Last Updated: April 6, 2026
Use this guide to restore the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948N to its original factory condition. Below, you will find the official stock ROM files, the necessary drivers, and a complete walkthrough for the flashing process.
Device: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948N | Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy (3 nm) | 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-S948N (Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy (3 nm))
Flash Tool: Odin
Latest Build: S948NKSU1AZCF
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-S948N Firmware (Flash File) Drivers, Tools & Guide
Flashing the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948N firmware is a process that requires the correct files and a correct setup. I have compiled the specific firmware package for the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948N, the appropriate version of Odin, and the steps required to complete the task.
Before you begin, sign out of your Samsung account if you are still logged in. Skipping this step will trigger the Knox security flag, which makes it much harder to deal with the lock later. Also, verify that your downloaded file is in .tar.md5 format. After extracting the ZIP, you should see files labeled AP_*, BL_*, CP_*, and CSC_* (or HOME_CSC_*). If you see files with different names, you have the wrong package.
Currently, only one build is available for the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948N. This is the stock ROM you need for recovery, unbricking, or bypassing FRP locks. The software ships with Android 16 and One UI 8.5, which sets the default interface and security features you will see after the flash. The device runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy (3 nm) processor. To connect this device, you need Qualcomm Flash Image Loader (QFIL) and the correct Qualcomm HS-USB drivers. Ensure these drivers are installed before connecting the phone.
Samsung firmware uses a multi-file system (AP, BL, CP, CSC) designed for Odin, which is different from the single-file scatter tools used on some other brands. The firmware provided here comes from verified repositories and has been checked for integrity.
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948N firmware is distributed as a compressed ZIP file. Download and extract it using WinRAR or 7-Zip. 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 these files are missing, you likely have the wrong firmware package for this model.
After flashing, the device returns to its factory state. All photos, messages, and installed applications will be deleted. This clean slate is necessary to fix stuck logos, software corruption, and performance issues.
Factory Reset Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948N Without a PC
To perform a factory reset on the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948N without a computer, power the device off completely, then hold Volume Up + Power (for older models with a Home button, use Volume Up + Home + Power) until the recovery menu appears. Use the volume keys to select “Wipe Data/Factory Reset” and press the Power button to confirm.
A hard reset deletes all data and returns the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948N to its original factory state. This resolves most software problems, such as slow performance, app crashes, forgotten locks, and bootloops. If the issue persists after a factory reset, you may need to perform a full firmware flash using Odin, as detailed in the sections below.
FRP Removal for Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948N
The fastest way to bypass the Google account lock on the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948N is to use a free Android apps launcher that allows access to settings during the setup wizard. You might encounter an FRP screen after flashing or resetting the device. Using our free Android apps launcher is the quickest way to bypass it. This is why I always recommend removing your Google account before flashing to prevent this problem entirely.
When Should You Flash Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948N?
Use the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948N firmware when dealing with software problems or boot issues. Regardless of the chipset, Samsung devices are flashed using Odin to resolve a wide range of problems:
- Fix Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or mobile data connections that stopped working after an update.
- Return the phone to the official Samsung stock ROM to maintain warranty status.
- Recover a device that only boots into recovery mode.
- Repair a phone that shuts down randomly or restarts in a loop.
- Clear a forgotten screen lock, PIN, or pattern without needing the original credentials.
- Update to the latest Android version supported by the device.
- Recover from a KG lock or Knox-related issues caused by an incorrect flash.
Read more about stock ROMs and the flashing process.
Verify Your Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948N Model Before Downloading
The most common error when working with the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948N is flashing firmware meant for a different regional variant. Before downloading any files, verify your exact device identity:
- Identify Your Exact Model Number: Go to Settings › About Phone and note your full model number (e.g. SM-S948N). 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-S948N
Review the specifications for the official Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948N firmware below:
| Firmware Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Device Model | Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948N |
| Firmware Version | S948NKSU1AZCF |
| File Size | 17.6 GB |
| Android Version | Android 16, One UI 8.5 |
| Platform | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy (3 nm) |
| 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?
To determine the correct Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948N firmware for your situation, consult the table below:
| Your Situation | What I Recommend |
|---|---|
| Phone is completely dead or stuck on logo | S948NKSU1AZCF, download this one. It is the latest Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948N 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 S948NKSU1AZCF first, then follow the IMEI repair guide. Do not skip the reflash. |
| S948NKSU1AZCF 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 | S948NKSU1AZCF, 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-S948N Firmware
Obtain the official stock firmware for your Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948N from the link provided below. The latest available version is S948NKSU1AZCF. 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-S948N_S948NKSU1AZCF_S948NOKR1AZCF_SKC_4file.zip Size: 17.6 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-S948N (SM-S948N) 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-S948N” in Settings > About Phone before downloading any firmware from this page.
- Your model number is a variant of SM-S948N with a different letter suffix. Check About Phone carefully, one letter difference can cause a failed or broken flash.
- Your chipset differs from Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy (3 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.
Prepare Your Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948N for Flashing
Go through this list before you open Odin for the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948N. 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.
- 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:
Step-by-Step: Flash Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948N Stock ROM
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.
- Get the Firmware Ready:
- Download the firmware file from the download section above.
- Right-click the ZIP and select “Extract Here” or use 7-Zip. Put the extracted files in a folder without spaces in the name, like
C:firmware.
- Verify Your Drivers:
- Make sure the required drivers are installed. After installing, restart your PC, drivers often do not activate until after a reboot.
- 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:
- Hit the “Start” button in the flash tool to start the process.
- Leave the phone and cable completely alone until it finishes. Any interruption during this stage risks corrupting the flash.
- Wait and Reboot:
- When the flash completes, unplug the USB cable from your phone.
- Turn on the device. First boot takes 3 to 8 minutes, do not force restart it during this time.
Video Guide for Flashing
What Is Normal After a Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948N Flash?
After completing a successful flash on the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948N, expect the following behaviors:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- The phone may ask for language and region again, this is normal after a flash. You are starting from a clean state, so the setup wizard runs just like when the phone was brand new.
- Fingerprint and face unlock data are erased during the flash. You will need to re-register your fingerprints and face data from scratch in the security settings.
Common Issues When Flashing Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948N
- 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-S948N 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-S948N 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
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: 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.
Q2: Is it safe to flash during a power outage risk?
A: It is best to avoid flashing during unstable power conditions. If your PC shuts down during the flash, it can corrupt the write and leave the phone in an unbootable state. If you are in an area with unreliable power, use a laptop with a fully charged battery instead of a desktop.
Q3: Can I go back to an older firmware version?
A: It is technically possible on some Qualcomm builds, but downgrading can cause security issues and app compatibility problems. If the latest version is causing trouble, leave a comment below, there is usually a better fix than rolling back.
Q4: 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.
Q5: 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.
Q6: Do I need an internet connection during flashing?
A: No. The flashing process is entirely offline, it happens between your PC and the phone via the USB cable. You do not need internet at any point during the flash itself. You will need internet later to set up the phone and download your apps.
Q7: Will flashing void my warranty?
A: Flashing official stock firmware generally does not void your warranty since you are restoring the device to its factory-intended state. However, some manufacturers may flag that the bootloader was unlocked or that the flash counter increased. Check your specific warranty terms with Samsung support if you are concerned.
Q8: 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.
People Also Ask About Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948N
How do I check my Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948N model number before flashing?
Go to Settings > About Phone on your Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948N and look for the model number “SM-S948N”. You can also confirm by entering recovery mode (Volume Up + Power while powered off) which displays the build number and model code. Always match this exactly with the firmware filename before flashing.
What chipset does the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948N use?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948N is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy (3 nm), 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.
What is the latest firmware version for Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948N?
The latest available Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948N firmware on this page is version S948NKSU1AZCF. This page has 1 firmware build available for download. Check the firmware details table above for file sizes and Android versions.
Will flashing firmware on Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948N erase my data?
Yes. Flashing stock firmware on the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948N 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.
Conclusion
Your Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SM-S948N is now running S948NKSU1AZCF on a clean build. If the first boot takes a while, do not worry, that is completely normal after a fresh flash.
Ran into something unexpected? Leave a comment and describe what happened. Include which step you were on and what error you saw. I will get back to you.
Consider sharing this guide with anyone else who has a Samsung device that needs fixing.
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.
