Last Updated: April 6, 2026
This page provides the stock ROM files, necessary drivers, and step-by-step instructions for flashing the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948B firmware.
Device: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948B | Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (SM8850) | Flash Tool: Odin
Android: Android 16, One UI 8.5 | File Type: .tar.md5 / ZIP (Contains AP, BL, CP, CSC files for Odin)
⚠ Warning: Flashing erases all data. Back up first.
Device: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948B (Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (SM8850))
Flash Tool: Odin
Latest Build: S948BXXU1AZAB
Firmware Files: 1 available
What You Need: Windows PC, USB data cable, Odin, USB drivers
Time Required: 10-20 minutes (plus 3-8 min first boot)
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948B Firmware (Flash File) Drivers, Tools & Guide
Using Odin to flash Samsung firmware is a standard procedure, and this page contains all the files and instructions required for the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948B firmware.
You should sign out of your Samsung account before starting to prevent a Knox lock. Also, ensure you have the correct Odin files named AP, BL, CP, and CSC. The stock firmware ships with Android 16 and One UI 8.5. This Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948B firmware is the latest available build.
Samsung firmware uses a multi-file system (AP, BL, CP, CSC) specific to Odin-based flashing. The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948B firmware comes as a compressed ZIP file. 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.
Flashing replaces your current software completely and wipes all personal data. This is by design, it is what clears out FRP locks, bootloops, pattern locks, app crashes, and other software-level problems that a regular reset cannot fix.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948B Hard Reset Guide
To perform a factory reset on the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948B without a computer, power off the device and hold Volume Up + 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.
A hard reset erases all data and restores Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948B to its original factory state. This fixes most software problems, slow performance, app crashes, forgotten screen locks, and bootloops. If the issue persists after a factory reset, a full firmware flash using Odin is covered in the following sections.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948B FRP Bypass
The fastest way to bypass FRP on Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948B is to use a free Android apps launcher that lets you access settings during the setup wizard. After flashing or performing a factory reset you may see a Google account lock (FRP). Our free Android apps launcher is the fastest way to get past it. This is also why I always recommend removing your Google account before flashing, it avoids this problem entirely.
Common Reasons to Reinstall Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948B Firmware
You should reinstall the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948B firmware if the device is experiencing software instability or if you need to restore the stock operating system.
- Update to the latest Android version supported by your phone.
- Restore the original Samsung stock ROM to keep your warranty valid.
- Repair a phone that shuts down randomly or restarts in a loop.
- Fix startup loops, lagging, and freezing on your device.
- Unlock your device if it has been locked or disabled.
- Restore system apps that were accidentally removed or corrupted.
- 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.
Which Firmware Version Does Your Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948B Need?
You should check your device’s exact model and CSC code before downloading to ensure you get the correct firmware for the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948B.
- Identify Your Exact Model Number: Go to Settings › About Phone and note your full model number (e.g. SM-S948B). 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 S26 Ultra SM-S948B
Here is a quick overview of the official firmware specifications:
| Firmware Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Device Model | Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948B |
| Firmware Version | S948BXXU1AZAB |
| File Size | 19 GB |
| Android Version | Android 16, One UI 8.5 |
| Platform | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (SM8850) |
| Release Date | Released 2026, March 06 |
| Region | SM |
| File Type | .tar.md5 / ZIP (Contains AP, BL, CP, CSC files for Odin) |
Which Firmware Version Should I Download?
This is the question I get asked most often in the comments, so I put together a simple guide. 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 | S948BXXU1AZAB, download this one. It is the latest Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948B 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 S948BXXU1AZAB first, then follow the IMEI repair guide. Do not skip the reflash. |
| S948BXXU1AZAB 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 | S948BXXU1AZAB, 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 S26 Ultra SM-S948B Firmware
You can download the official stock firmware for your Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948B below. The latest available version is S948BXXU1AZAB. 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: SM-S948B_S948BXXU1AZAB_S948BOWO1AZAB_GLO_5file.zip Size: 19 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.
Important: The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948B (SM-S948B) should not be confused with other Galaxy S26 Ultra variants that may have different chipsets or regional firmware. Even devices in the same Galaxy S26 Ultra line can use completely different processors. Always verify your exact model code “SM-S948B” in Settings > About Phone before downloading any firmware from this page.
- Open About Phone and make sure the model code reads SM-S948B. Do not rely on the name printed on the phone case.
- Verify the chipset is Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (SM8850). You can see this in recovery mode or by checking the device specifications online.
- Use only the download links provided on this page.
- After downloading, right-click the file and check Properties to confirm the size matches the table above. If it does not, download it again.
Prerequisites for Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948B Firmware
Go through this list before you open Odin for the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948B. Two things that commonly cause problems with Samsung devices: a Samsung account that was not signed out before flashing, which can trigger KG lock, and a USB cable that works for charging but drops the connection mid-flash. Always use a proper data cable, not a charge-only cable.
- Write Down Your IMEI: Open your phone dialer and type *#06#. Take a photo of the screen showing both IMEI numbers. You may need these later to fix your IMEI if it gets wiped during the flash.
- Sign Out of Google: Open Settings, go to Accounts, and remove every Google account from the device. If you skip this, Google will lock the phone after flashing and you will need to do an FRP bypass.
- Remove Samsung Accounts: Sign out of all Samsung accounts to avoid KG lock.
- Save Your Files: Copy everything important to a PC or cloud storage. After flashing, the phone will be completely empty, no apps, no photos, no messages.
- Battery Check: Charge to at least 50%. If the phone dies during flashing, you could end up with a device that will not turn on at all.
- Get the Right Cable: You need a USB data cable, the kind that can transfer files, not just charge. Plug it into a USB 2.0 port on a Windows PC for the most reliable connection.
- Set Up Drivers:
Install Stock Firmware on Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948B
We are using Odin for this. A quick tip: keep “Auto Reboot” and “F. Reset Time” both checked in Odin, those two options together give you the cleanest flash result. If you are not sure which Odin version to use, check our Odin versions page. Some older Samsung devices work better with older Odin builds.
- Prepare the Flash Files:
- Go to the download section and grab the firmware package that matches your device.
- Unzip the file to a folder on your desktop. Avoid using folder names with non-English characters or spaces, the flash tool may not read them correctly.
- Confirm Driver Setup:
- The drivers listed in prerequisites need to be installed and working before you connect the phone. If you are not sure, reinstall them and restart your computer.
- 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 “Start” to kick off the firmware write.
- Hands off the phone and cable until the tool shows completion. Moving or disconnecting the device mid-flash is the most common cause of a bricked phone.
- Wait and Reboot:
- When you see the success message, disconnect the USB cable.
- Hold the power button to boot the phone. Give it a solid 5 to 8 minutes for the first startup, this is normal.
Video Guide for Flashing
What to Expect After Flashing
Here is what is completely normal after a successful flash:
- How to know the flash was successful: Odin will show “PASS.” in green text at the top-left of the log area. If you see this, everything went fine.
- 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.
- Storage will show almost full capacity available since all your apps and files are gone. The system partition size varies by firmware version but is typically 4 to 8 GB on most devices.
- Battery percentage may seem inaccurate for the first day. The battery statistics are calibrated during normal use. Charge the phone fully once without interruption and the readings will stabilize.
- Notification sounds and ringtones will be back to factory defaults. Any custom tones you had set before will need to be re-downloaded and re-assigned in Settings.
- 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.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948B Flashing Problems and Fixes
- 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 S26 Ultra SM-S948B 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.
Missing IMEI or Corrupt Baseband on Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948B After Flashing?
A missing IMEI on a Samsung device after flashing usually points to a corrupted EFS partition, this is the partition that stores your IMEI and carrier settings. Note that restoring an IMEI that is not your original number is illegal in most countries, so only do this if you are restoring the number the device had before you flashed. Tools like ChimeraTool or BFT can help with this. Check your local laws before proceeding.
Video Guide: How to repair IMEI
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948B Firmware FAQ
Q1: Can I flash this firmware if my phone does not turn on at all?
A: Yes, in most cases. Samsung devices can usually enter Download Mode even when the screen is completely dead, hold Volume Down + Power for 10 seconds. If the battery is completely drained, charge it for at least 15 minutes first.
Q2: What if the flash fails halfway through?
A: Do not panic and do not disconnect the phone. Close Odin, restart it, and try the flash again from the beginning. In most cases, a failed flash just means the process needs to be repeated. The device is usually still detectable by the flash tool even after a failed attempt.
Q3: Can I use a Mac or Linux computer for this?
A: Samsung firmware can be flashed using Heimdall on Linux or Mac, but the instructions on this page are written for Odin on Windows. If you only have a Mac, you may want to use a Windows virtual machine or Boot Camp for the most straightforward experience.
Q4: Will flashing erase my data?
A: Yes, flashing with Odin restores the device to factory state, including Android 16, One UI 8.5 default settings. All apps, photos, contacts, and accounts will be removed. Back up everything you need before you start. There is no way to recover data once the flash is complete.
Q5: My IMEI shows “unknown” after flashing. Is my phone permanently damaged?
A: No, it looks alarming, but it is fixable. Follow the IMEI repair guide in the troubleshooting section above. For Samsung devices, check for EFS partition corruption first. Do not insert a SIM card until the IMEI is restored.
Q6: How do I enter recovery mode?
A: Power the device off completely, then hold Volume Up + Power at the same time until the recovery menu appears. For older Samsung models with a physical Home button, use Volume Up + Home + Power. The recovery menu displays the build number which you can use to verify your firmware version before flashing.
Q7: My device is not detected by Odin. What should I do?
A: Start with the drivers, reinstall the Samsung USB drivers, restart your PC, then try again. Switch to a USB 2.0 port if you are on USB 3.0. Disable your antivirus temporarily. If none of that works, leave a comment with the exact error message.
Q8: Is this firmware compatible with other Samsung models?
A: No. This firmware is built specifically for the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948B running on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (SM8850) chipset. Even variants of the Galaxy S26 Ultra with a different letter suffix can have a completely different chipset inside. Flashing the wrong firmware can leave your phone in a state that is very difficult to recover from. Always check your exact model number in Settings.
People Also Ask About Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948B
What is the latest firmware version for Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948B?
The latest available Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948B firmware on this page is version S948BXXU1AZAB. This page has 1 firmware build available for download. Check the firmware details table above for file sizes and Android versions.
What chipset does the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948B use?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948B is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (SM8850), a Qualcomm processor. Flashing requires QFIL (Qualcomm Flash Image Loader) and Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader drivers. The device must be in EDL (Emergency Download) mode for firmware installation.
Can flashing firmware fix a bricked Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948B?
Yes. If your Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948B is stuck on the logo, in a bootloop, or will not turn on, flashing the stock firmware with Odin can restore it to working condition. This is the standard repair method used by service centers for Samsung devices.
Will flashing firmware on Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948B erase my data?
Yes. Flashing stock firmware on the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948B with Odin performs a full factory reset. All apps, photos, contacts, and accounts will be removed. Back up everything important before you start. There is no way to recover data after flashing.
Final Thoughts
That is everything you need to safely flash the official Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948B firmware (S948BXXU1AZAB) using Odin and get your device working again. If you followed each step, your phone should now be running on a clean build.
If something did not go as expected, a specific error, a step that is not working for your setup, leave a comment below with as much detail as you can: 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.
