Last Updated: June 2, 2026
Installing the official Samsung Galaxy Note20 SM-N980F/DS firmware is the most reliable way to resolve system errors, FRP locks, and bootloop issues. Below you will find the correct flash files, tools, and instructions to get your phone running normally again.
Device: Samsung Galaxy Note20 SM-N980F/DS | Chipset: Samsung Exynos 990 (7nm) | 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 SM-N980F/DS Firmware (Flash File) Drivers, Tools & Guide
The official Samsung Galaxy Note20 SM-N980F/DS firmware package includes everything needed to restore your device via Odin, including the correct drivers and tools. Flashing Samsung firmware with Odin is a straightforward process when you have the correct files. I have organized all the necessary components on this page, including the right Odin version and the verified steps that actually work.
Before you begin, sign out of your Samsung account if one is active. Skipping this step will trigger Knox security, leaving you with a KG lock that takes extra effort to clear. The firmware arrives as a compressed ZIP archive. Extract it using WinRAR or 7-Zip. You should see 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 phone.
Keep in mind that installing stock firmware will wipe all data. This is exactly what fixes persistent software glitches, including FRP lock, sluggish performance, forgotten pattern locks, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth drops, battery drain, and soft brick conditions.
Hard Reset Samsung Galaxy Note20 SM-N980F/DS
A hard reset on the Samsung Galaxy Note20 SM-N980F/DS is performed by holding the Volume Up and Power buttons together while the phone is turned off to access the recovery menu. Power off the phone entirely, then press and hold Volume Up + Power (or Volume Up + Home + Power on older models with a physical home button) until the recovery screen loads. Use the volume keys to highlight “Wipe Data/Factory Reset” and press the Power button to confirm.
This factory reset wipes all personal data and returns the Samsung Galaxy Note20 SM-N980F/DS to its original factory state. It clears up most common software complaints like app crashes, bootloops, and general lag. If the phone still misbehaves after the reset, a full firmware installation using Odin is your next step.
Samsung Galaxy Note20 SM-N980F/DS FRP Bypass
You can bypass FRP on the Samsung Galaxy Note20 SM-N980F/DS by using a free Android apps launcher to access settings during the initial setup. Following a factory reset or a firmware flash, the phone might lock you out with a Google account verification prompt. Our free Android apps launcher provides the quickest method to get past this screen. This is exactly why I always advise users to delete their Google accounts before starting a flash.
Why Do We Need Samsung Galaxy Note20 SM-N980F/DS Firmware?
Flashing the official Samsung Galaxy Note20 SM-N980F/DS firmware is necessary to fix software crashes, remove locks, update the operating system, and recover a bricked device. Samsung phones are flashed using Odin, regardless of the internal processor. Whether you are fixing a bootloop or updating the system, installing the official firmware handles the job:
- Unlock a disabled or locked device.
- Upgrade to the newest Android version supported by the hardware.
- Resolve freezing, lagging, and startup loops on your SM-N980F/DS Galaxy Note20.
- Fix battery drain and failed OTA updates.
- Restore the original stock ROM to maintain your warranty.
- Recover a phone that only boots into recovery mode.
- Clear KG lock or Knox errors caused by an interrupted 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. Double-check your files before opening Odin, as flashing an incompatible file creates problems that are difficult to fix:
- Identify Your Exact Model Number: Go to Settings › About Phone and note your full model number (e.g. SM-N980F/DS). 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 SM-N980F/DS
The firmware details for the Samsung Galaxy Note20 SM-N980F/DS outline the specific Android version, file size, and chipset compatibility for the official stock ROM:
| Firmware Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Device Model | Samsung Galaxy Note20 SM-N980F/DS |
| Firmware Version | V01, V00 |
| File Size | 716.82 MB to 2.1 GB |
| Android Version | Android 10, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5 |
| Platform | Samsung Exynos 990 (7nm) |
| 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 the latest build for a dead phone or an older build if a recent OTA caused performance drops. 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 SM-N980F/DS 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 SM-N980F/DS Firmware
You can download the official Samsung Galaxy Note20 SM-N980F/DS firmware directly from the links provided in the table below. The most recent release is the latest version. Once downloaded, compare the file size against the table above. A mismatch usually points to a corrupted download, and attempting to flash a broken file only creates more issues.
| Software Details | Download Link | Members Link |
|---|---|---|
|
File Name: COMBINATION_FAC_FAQ0_N980FXXU2AUE1_FAC_CL21655634_QB40000339_REV01_user_mid_noship_MULTI_CERT.tar.md5.zip Size: 2.1 GB | Download Link | Download Link2 |
| File Name: COMBINATION_FAC_FA81_J610GUBU1ARI4_FACFAC_CL14321305_QB19776235_REV00_user.rar Size: 716.82 MB | 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-N980F/DS 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 (7nm). 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 SM-N980F/DS Firmware
Before installing the Samsung Galaxy Note20 SM-N980F/DS firmware, you must back up your data, remove all accounts, charge the battery, and install the correct USB drivers. Review this checklist before launching Odin. Two things cause the most trouble here: a Samsung account left signed in (which triggers KG lock) and a cheap USB cable that drops the connection mid-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: 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 SM-N980F/DS
You can install the Samsung Galaxy Note20 SM-N980F/DS firmware by loading the extracted AP, BL, CP, and CSC files into Odin and clicking Start while the phone is in Download Mode. We are using Odin for this. Keep “Auto Reboot” and “F. Reset Time” checked in Odin for the cleanest result. If you need help picking an Odin version, check our Odin versions page. Older Samsung phones sometimes run better on 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 SM-N980F/DS Firmware
After flashing the Samsung Galaxy Note20 SM-N980F/DS firmware, expect a longer initial boot time, a warm device temperature, and a completely clean system state. Many people panic at this stage, but the following behaviors are completely normal:
- How to know the flash was successful: A green “PASS.” message will appear in the top-left corner of the Odin log. This confirms a successful installation.
- First boot takes 3 to 8 minutes, give the phone time to configure the operating system. Forcing a restart here can cause a bootloop.
- The phone will feel warm during first boot, the hardware is working hard to set up apps. It will cool down shortly.
- All your apps are gone, the flash wiped them. Reinstall them via the Play Store or restore them from a Google backup during the setup wizard.
- Dial *#06# immediately after setup to verify your IMEI is intact. Do this before inserting a SIM card. If it reads “unknown”, follow the IMEI repair guide right away.
- Be careful when re-adding your Google account, skipping the account removal before flashing might trigger an FRP prompt. Enter your credentials during the initial setup rather than through the Settings menu later.
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and mobile data should function immediately. If mobile data fails, manually input your carrier APN in Settings › SIM and Network, as the flash sometimes clears this data.
- Stuck in a bootloop after first boot? Boot into recovery and execute a factory reset (see the hard reset guide above). This usually clears out conflicting data from the old system.
- Samsung Smart Switch: Once the Samsung Galaxy Note20 SM-N980F/DS firmware is installed, Smart Switch might push additional updates. Allow it to finish so your phone gets the proper regional security patches.
Missing IMEI or Corrupt Baseband on Samsung Galaxy Note20 SM-N980F/DS After Flashing?
A missing IMEI or corrupt baseband on the Samsung Galaxy Note20 SM-N980F/DS after flashing usually indicates a wiped or damaged EFS partition. The EFS partition holds your IMEI and network data. Restoring an IMEI that does not belong to the original device is illegal in most regions, so only repair the number that originally came with the phone. Software like ChimeraTool or BFT can handle this task. Verify your local regulations first.
Video Guide: How to repair IMEI
Common Issues When Flashing Samsung Galaxy Note20 SM-N980F/DS
- Odin Shows “FAIL” Instead of “PASS”:
- This typically means the firmware region or model does not match the phone. Verify your exact model in Settings › About Phone. A single letter difference matters.
- Samsung Galaxy Note20 SM-N980F/DS Not Recognized by Odin:
- Reinstall the Samsung USB drivers and ensure the phone is in Download Mode. Swap to a different USB cable, as Odin is picky about connection quality.
- KG Lock / Knox Triggered After Flashing:
- This occurs when a Samsung account remained logged in, or if unofficial software was installed. Always log out beforehand. If KG lock is active, you generally need a professional tool to clear it.
- Boot Loop After Flashing:
- Access recovery mode (Volume Up + Power) and perform a factory reset to wipe conflicting data from the previous installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Will flashing the Samsung Galaxy Note20 SM-N980F/DS firmware erase my data?
A: Yes, installing this firmware via Odin completely wipes the phone and restores it to factory settings, including Android 10, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5 defaults. Every app, photo, contact, and account will disappear. Save your files beforehand, as recovery is impossible after the flash finishes.
Q2: Is this firmware compatible with other Samsung models?
A: No, this file is strictly for the Samsung Galaxy Note20 SM-N980F/DS using the Samsung Exynos 990 (7nm) processor. Even a slightly different variant of the SM-N980F/DS might use entirely different internal hardware. Installing the wrong file can ruin the phone. Always verify your model in Settings › About Phone.
Q3: Can I downgrade from the latest version to an older firmware version?
A: While sometimes possible on Exynos models, downgrading is generally a bad idea. It can introduce security flaws and break app compatibility on Android 10, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5. If the newest update 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: Grab our free Android apps launcher. FRP triggers on the Samsung Galaxy Note20 SM-N980F/DS when a Google account remains signed in during a flash. Removing the account beforehand prevents this completely.
Q5: Are custom ROM options available for the Samsung Galaxy Note20 SM-N980F/DS?
A: This page focuses entirely on official Samsung stock firmware. Whether custom ROMs exist for the Samsung Galaxy Note20 SM-N980F/DS depends on open-source support for the Samsung Exynos 990 (7nm) chipset. Visit our Custom ROMs page or the XDA Developers forum for specific development threads.
Q6: My Samsung Galaxy Note20 SM-N980F/DS is not detected by Odin. What should I do?
A: Check your drivers first. Reinstall the Samsung USB drivers, reboot your computer, and try again. Move the cable to a USB 2.0 port instead of USB 3.0, as Samsung phones connect more reliably to the older standard. Temporarily disable your antivirus. If it still fails, drop a comment with the error message.
Q7: How do I enter recovery mode on my Samsung Galaxy Note20 SM-N980F/DS?
A: Turn the phone off completely. Press and hold Volume Up + Power until the recovery menu loads. On older Samsung phones with a physical home button, press Volume Up + Home + Power. The recovery screen displays the Samsung Galaxy Note20 SM-N980F/DS build number, which helps verify your current software version.
Q8: My IMEI shows “unknown” after flashing the Samsung Galaxy Note20 SM-N980F/DS. Is my phone permanently damaged?
A: No, the phone is not broken, and the issue is repairable. Look at the IMEI repair guide in the troubleshooting section above. Check the EFS partition for corruption. 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 SM-N980F/DS firmware?
A: The Odin flashing procedure typically requires 3 to 10 minutes, depending on the file size and USB speed. The initial boot takes an additional 3 to 8 minutes. Never unplug the phone during either phase. If the Odin progress bar stops moving, wait a few minutes before assuming it failed.
Final Thoughts on Samsung Galaxy Note20 SM-N980F/DS Firmware
Following this guide ensures you safely restore your device using the official Samsung Galaxy Note20 SM-N980F/DS firmware (the latest version) via Odin. If you followed the instructions correctly, your phone should boot into a fresh, clean system.
If you hit a snag, leave a comment below. Include the specific error message, the step you are on, and the steps you already attempted. I read the comments and will help you troubleshoot.
If this page helped you fix your phone, please share it to help others facing the same 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.
