Last Updated: June 3, 2026
If your SM-G996B/DS is giving you trouble, installing the official Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996B/DS firmware will get it back on track. This page has every file and instruction you need, including flash files, hard reset steps, FRP bypass methods, and the necessary drivers. The Exynos 2100 inside this phone is a highly capable 5nm chip, and a clean firmware install ensures it runs exactly as the engineers intended.
Device: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996B/DS | Chipset: Samsung Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Flash Tool: Odin
Android: Android 11, One UI 3.1 (upgradable to Android 15, One UI 7) | File Type: .tar.md5 / ZIP (Contains AP, BL, CP, CSC files for Odin)
⚠ Warning: Flashing erases all data. Back up first.
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996B/DS Firmware (Flash File) Drivers, Tools & Guide
Installing official Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996B/DS firmware using Odin is a simple process when you have the correct files and steps. You will find the exact firmware file for the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996B/DS, the right Odin version, and a proven step-by-step guide right here.
Before starting, make sure to sign out of any active Samsung accounts. Skipping this step triggers Knox security, which adds unnecessary complications like KG lock. Samsung firmware packages arrive in .tar.md5 format. Once you unzip the folder, look for files labeled AP_*, BL_*, CP_*, and CSC_* (or HOME_CSC_*). If those files are missing, the package is incorrect.
Your Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996B/DS firmware download arrives as a compressed ZIP archive. Use WinRAR or 7-Zip to extract it. Inside, you should see AP_*.tar.md5, BL_*.tar.md5, CP_*.tar.md5, and CSC_*.tar.md5 (or HOME_CSC_*.tar.md5). Missing these files indicates you downloaded the wrong package for your specific phone.
Flashing stock firmware intentionally erases all device data to cleanly resolve software glitches. This process fixes FRP locks, application crashes, sluggish performance, forgotten pattern locks, devices stuck on the logo, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth drops, severe battery drain, and soft brick conditions.
Hard Reset Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996B/DS
You can hard reset the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996B/DS without a computer by powering it off completely and holding Volume Up + Power until the recovery menu loads. Use the volume keys to highlight “Wipe Data/Factory Reset” and press the Power button to confirm your selection. Older models with a physical Home button require you to hold Volume Up + Home + Power.
Performing a hard reset wipes all personal data and returns the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996B/DS to its factory defaults. This resolves common software complaints like app failures, sluggishness, lost screen lock credentials, and continuous bootloops. If problems remain after the reset, the following sections explain how to perform a complete firmware flash using Odin.
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996B/DS FRP Bypass
The most effective method to bypass FRP on the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996B/DS involves using a free Android apps launcher to access settings during the initial setup. Factory resets or firmware flashes often trigger a Google account lock (FRP). Our free Android apps launcher provides the quickest route past this screen. Removing your Google account before flashing is always the best practice because it prevents the lock from activating entirely.
Why Do We Need Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996B/DS Firmware?
Flashing the official Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996B/DS firmware is necessary to fix deep software issues, update the operating system, or recover a bricked device. Samsung phones like the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996B/DS rely on Odin for flashing, regardless of the internal processor. A clean flash can resolve these problems:
- Unlock a device that is disabled or frozen.
- Upgrade to the newest Android version available for your specific phone.
- Eliminate bootloops, system freezing, and severe lag on your SM-G996B/DS Galaxy S21+ 5G.
- Fix battery drain and over-the-air update failures.
- Reinstall the original stock ROM to maintain your warranty status.
- Rescue a phone that only boots into the recovery menu.
- Fix Knox or KG lock errors resulting from 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, and binary level before downloading any files. Flashing an incompatible file creates major issues. Follow these steps to ensure accuracy:
- Identify Your Exact Model Number: Check Settings › About Phone for your full model number (e.g. SM-G996B/DS). The suffix is critical, U/U1 = USA, W = Canada, N = Korea, B/F = International/Global. Using the wrong variant causes errors.
- Match the CSC (Region): The firmware filename includes a 3-letter region code that must match your device. Find your current CSC under Settings › About Phone › Software Information or check Download Mode. Common codes include XAA (US), BTU (UK), INS (India), and SER (Russia).
- Check the Binary Level: Look at your current version string (e.g.
XXU9BZDP, the number after the letters is the binary level). Downgrading to a lower binary is blocked. If your phone runs Binary 9, you must use Binary 9 or higher. - Confirm the Build Date: The final 4 characters of the PDA version reveal 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 phone, then press Volume Down + Power to open Download Mode. This screen displays your exact model, CSC, and current software version for verification.
Firmware Details for Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996B/DS
The official firmware specifications for the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996B/DS include Android 11 out of the box, upgradable to newer versions, and a file size of 716.82 MB. Here is a quick overview of the exact details:
| Firmware Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Device Model | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996B/DS |
| Firmware Version | V00 |
| File Size | 716.82 MB |
| Android Version | Android 11, One UI 3.1 (upgradable to Android 15, One UI 7) |
| Platform | Samsung Exynos 2100 (5 nm) |
| Release Date | Released 2021, January 29 |
| 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 situation, such as choosing the latest version for a dead phone or an older version if a recent OTA caused lag. Find your scenario in the table below and grab the corresponding 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 S21+ 5G SM-G996B/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 S21+ 5G SM-G996B/DS Firmware
You can download the official Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996B/DS firmware directly from the links provided below. The most recent release is the latest version. After the download finishes, confirm the file size matches the table above. A mismatched file size usually points to a corrupted or incomplete download, and flashing a broken file leads to more problems.
| Software Details | Download Link | Members Link |
|---|---|---|
|
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-G996B/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 2100 (5 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 S21+ 5G SM-G996B/DS Firmware
Preparing to flash the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996B/DS firmware requires backing up data, removing accounts, and installing the correct USB drivers. Two issues frequently trip up Samsung users: forgetting to sign out of Samsung accounts (which triggers KG lock) and using a low-quality USB cable that disconnects mid-flash. Always grab a high-quality data cable for this process.
- 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 S21+ 5G SM-G996B/DS
You can install firmware on the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996B/DS by using the Odin flash tool to load the AP, BL, CP, and CSC files while the phone is in Download Mode. We are using Odin for this task. Leave “Auto Reboot” and “F. Reset Time” checked in Odin to guarantee the cleanest result. If you need help picking an Odin version, visit our Odin versions page. Certain older Samsung phones operate better with specific 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 S21+ 5G SM-G996B/DS Firmware
After flashing the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996B/DS firmware, you should expect a longer initial boot time, warm device temperatures, and a completely clean system. Many users assume the flash failed when the phone takes a while to restart. Here is what is completely normal after a successful installation:
- How to know the flash was successful: Look for a green “PASS.” message in the top-left corner of the Odin log. Seeing this means the installation worked perfectly.
- First boot takes 3 to 8 minutes: Do not force a restart. The operating system is configuring itself from scratch, and interrupting this phase causes bootloops.
- The phone will feel warm during first boot: This is standard behavior. The device will cool down shortly after the initial setup finishes.
- All your apps are gone: This is expected behavior. You must reinstall them via the Play Store. If Google Drive backups were active, the setup wizard will offer to restore your applications.
- Dial *#06# immediately after setup: Verify your IMEI before inserting a SIM card. If the screen displays “unknown” or “null”, consult the IMEI repair guide below immediately.
- Be careful when re-adding your Google account: Failing to remove your account prior to flashing might trigger an FRP prompt. Add the account during the setup wizard rather than through the Settings menu later.
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and mobile data: These features should function immediately. If mobile data fails, navigate to Settings › SIM and Network to manually input your APN details, as the flash sometimes wipes carrier settings.
- 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: Following the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996B/DS firmware installation, Smart Switch might suggest extra updates. Allow it to finish so your phone receives the newest regional security patches.
Missing IMEI or Corrupt Baseband on Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996B/DS After Flashing?
A missing IMEI or corrupt baseband after flashing usually means the EFS partition, which stores your carrier details and IMEI, was corrupted during the process. Restoring an IMEI that does not belong to your original device is illegal in many regions, so only restore your original numbers. Software like ChimeraTool or BFT can fix this. Verify your local regulations before proceeding.
Video Guide: How to repair IMEI
Common Issues When Flashing Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996B/DS
- Odin Shows “FAIL” Instead of “PASS”:
- This typically indicates a mismatch between the firmware and your phone. Verify your exact model number under Settings › About Phone before trying again. A single letter difference in the model code is enough to cause a failure.
- Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996B/DS Not Recognized by Odin:
- Reinstall the Samsung USB drivers and ensure the phone is in Download Mode. Try swapping your USB cable, as Odin is notoriously picky about cable quality.
- KG Lock / Knox Triggered After Flashing:
- This occurs when a Samsung account remains logged in or unofficial software is installed. Always sign out beforehand. Resolving an active KG lock usually requires a specialized professional tool.
- Boot Loop After Flashing:
- Access recovery mode (Volume Up + Power) and run a factory reset. This wipes out leftover data from the previous installation that might be causing the conflict.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Will flashing the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996B/DS firmware erase my data?
A: Yes. Using Odin to install this firmware resets your phone to factory defaults, bringing back the original Android 11, One UI 3.1 (upgradable to Android 15, One UI 7) settings. Every app, photo, contact, and account will disappear. Save your files beforehand because data recovery is impossible once the flash finishes.
Q2: Is this firmware compatible with other Samsung models?
A: No. This specific firmware is designed exclusively for the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996B/DS powered by the Samsung Exynos 2100 (5 nm) processor. Even a slightly different variant of the SM-G996B/DS might use entirely different internal hardware. Installing the wrong software can severely damage your phone. Always verify your model in Settings › About Phone.
Q3: Can I downgrade from the latest version to an older firmware version?
A: While technically possible on certain Exynos builds, rolling back is not advisable. Downgrading exposes your phone to security vulnerabilities and app instability on Android 11, One UI 3.1 (upgradable to Android 15, One UI 7). If the newest build is giving you trouble, leave a comment below because there is usually a safer alternative.
Q4: What should I do if I encounter an FRP lock after flashing?
A: Download our free Android apps launcher. FRP activates on the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996B/DS when a Google account remains logged in before a flash. Removing your Google account prior to flashing is the easiest way to prevent this roadblock.
Q5: Are custom ROM options available for the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996B/DS?
A: This article focuses entirely on official Samsung stock firmware. The availability of custom ROMs for the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996B/DS relies on whether the Samsung Exynos 2100 (5 nm) chipset receives open-source kernel support. Visit our Custom ROMs page or browse the XDA Developers forum for specific custom development threads.
Q6: My Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996B/DS is not detected by Odin. What should I do?
A: Start by reinstalling the Samsung USB drivers and rebooting your computer. Move the USB cable to a USB 2.0 port instead of a USB 3.0 port, as Samsung phones communicate more reliably on the older standard. Temporarily disable your antivirus software. If the problem persists, drop a comment below with the specific error message.
Q7: How do I enter recovery mode on my Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996B/DS?
A: Turn the phone off entirely, then press and hold Volume Up + Power together until the recovery menu pops up. Older Samsung phones with a physical Home button require Volume Up + Home + Power. The recovery screen displays the build number for your Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996B/DS, allowing you to verify your current software version.
Q8: My IMEI shows “unknown” after flashing the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996B/DS. Is my phone permanently damaged?
A: No, the situation looks scary but is completely fixable. Read the IMEI repair guide located in the troubleshooting section. For Samsung phones, investigate the EFS partition for corruption first. Do not put a SIM card into the phone until the IMEI is fully restored.
Q9: How long does it take to flash Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996B/DS firmware?
A: The actual Odin flashing procedure typically requires 3 to 10 minutes, depending on the file size and your USB connection speed. The initial reboot after the flash takes an additional 3 to 8 minutes. Never unplug the device during either phase. If the Odin progress bar freezes, wait a few extra minutes before assuming the process failed.
Final Thoughts on Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996B/DS Firmware
Following this guide ensures you safely install the official Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996B/DS firmware (the latest version) and restore full functionality to your device. If you followed the instructions closely, your phone should now operate on a fresh, clean system build.
Did something go wrong? Leave a comment below explaining the exact error message, your current step, and the troubleshooting steps you already attempted. I read every comment and will help you resolve the issue.
If this tutorial helped you fix your phone, please share it with others who might be facing the exact 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.
