Last Updated: June 3, 2026
Do not worry if your SM-G996U1 is acting up. You can repair your device by installing the official Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996U1 firmware. I have gathered every file and guide you will need right here, including flash files, hard reset steps, FRP bypass methods, and necessary drivers.
Device: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996U1 | Chipset: Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G | Flash Tool: Odin
Android: Android 11, One UI 3.1 | 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-G996U1 Firmware (Flash File) Drivers, Tools & Guide
The official Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996U1 firmware package includes everything required to fix software issues, remove FRP locks, and restore your phone using Odin. I have put all the resources together on this page so you do not have to search for them.
Before you begin, make sure to sign out of any active Samsung accounts on the device. Skipping this step will trigger Knox security, which takes extra effort to unlock. The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996U1 firmware downloads as a ZIP file. You will need WinRAR or 7-Zip to extract it. Once extracted, look for files named AP_*.tar.md5, BL_*.tar.md5, CP_*.tar.md5, and CSC_*.tar.md5 (or HOME_CSC_*.tar.md5). If those files are missing, you might have downloaded the wrong package.
Keep in mind that installing stock firmware will completely wipe your phone. This factory reset effect is exactly what resolves persistent bugs, forgotten passwords, bootloops, and battery drain.
Hard Reset Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996U1
A hard reset will factory reset your Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996U1 without a computer by wiping all data and returning the software to its original state. Power off the phone entirely. Next, press and hold Volume Up + Power simultaneously until the recovery menu pops up. Use the volume buttons to highlight “Wipe Data/Factory Reset” and press the Power button to confirm.
Performing this reset clears out software glitches, app crashes, and screen lock issues. If the phone is still misbehaving after the reset, you will want to move on to the full Odin flash method detailed below.
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996U1 FRP Bypass
The fastest way to bypass FRP on your Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996U1 involves using a free Android apps launcher to access settings during the initial setup. I have been there, and getting locked out by Google after a reset is frustrating. You can use our free Android apps launcher to get around it. To avoid this entirely, always remove your Google account before wiping the device.
Why Do We Need Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996U1 Firmware?
Installing the official Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996U1 firmware is necessary to repair software glitches, update the operating system, or recover a phone stuck on the logo. Odin is the standard tool for Samsung devices, and a fresh flash can solve many problems:
- Remove pattern locks or disable frozen screens.
- Upgrade the operating system to the newest supported release.
- Eliminate freezing, lagging, and constant bootloops.
- Fix failed over-the-air updates and rapid battery drain.
- Revert to the official stock ROM to maintain warranty status.
- Recover a phone that only boots into recovery mode.
- Clear KG lock or Knox errors caused by an interrupted flash.
You can learn more about stock ROMs and why flashing works.
Choosing the Right Firmware Version
Confirming you have the correct firmware version for your specific model prevents serious errors during the flashing process. Double-checking your files takes only a minute and saves a lot of headaches:
- Identify Your Exact Model Number: Open Settings › About Phone and verify your full model number is SM-G996U1. The letter at the end is crucial, U/U1 means USA, W is Canada, N is Korea, and B/F is International. Mixing these up causes software failures.
- Match the CSC (Region): The firmware filename includes a 3-letter region code that must match your phone. Check Settings › About Phone › Software Information for your CSC, or look at the Service Provider line in Download Mode. Examples include XAA (US), BTU (UK), INS (India), and SER (Russia).
- Check the Binary Level: Look at your current firmware version string (for example,
XXU9BZDP). The number after the letters is the binary level. You cannot downgrade past this number. If you are on Binary 9, you must flash Binary 9 or higher. - Confirm the Build Date: The last 4 characters of the PDA version indicate the build date. The first letter 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 off the device and hold Volume Down + Power to enter Download Mode. Compare the model, CSC, and firmware version shown on this screen with your downloaded files.
Firmware Details for Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996U1
Here is a quick overview of the official firmware specifications:
| Firmware Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Device Model | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996U1 |
| Firmware Version | N/A |
| File Size | N/A |
| Android Version | Android 11, One UI 3.1 |
| Platform | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G |
| 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?
Selecting the right file depends on what exactly is happening with your phone. Find your current situation in the table below to see which version I recommend:
| 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-G996U1 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-G996U1 Firmware
You can download the official Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996U1 firmware directly from the links provided below. The most recent release available is the latest version. Once the download finishes, compare the file size with the details listed above. If the size is off, the file might be corrupted, which will cause the flash to fail.
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-G996U1 with a different letter suffix. Check About Phone carefully, one letter difference can cause a failed or broken flash.
- Your chipset differs from Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G. 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-G996U1 Firmware
Preparing your computer and phone with the correct drivers and backups is required before flashing the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996U1 firmware. Two common mistakes trip people up: forgetting to sign out of Samsung accounts, which causes KG lock, and using a cheap USB cable that drops the connection. Always use a high-quality data cable.
- Back Up IMEI Numbers: Dial *#06# and write down both IMEI numbers. You will need these if a repair is necessary later.
- Remove Google Accounts: Sign out of all Google accounts to prevent FRP lock.
- Remove Samsung Accounts: Sign out of Samsung accounts to avoid triggering KG lock.
- Back Up Your Data: Save your photos, contacts, and files elsewhere. Flashing deletes everything.
- Charge Your Device: Ensure the battery is at least 50%. A shutdown during a flash is difficult to fix.
- USB Cable & PC: Use a reliable data USB cable and a Windows computer.
- Install Required Drivers:
How to Install Firmware on Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996U1
You can install the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996U1 firmware by using the Odin flash tool to load the AP, BL, CP, and CSC files onto your phone. We will use Odin for this. Leave “Auto Reboot” and “F. Reset Time” checked in Odin for the best results. If you need help choosing an Odin version, visit our Odin versions page.
- Download and Extract:
- Download the correct firmware package from the links above.
- Extract the ZIP into a folder with a simple name. Avoid spaces or special characters in the folder path.
- Install the Listed Drivers:
- Make sure all drivers listed above are installed. Restart your PC afterward, as drivers often require a restart to function.
- Load the Firmware File:
- In Odin, click “BL” and select the BL_*.tar.md5 file. Click “AP” and select the AP_*.tar.md5 file. Do the same for “CP” and “CSC”. Choose HOME_CSC if you want to keep your data, or CSC for a complete wipe.
- Connect Your Device:
- Enter Download Mode: Turn off the phone, then hold Volume Down + Power until the warning screen appears. Press Volume Up to continue.
- Plug the phone into your PC. Odin should display “Added..” in the log box, confirming the connection.
- Start Flashing:
- Click “Start” to begin the process.
- Leave the phone completely alone until it finishes. Unplugging it midway will cause severe damage.
- Wait and Reboot:
- When the flash finishes, unplug the phone.
- Turn the device on. The initial startup will take up to 8 minutes.
Video Guide for Flashing
What to Expect After Flashing Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996U1 Firmware
After a successful Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996U1 firmware flash, your phone will take several minutes to boot up while it configures the new operating system. Do not worry if things look strange at first; here is what is completely normal:
- How to know the flash was successful: A green “PASS.” message in Odin means the installation worked perfectly.
- First boot takes 3 to 8 minutes, let the phone sit. The system is configuring itself, and interrupting it can cause a bootloop.
- The phone will feel warm during first boot, this is expected behavior. It will cool down once the initial setup finishes.
- All your apps are gone, a clean flash removes everything. You can reinstall them from the Play Store or restore them from a Google backup.
- Dial *#06# immediately after setup to verify your IMEI. Do this before inserting a SIM card. If it reads “unknown”, check the IMEI repair guide.
- Be careful when re-adding your Google account, adding it during the setup wizard prevents FRP issues.
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and mobile data should work immediately. If mobile data fails, manually enter your APN settings in Settings › SIM and Network.
- Stuck in a bootloop after first boot? Use recovery mode to perform a factory reset (see the hard reset guide above). Leftover data from the previous system sometimes causes conflicts.
- Samsung Smart Switch: Smart Switch might offer extra updates after the flash completes. Allow it to install them to ensure you have the newest security patches.
Missing IMEI or Corrupt Baseband on Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996U1 After Flashing?
A missing IMEI on your Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996U1 usually indicates a corrupted EFS partition that requires specific repair tools to restore. The EFS partition holds your IMEI and network data. Restoring an IMEI that does not belong to your phone is illegal in many regions, so only restore your original number. Software like ChimeraTool or BFT can fix this issue. Check your local regulations first.
Video Guide: How to repair IMEI
Common Issues When Flashing Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996U1
- Odin Shows “FAIL” Instead of “PASS”:
- This typically happens if the firmware region does not match your phone. Verify your exact model number in Settings › About Phone before trying again.
- Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996U1 Not Recognized by Odin:
- Reinstall the Samsung USB drivers and ensure the phone is in Download Mode. Switching to a different, high-quality USB cable often solves connection drops.
- KG Lock / Knox Triggered After Flashing:
- This occurs when a Samsung account remains logged in prior to flashing, or if unofficial software was installed. You generally need a specialized unlocking tool to remove an active KG lock.
- Boot Loop After Flashing:
- Boot into recovery mode (Volume Up + Power) and select factory reset. This wipes away conflicting data from the old operating system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Will flashing the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996U1 firmware erase my data?
A: Yes, installing this firmware with Odin completely wipes the phone and installs a fresh copy of Android 11, One UI 3.1. All accounts, photos, contacts, and apps will be deleted permanently. You must back up your files beforehand because 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 S21+ 5G SM-G996U1 equipped with the Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G processor. Even closely related variants with a different letter suffix might use entirely different hardware. Flashing the wrong file can ruin your phone, so always confirm your model in Settings › About Phone.
Q3: Can I downgrade from the latest version to an older firmware version?
A: While sometimes technically possible on Qualcomm devices, rolling back is generally a bad idea. Downgrading your Android 11, One UI 3.1 system can introduce security flaws and app instability. If the newest update is causing problems, 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 bypass it. FRP activates on the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996U1 when a Google account is left signed in prior to flashing. Removing your Google account beforehand is the easiest way to prevent this headache entirely.
Q5: Are custom ROM options available for the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996U1?
A: This page focuses entirely on official Samsung stock software. The availability of custom ROMs for the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996U1 depends on whether developers have released open-source kernels for the Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G. You can check our Custom ROMs page or browse the XDA Developers forum for specific custom builds.
Q6: My Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996U1 is not detected by Odin. What should I do?
A: Driver issues are usually the culprit. Reinstall the Samsung USB drivers, reboot your computer, and try again. Moving the cable to a USB 2.0 port instead of USB 3.0 often helps, as Samsung phones communicate more reliably on older ports. Temporarily disabling your antivirus software might also help. If the issue persists, leave a comment with the error message.
Q7: How do I enter recovery mode on my Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996U1?
A: Turn the phone off completely, then press and hold Volume Up + Power together until the recovery screen loads. On older Samsung phones with a physical Home button, press Volume Up + Home + Power. The recovery menu displays the build number for your Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996U1, which is useful for checking your current software version.
Q8: My IMEI shows “unknown” after flashing the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996U1. Is my phone permanently damaged?
A: Your phone is not permanently broken, even though an “unknown” IMEI looks scary. Just follow the IMEI repair guide in the troubleshooting section. The EFS partition is likely corrupted and needs restoration. Do not put a SIM card into the phone until the original IMEI is restored.
Q9: How long does it take to flash Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996U1 firmware?
A: The Odin flashing procedure typically requires 3 to 10 minutes, depending on the file size and your USB connection speed. The first startup after the flash takes an additional 3 to 8 minutes. Leave the phone alone during both stages. If the Odin progress bar stops moving, wait a few extra minutes before assuming it failed.
Final Thoughts on Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996U1 Firmware
Following this guide carefully will allow you to successfully install the official Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996U1 firmware and restore normal function to your device. If you followed the instructions, your phone should now be running a clean, stable build of the latest version.
If you run into an error or a specific step does not work, leave a comment below. Please include the exact error message, the step you are on, and what you have tried so far. I read every comment and will help you troubleshoot the issue.
If this guide made your life easier, please share it with others who might need it.
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.
