Last Updated: June 2, 2026
Repairing your phone is a straightforward process when you have the correct Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra SM-N985F/DS firmware. This guide provides the official flash files, USB drivers, and step-by-step instructions to handle FRP removal, system updates, and IMEI repair.
Device: Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra SM-N985F/DS | Chipset: Samsung Exynos 990 (7 nm+) | Flash Tool: Odin
Android: 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 Ultra SM-N985F/DS Firmware (Flash File) Drivers, Tools & Guide
This guide provides the official Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra SM-N985F/DS firmware, USB drivers, and step-by-step instructions needed to restore your phone to working condition. Flashing Samsung software with Odin is a simple process when you know exactly which files to load and what precautions to take.
Before you begin, check if your phone has a Samsung account currently signed in. Sign out of the account completely to prevent triggering a Knox security lock, which takes extra effort to remove later. Official Samsung files use the .tar.md5 format. Once you extract the main archive, you need to see files labeled AP_*, BL_*, CP_*, and CSC_* (or HOME_CSC_*). If these specific files are missing, you have downloaded the incorrect package.
Your Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra SM-N985F/DS firmware arrives as a compressed ZIP archive. Download and extract it using WinRAR or 7-Zip. After extracting, 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 you do not see these files, you may have the wrong firmware package for your device.
Keep in mind that installing stock firmware erases all user data. This complete wipe is intentional, as it resolves software issues including FRP lock, application crashes, sluggish performance, forgotten pattern locks, a device stuck on the logo, connectivity issues, battery drain, and soft brick situations.
Hard Reset Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra SM-N985F/DS
A hard reset restores the Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra SM-N985F/DS to its original factory state by erasing all data without using a computer. To perform this, power off the device completely, then hold Volume Up + Power (for older models with a Home button, use Volume Up + Home + Power) at the same time until the recovery menu appears. Use the volume keys to navigate to “Wipe Data/Factory Reset” and confirm with the Power button.
This factory reset fixes most common software problems, including slow performance, app crashes, forgotten screen locks, and bootloops. If the issue persists after performing a reset, a full firmware flash using Odin is the next step.
Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra SM-N985F/DS FRP Bypass
The fastest way to bypass FRP on the Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra SM-N985F/DS is by using a free Android apps launcher to access settings during the setup wizard. After flashing or performing a factory reset, you may encounter a Google account lock (FRP). Our free Android apps launcher provides the easiest method to get past this screen. Removing your Google account before flashing is always the best practice to avoid this situation entirely.
Why Do We Need Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra SM-N985F/DS Firmware?
Flashing the official Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra SM-N985F/DS firmware resolves software issues like bootloops, system lag, and update errors on your device. Samsung phones are flashed using Odin, regardless of the internal chipset. Installing the official software can fix the following problems:
- Unlock your device if it has been locked or disabled.
- Update to the latest Android version supported by your phone.
- Fix startup loops, lagging, and freezing on your SM-N985F/DS Galaxy Note20 Ultra.
- Resolve OTA update failures and battery drain issues.
- Restore the original Samsung stock ROM to keep your warranty valid.
- Recover your device when it only boots into recovery mode.
- Recover from KG lock or Knox-related issues after an incorrect or interrupted flash on your device.
Learn more about stock ROMs and why flashing works.
Choosing the Right Firmware Version
Selecting the correct file is the most important step before you begin flashing your phone. Installing the wrong software is a mistake that is difficult to fix:
- Identify Your Exact Model Number: Go to Settings › About Phone and note your full model number (e.g. SM-N985F/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 Ultra SM-N985F/DS
Here is a quick overview of the official firmware specifications:
| Firmware Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Device Model | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra SM-N985F/DS |
| Firmware Version | V01, V00 |
| File Size | 716.82 MB to 2.1 GB |
| Android Version | Android 13, One UI 5.1 |
| Platform | Samsung Exynos 990 (7 nm+) |
| 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?
Choosing the right file depends on the current state of your phone and the specific problem you are trying to fix. Find your situation in the table below to locate the correct 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 Ultra SM-N985F/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 Ultra SM-N985F/DS Firmware
You can download the official stock Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra SM-N985F/DS firmware directly from the links provided below. The latest available version is the latest version. After downloading, verify the file size matches the table above, a size mismatch usually means a partial or corrupt download, and flashing a corrupt file can cause more problems than it solves.
| Software Details | Download Link | Members Link |
|---|---|---|
|
File Name: COMBINATION_FAC_FAQ0_N985FXXU2AUE1_FAC_CL21667863_QB40039282_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-N985F/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 (7 nm+). 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 Ultra SM-N985F/DS Firmware
Preparing your computer and phone properly before opening Odin prevents common errors during the Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra SM-N985F/DS firmware installation. Two issues frequently cause problems: leaving a Samsung account signed in before flashing (which triggers KG lock) and using a low-quality USB cable that drops the connection midway through the process. Always use a high-quality data cable, rather than a charge-only 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 Ultra SM-N985F/DS
Installing the firmware on your Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra SM-N985F/DS requires the Odin flash tool and a Windows computer. We are using Odin for this process. Ensure the “Auto Reboot” and “F. Reset Time” options remain checked in Odin to guarantee the cleanest result. If you need help choosing an Odin version, check our Odin versions page, as certain older phones operate better with specific 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 Ultra SM-N985F/DS Firmware
After a successful Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra SM-N985F/DS firmware flash, your phone will reboot and take several minutes to load the initial setup screen. Many users assume something went wrong during this waiting period, but the following behaviors are 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 message means the process completed properly.
- 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 Ultra SM-N985F/DS 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 Ultra SM-N985F/DS After Flashing?
A missing IMEI after flashing usually indicates a corrupted EFS partition on your Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra SM-N985F/DS. The EFS partition stores your IMEI and carrier configurations. Please note that writing an IMEI that does not belong to your original device is illegal in most regions, so only restore the number the phone originally had. Tools like ChimeraTool or BFT can assist with this process. Check your local regulations before proceeding.
Video Guide: How to repair IMEI
Common Issues When Flashing Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra SM-N985F/DS
- 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 Ultra SM-N985F/DS 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 Ultra SM-N985F/DS firmware erase my data?
A: Yes, installing this firmware with Odin completely wipes the phone and restores it to factory settings, including the default Android 13, One UI 5.1 configuration. All applications, photos, contacts, and accounts are deleted. Back up any important files before starting, as data recovery is impossible once the process finishes.
Q2: Is this firmware compatible with other Samsung models?
A: No, this specific firmware is designed exclusively for the Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra SM-N985F/DS running the Samsung Exynos 990 (7 nm+) processor. Even a different variant of the SM-N985F/DS might use a completely different internal chipset. Installing the incorrect file can severely damage your phone. Always verify your exact model number in Settings › About Phone beforehand.
Q3: Can I downgrade from the latest version to an older firmware version?
A: While technically possible on certain Exynos builds, downgrading is generally not recommended. Rolling back can introduce security vulnerabilities and application instability on Android 13, One UI 5.1. If the newest update is causing problems, leave a comment below with the details 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 Ultra SM-N985F/DS when a Google account remains signed in prior to flashing. Removing your Google account before installing new software is the easiest way to prevent this issue.
Q5: Are custom ROM options available for the Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra SM-N985F/DS?
A: This page focuses entirely on official Samsung stock software. The availability of custom ROMs for the Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra SM-N985F/DS depends on open-source kernel support for the Samsung Exynos 990 (7 nm+) chipset. Visit our Custom ROMs page or browse the XDA Developers forum for specific custom development threads.
Q6: My Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra SM-N985F/DS is not detected by Odin. What should I do?
A: Driver issues are the most common cause. Reinstall the Samsung USB drivers, restart your computer, and try connecting again. Moving to a USB 2.0 port instead of USB 3.0 often improves connection stability for Samsung devices. 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 Ultra SM-N985F/DS?
A: Turn the phone completely off, then press and hold Volume Up + Power simultaneously until the recovery menu loads. If your phone has a physical Home button, press Volume Up + Home + Power instead. The recovery screen displays the current build number for your Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra SM-N985F/DS, which helps verify your software version.
Q8: My IMEI shows “unknown” after flashing the Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra SM-N985F/DS. Is my phone permanently damaged?
A: No, the phone is not permanently damaged, and the issue is repairable. Follow the instructions in the IMEI repair guide located in the troubleshooting section above. Check the EFS partition for corruption first. Refrain from inserting a SIM card until the IMEI is successfully restored.
Q9: How long does it take to flash Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra SM-N985F/DS firmware?
A: The flashing procedure in Odin typically requires 3 to 10 minutes, depending on the file size and your USB transfer speed. The initial reboot after the flash takes an additional 3 to 8 minutes. Do not disconnect or interrupt the phone during either phase. If the Odin progress bar appears to stall, wait a few extra minutes before assuming an error occurred.
Final Thoughts on Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra SM-N985F/DS Firmware
Following these instructions carefully ensures a safe and successful installation of the official Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra SM-N985F/DS firmware (the latest version) using Odin. If you completed each step accurately, your phone should now be running a fresh, stable build of the operating system.
If you ran into an unexpected error or if a specific step did not work for your setup, leave a comment below. Provide the exact error message, the step you are currently on, and the troubleshooting steps you have already attempted. I read every comment and will assist you in resolving the issue.
If this guide helped you get your phone working again, please consider sharing it to help others facing similar software problems.
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.
