the file may be corrupted, which can cause serious errors during installation.
| Software Details | Download Link | Members Link |
|---|---|---|
|
File Name: N981U1UEU1ATH3_N981U1OYM1ATH3_TFN_4file.zip Size: 5.4 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-N981U1 with a different letter suffix. Check About Phone carefully, one letter difference can cause a failed or broken flash.
- Your chipset differs from Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G+ (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-N981U1 Firmware
Preparing your computer and phone properly ensures a smooth installation of the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981U1 firmware. Two common mistakes cause problems here: forgetting to sign out of a Samsung account, which leads to KG lock, and using a low-quality USB cable that disconnects halfway through. 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: 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-N981U1
We will use the Odin tool to install the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981U1 firmware on your phone. Leave “Auto Reboot” and “F. Reset Time” checked inside Odin for the best results. If you need help selecting an Odin version, visit 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-N981U1 Firmware
Several normal behaviors occur immediately after you apply the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981U1 firmware. Here is what to expect:
- How to know the flash was successful: A green “PASS.” message will appear in the Odin log box. This confirms a successful installation.
- First boot takes 3 to 8 minutes, please wait patiently. The system is configuring itself for the first time. Forcing a restart here can cause a bootloop.
- The phone will feel warm during first boot, this is expected. The device will cool down after the initial setup finishes.
- All your apps are gone, this happens because the storage is wiped clean. You can reinstall them from the Play Store. Your Google backup will assist you during the 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, if the account was not removed prior to flashing, the system might trigger FRP. Enter your details during the initial setup rather than waiting until later.
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and mobile data should function normally right away. If mobile data fails, navigate to Settings › SIM and Network to manually input your APN details, as the installation sometimes clears them.
- Stuck in a bootloop after first boot? Boot into recovery mode and execute a factory reset. Check the hard reset guide above. This usually resolves conflicts left behind by the old system.
- Samsung Smart Switch: The application might suggest installing extra updates after the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981U1 firmware is applied. Allow it to finish so your phone receives the correct regional security patches.
Missing IMEI or Corrupt Baseband on Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981U1 After Flashing?
A missing IMEI usually indicates a corrupted EFS partition, which is where your carrier information is stored. Please note that writing a fake IMEI is illegal in most regions. You should only restore the original number that came with the phone. Programs like ChimeraTool or BFT are designed to help with this process. Check your local regulations before you proceed.
Video Guide: How to repair IMEI
Common Issues When Flashing Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981U1
- Odin Shows “FAIL” Instead of “PASS”:
- This typically means the file does not match the device. Verify your exact model under Settings › About Phone. A single letter difference in the model number will cause this error.
- Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981U1 Not Recognized by Odin:
- Reinstall the Samsung USB drivers and ensure the phone is in Download Mode. Try swapping your USB cable, as poor quality cables often cause detection failures.
- KG Lock / Knox Triggered After Flashing:
- This security measure activates if a Samsung account remained logged in, or if unauthorized software was used. Removing accounts beforehand prevents this. Resolving an active KG lock usually requires a specialized unlocking tool.
- Boot Loop After Flashing:
- Open recovery mode by pressing Volume Up + Power, then choose to wipe data. This clears out conflicting files from the previous installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Will flashing the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981U1 firmware erase my data?
A: Yes, applying this software with Odin completely resets the phone to its original factory state, including the default Android 10 (upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5) configuration. Every app, photo, contact, and account will be deleted. Save anything important beforehand, as data recovery is impossible after the process finishes.
Q2: Is this firmware compatible with other Samsung models?
A: No, this package is strictly for the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981U1 equipped with the Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G+ (Snapdragon 865+ 5G SM8250-AB) processor. Even a similar model with a slightly different suffix might use entirely different internal hardware. Installing the wrong files can severely damage the phone. Always confirm your exact model in the settings menu.
Q3: Can I downgrade from the latest version to an older firmware version?
A: While it might be possible on certain Qualcomm processors, rolling back is generally not advised. Moving to an older build can introduce security vulnerabilities and app instability on Android 10 (upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5). If the newest release is giving you trouble, leave a comment below so we can find a safer solution.
Q4: What should I do if I encounter an FRP lock after flashing?
A: You can use our free Android apps launcher to resolve this. The FRP prompt appears on the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981U1 because a Google account was still active prior to the flash. Signing out of your accounts beforehand is the easiest way to prevent this lock.
Q5: Are custom ROM options available for the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981U1?
A: This tutorial focuses entirely on official Samsung stock software. The availability of custom ROMs for the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981U1 relies on whether developers provide open-source kernel support for the Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G+ (Snapdragon 865+ 5G SM8250-AB) chipset. You can check our Custom ROMs page or visit the XDA Developers forum for specific development threads.
Q6: My Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981U1 is not detected by Odin. What should I do?
A: Begin by reinstalling the Samsung USB drivers and rebooting your computer. Try moving the cable to a USB 2.0 port instead of USB 3.0, as Samsung phones often communicate more reliably over USB 2.0. Temporarily turn off your antivirus software. If Odin still does not detect the device, 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-N981U1?
A: Turn the phone off entirely, then press and hold Volume Up + Power together until the menu appears. If your phone features a physical Home button, press Volume Up + Home + Power. The recovery screen will display the current build number for your Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981U1, allowing you to verify the software version.
Q8: My IMEI shows “unknown” after flashing the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981U1. Is my phone permanently damaged?
A: Your phone is not permanently damaged, even though the error looks serious. Follow the IMEI repair guide located in the troubleshooting section. For Samsung phones, the EFS partition is usually the culprit. Make sure not to insert a SIM card until the correct IMEI is restored.
Q9: How long does it take to flash Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981U1 firmware?
A: The Odin installation typically requires 3 to 10 minutes, depending on the file size and your USB transfer speed. The initial reboot afterward takes an additional 3 to 8 minutes. Avoid unplugging the device during either phase. If the progress bar seems frozen, wait a few extra minutes before troubleshooting.
Final Thoughts on Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981U1 Firmware
Following these instructions carefully will help you safely apply the official Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981U1 firmware (the latest version) using Odin. If everything went smoothly, your phone is now running a clean, stable version of the software.
If you ran into an error or a specific step did not work, please leave a comment below. Provide the exact error message, the step you are currently on, and the steps you have already attempted. I read every comment and will help you find a solution.
If this tutorial was helpful, please share it with others who might need assistance with their phones.
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.
