Last Updated: June 2, 2026
Restoring your SM-N981W is simple when you have the correct Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981W firmware. This page provides the exact flash files, USB drivers, and step-by-step instructions to handle FRP removal, system updates, and IMEI repair.
Device: Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981W | Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ 5G SM8250-AB | Flash Tool: Odin
Android: Android 10 (One UI 2.5), 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-N981W Firmware (Flash File) Drivers, Tools & Guide
Flashing the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981W firmware using Odin is a reliable method to fix software issues like bootloops or FRP locks. I have organized all the necessary files on this page, including the correct Odin version and the exact steps to get your phone running smoothly again.
The Snapdragon 865+ inside this device is a powerful chip, but even the best hardware needs clean software to function properly. Before you begin, ensure you sign out of your Samsung account. Skipping this step can trigger Knox security features, which are frustrating to bypass later. The firmware arrives as a compressed ZIP file. You will need WinRAR or 7-Zip to open it. Inside, look for the standard Odin files: AP_*.tar.md5, BL_*.tar.md5, CP_*.tar.md5, and CSC_*.tar.md5 (or HOME_CSC_*.tar.md5). If these are missing, the package is incorrect.
Keep in mind that flashing stock firmware will completely wipe your device. This factory reset behavior is intentional and clears out software bugs, forgotten passwords, battery drain, and soft brick conditions.
Hard Reset Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981W
A hard reset restores the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981W to its factory settings by wiping all user data through the stock recovery menu. Power down the phone completely, then press and hold Volume Up + Power until the recovery screen loads. Use the volume keys to highlight “Wipe Data/Factory Reset” and press the Power button to confirm.
This process fixes sluggish performance and app crashes. If the phone remains stuck after the reset, a full Odin flash is your next step.
Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981W FRP Bypass
Bypassing FRP on the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981W requires accessing the device settings during the initial setup wizard using a dedicated launcher app. If you reset your phone without removing your Google account, Factory Reset Protection will activate. You can use our free Android apps launcher to regain access to the settings menu. Removing your Google account before a reset is always the easiest way to prevent this lock.
Why Do We Need Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981W Firmware?
Flashing the official Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981W firmware resolves severe software glitches, updates the operating system, and restores the stock interface. Samsung phones rely on Odin for flashing, regardless of the processor inside. Here is why you might need it:
- Unlock a disabled or frozen phone.
- Upgrade to the newest Android version available for your hardware.
- Fix lag, freezing, and continuous bootloops on your SM-N981W.
- Resolve battery drain and failed over-the-air updates.
- Return to the official stock ROM to maintain your warranty status.
- Recover a device that only boots into the recovery menu.
- Fix Knox or KG lock errors caused by interrupted or incorrect flashes.
Read more about stock ROMs and why flashing works.
Choosing the Right Firmware Version
Selecting the correct firmware version requires matching your exact model number, CSC region code, and binary level to the downloaded files. Installing the wrong file can cause major issues:
- Identify Your Exact Model Number: Open Settings › About Phone to verify your model is exactly SM-N981W. The letter suffix indicates the region (W = Canada, U = USA, N = Korea, B/F = Global). Flashing firmware built for a different variant can cause issues.
- Match the CSC (Region): The three-letter code in the firmware must match your device. Check Settings › About Phone › Software Information or Download Mode. Examples include XAA (US), BTU (UK), INS (India), or SER (Russia).
- Check the Binary Level: Find the number in your firmware string, such as
XXU9BZDP. You cannot downgrade below your current binary level. If your device is on Binary 9, only flash Binary 9 or higher. - Confirm the Build Date: The last four characters of the PDA reveal the date. The first letter is the year (A=2024, B=2025, C=2026), the second is the month (A=Jan through L=Dec).
- Verify in Download Mode: Hold Volume Down + Power while the phone is off to verify your current software version and CSC on the warning screen before proceeding.
Firmware Details for Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981W
Here is a quick overview of the official firmware specifications:
| Firmware Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Device Model | Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981W |
| Firmware Version | VLU1ATGM |
| File Size | 5.8 GB |
| Android Version | Android 10 (One UI 2.5), upgradable to Android 13 (One UI 5.1) |
| 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, such as VLU1ATGM for a dead device or an older build if a recent OTA caused lag. Find your situation in the table below:
| Your Situation | What I Recommend |
|---|---|
| Phone is completely dead or stuck on logo | VLU1ATGM, download this one. It is the latest Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981W 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 VLU1ATGM first, then follow the IMEI repair guide. Do not skip the reflash. |
| VLU1ATGM 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 | VLU1ATGM, 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-N981W Firmware
You can download the official Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981W firmware directly from the links provided in the table below. The newest release is VLU1ATGM. Always check that the file size matches the listed 5.8 GB to ensure the download completed successfully and avoid flashing a corrupted file.
| Software Details | Download Link | Members Link |
|---|---|---|
|
File Name: N981WVLU1ATGM_N981WOYV1ATGM_BWA_4file.zip Size: 5.8 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-N981W 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-N981W Firmware
Preparing your PC and Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981W with the correct drivers, backups, and a quality USB cable prevents common flashing errors. Two frequent mistakes include leaving a Samsung account signed in (which triggers KG lock) and using a cheap charge-only cable that drops the connection. Always use a high-quality data cable.
- Back Up IMEI Numbers: Dial *#06# and record both numbers now. You will need these if you must restore your IMEI later.
- 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: Save photos, contacts, WhatsApp chats, and important files. Flashing wipes the device completely.
- Charge Your Device: Ensure you have at least 50% battery life. A phone that powers off mid-flash is very difficult to recover.
- USB Cable & PC: Use a true data USB cable and a Windows computer with available ports.
- Install Required Drivers:
How to Install Firmware on Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981W
Installing firmware on the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981W involves loading the extracted AP, BL, CP, and CSC files into the Odin flash tool and starting the process. We will use Odin for this. Keep “Auto Reboot” and “F. Reset Time” both checked in Odin for the cleanest result. If you need a different build, check our Odin versions page.
- Download and Extract:
- Download the correct firmware package from the links above.
- Extract the ZIP to a simple folder path without spaces or special characters.
- Install the Listed Drivers:
- Confirm all drivers listed above are installed and restart your computer. Skipping the restart is a common reason drivers do not work.
- 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 until the warning screen appears. Press Volume Up to confirm.
- Connect your phone to your PC via USB. Odin should display “Added..” in the log area.
- Start Flashing:
- Click the “Start” button to begin.
- Do not disconnect or touch the device until the process is fully complete.
- Wait and Reboot:
- Once flashing finishes successfully, disconnect the device.
- Power on your device. The first boot will take up to 8 minutes.
Video Guide for Flashing
What to Expect After Flashing Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981W Firmware
After flashing the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981W firmware, the device will take several minutes to boot up while it configures the new operating system. Here is what is completely normal after a successful flash:
- How to know the flash was successful: Odin will display “PASS.” in a green box at the top-left of the log area.
- First boot takes 3 to 8 minutes, do not force-restart the phone. The operating system is setting itself up from scratch.
- The phone will feel warm during first boot, this is expected. It settles after a few minutes once the initial setup finishes.
- All your apps are gone, you must reinstall them from the Play Store. Google account backups will offer to restore them automatically.
- Dial *#06# immediately after setup to verify your IMEI. If it shows “unknown”, follow the IMEI repair guide before inserting a SIM card.
- Be careful when re-adding your Google account, add it fresh during the setup wizard to avoid unexpected FRP prompts.
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and mobile data should work right away. If mobile data fails, manually input your APN in the SIM network settings.
- Stuck in a bootloop after first boot? Enter recovery mode and perform a factory reset from the hard reset guide above. This clears conflicting leftover data.
- Samsung Smart Switch: After flashing your Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981W firmware, Samsung Smart Switch might prompt you to install additional updates. Allow it to complete to ensure you have the latest security patches for your region.
Missing IMEI or Corrupt Baseband on Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981W After Flashing?
A missing IMEI or corrupt baseband after flashing usually indicates a wiped EFS partition that requires dedicated repair software to restore. The EFS partition holds your carrier details and IMEI numbers. Restoring an IMEI that does not belong to your original phone is illegal in most countries. Tools like ChimeraTool or BFT can help restore your proper EFS data. Check local regulations before proceeding.
Video Guide: How to repair IMEI
Common Issues When Flashing Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981W
- Odin Shows “FAIL” Instead of “PASS”:
- This typically means the firmware does not match your exact model or region. Double-check the model number in your phone settings before selecting the firmware.
- Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981W Not Recognized by Odin:
- Reinstall the Samsung USB drivers and ensure you are in Download Mode. Try a different USB cord, as Odin can be sensitive to cable quality.
- KG Lock / Knox Triggered After Flashing:
- This occurs when a Samsung account remains active before flashing, or when unofficial software is used. A professional unlocking tool is generally required to remove an active KG lock.
- Boot Loop After Flashing:
- Boot into recovery mode (Volume Up + Power) and select wipe data/factory reset. This clears any conflicting files from the previous firmware installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Will flashing the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981W firmware erase my data?
A: Yes, using Odin to install this firmware resets the phone to its factory defaults, including Android 10 (One UI 2.5), upgradable to Android 13 (One UI 5.1) settings. All accounts, photos, contacts, and applications will be deleted. You must back up your files beforehand because the data cannot be recovered after the flash completes.
Q2: Is this firmware compatible with other Samsung models?
A: No, this specific file is designed exclusively for the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981W equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ 5G SM8250-AB processor. Other variants feature different internal hardware, and forcing this software onto them can leave your phone in a state that is very difficult to recover from. Always verify your exact model in the settings menu.
Q3: Can I downgrade from VLU1ATGM to an older firmware version?
A: Downgrading is technically possible on certain Qualcomm devices, but it is generally not advised. Rolling back the software can introduce security vulnerabilities and application crashes on Android 10 (One UI 2.5), upgradable to Android 13 (One UI 5.1). If the newest build is unstable, 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: You can bypass this using our free Android apps launcher. The FRP lock engages when a Google account remains registered before a factory reset. Removing your Google credentials prior to flashing is the easiest way to prevent this security measure.
Q5: Are custom ROM options available for the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981W?
A: This article focuses entirely on official stock software. The availability of custom ROMs for the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981W depends on the developer community and open-source kernel support for the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ 5G SM8250-AB. Visit our Custom ROMs page or the XDA Developers forum to find device-specific custom projects.
Q6: My Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981W is not detected by Odin. What should I do?
A: Driver issues are the most common cause. Reinstall the Samsung drivers, reboot your computer, and test a USB 2.0 port instead of USB 3.0. Temporarily disable your antivirus software. If Odin still does not detect the phone, leave a comment with the specific error message.
Q7: How do I enter recovery mode on my Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981W?
A: Turn the phone off entirely. Press and hold Volume Up + Power simultaneously until the recovery menu loads. Older Samsung phones with a physical Home button require Volume Up + Home + Power. The recovery screen displays the current build number for your Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981W, which helps you verify the installed software version.
Q8: My IMEI shows “unknown” after flashing the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981W. Is my phone permanently damaged?
A: The phone is not permanently broken, even though an “unknown” IMEI looks serious. Follow the IMEI repair guide in the troubleshooting section to check the EFS partition. Do not insert a SIM card until the original IMEI numbers are successfully restored.
Q9: How long does it take to flash Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981W firmware?
A: The Odin flashing procedure typically requires 3 to 10 minutes, depending on the file size and your USB connection. The initial reboot after the flash takes an additional 3 to 8 minutes. Do not unplug the device if the progress bar appears to pause. Give the software ample time to complete the installation.
Final Thoughts on Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981W Firmware
Flashing the official Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981W firmware is the best way to restore your device to full working condition. If you followed the instructions carefully, your phone should now operate on a clean, stable build.
If something did not go as expected, leave a comment below with as much detail as you can. 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.
