Last Updated: June 2, 2026
Restoring the factory software on your foldable is straightforward when you have the correct Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G SM-F916U1 firmware. This guide provides the necessary flash files, USB drivers, and step-by-step instructions to handle factory resets, bypass FRP, and repair IMEI issues.
Device: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G SM-F916U1 | Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ 5G (SM8250-AB) | Flash Tool: Odin
Android: Android 13, One UI 5.1.1 | File Type: .tar.md5 / ZIP (Contains AP, BL, CP, CSC files for Odin)
⚠ Warning: Flashing erases all data. Back up first.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G SM-F916U1 Firmware (Flash File) Drivers, Tools & Guide
Installing the official Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G SM-F916U1 firmware requires Odin, the correct USB drivers, and the exact stock ROM files provided here. Once you understand the file structure, the Odin software makes the installation process simple.
Before you begin, sign out of any active Samsung accounts on the device. Skipping this step will trigger Knox security and result in a KG lock, which adds unnecessary complications to the repair process. Samsung firmware packages use a specific structure. After unzipping the folder, you must see files labeled AP_*, BL_*, CP_*, and CSC_* (or HOME_CSC_*). If these files are missing, the package is incorrect for your phone.
Your Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G SM-F916U1 firmware download arrives as a compressed ZIP archive. Extract the contents using WinRAR or 7-Zip. Inside, look for the standard Odin files like AP_*.tar.md5, BL_*.tar.md5, CP_*.tar.md5, and CSC_*.tar.md5 (or HOME_CSC_*.tar.md5). If the extracted folder does not contain these specific files, you likely downloaded the wrong package.
Remember that installing stock firmware completely wipes the phone storage. This complete wipe is intentional, as it clears out persistent software glitches, FRP locks, system freezes, battery drain, and soft brick conditions.
Hard Reset Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G SM-F916U1
You can factory reset the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G SM-F916U1 without a computer by holding Volume Up and Power to access the recovery menu. Once the menu loads, use the volume keys to highlight “Wipe Data/Factory Reset” and press the Power button to confirm.
Performing a hard reset returns the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G SM-F916U1 to its original factory state by deleting all personal data. This process resolves standard software hiccups like app crashes, sluggish performance, and forgotten screen locks. If the phone remains stuck in a bootloop after the reset, a full firmware installation using Odin is your next step.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G SM-F916U1 FRP Bypass
The most reliable method to bypass FRP on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G SM-F916U1 is using a dedicated Android apps launcher during the initial setup. If you perform a factory reset without removing your Google account first, the system will lock the device. Our free Android apps launcher provides quick access to the settings menu to clear the lock. Removing your Google account before a reset is always the best practice.
Why Do We Need Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G SM-F916U1 Firmware?
Flashing the official Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G SM-F916U1 firmware is necessary to resolve severe software corruption, update the operating system, or recover from a bricked state. Samsung phones rely on Odin for software restoration regardless of the internal processor.
- Remove screen locks if the device is permanently disabled.
- Upgrade the operating system to the newest supported Android build.
- Eliminate system freezing, lag, and continuous bootloops on your SM-F916U1.
- Fix battery drain and over-the-air update failures.
- Return the phone to its original factory state for warranty purposes.
- Recover the system when the phone only loads into the recovery environment.
- Clear KG locks or Knox errors caused by an interrupted or incorrect flash.
Read 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 to the downloaded file. Installing an incompatible file can cause severe system errors.
- Identify Your Exact Model Number: Open Settings › About Phone and verify your full model number (e.g. SM-F916U1). The suffix letter dictates the region, U/U1 = USA, W = Canada, N = Korea, B/F = International/Global. Cross-region flashing leads to compatibility issues.
- Match the CSC (Region): The firmware filename includes a 3-letter region code that must match your phone. Verify your current CSC under Settings › About Phone › Software Information or check the Service Provider line in Download Mode. Standard codes include XAA (US), BTU (UK), INS (India), SER (Russia).
- Check the Binary Level: Review your current firmware version string (e.g.
XXU9BZDP, the number following the letters represents the binary level). Samsung devices cannot downgrade past their current binary level. A phone on Binary 9 requires Binary 9 or higher. - Confirm the Build Date: The final 4 characters of the PDA version indicate the build date. The first character represents the year (A=2024, B=2025, C=2026), and the second represents the month (A=Jan through L=Dec).
- Verify in Download Mode: Power down the phone, then press Volume Down + Power to enter Download Mode. This screen displays your exact model, CSC, and software version for easy verification.
Firmware Details for Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G SM-F916U1
The official firmware specifications for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G SM-F916U1 include Android 13, One UI 5.1.1, and the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ 5G platform.
| Firmware Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Device Model | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G SM-F916U1 |
| Firmware Version | N/A |
| File Size | N/A |
| Android Version | Android 13, One UI 5.1.1 |
| Platform | Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ 5G (SM8250-AB) |
| Release Date | Released 2020, September 18 |
| 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 issue, such as the latest build for a dead device or an older build if a recent OTA caused performance drops. Use the table below to find your exact scenario.
| 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 Z Fold2 5G SM-F916U1 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 Z Fold2 5G SM-F916U1 Firmware
You can download the official Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G SM-F916U1 firmware directly from the links provided in this section. The newest available release is the latest version. Once the download finishes, compare the file size against the specifications table. A mismatch usually points to a corrupted download, and attempting to flash a broken file will create further system errors.
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-F916U1 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 865+ 5G (SM8250-AB). 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 Z Fold2 5G SM-F916U1 Firmware
Before flashing the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G SM-F916U1 firmware, you must back up your data, remove all accounts, and install the correct USB drivers. Two common mistakes derail Samsung flashes: forgetting to sign out of Samsung accounts (which triggers KG lock) and using a low-quality cable that disconnects during the process. Always use a high-quality data transfer 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 Z Fold2 5G SM-F916U1
You can install the firmware on your Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G SM-F916U1 by using the Odin flash tool to load the AP, BL, CP, and CSC files while the phone is in Download Mode. We will use Odin for this process. Keep “Auto Reboot” and “F. Reset Time” checked in Odin for the cleanest result. If you need a different build, check our Odin versions page.
- 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 Z Fold2 5G SM-F916U1 Firmware
After a successful Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G SM-F916U1 firmware flash, your device will take several minutes to boot up and will be completely wiped of personal data. Here is what is entirely normal during the post-flash process:
- How to know the flash was successful: Odin will display a green “PASS.” message in the top-left corner. This confirms the installation completed properly.
- First boot takes 3 to 8 minutes, the system is rebuilding its core files. Forcing a restart during this phase can cause a bootloop.
- The phone will feel warm during first boot, the processor is working hard to initialize the new software. It will cool down shortly.
- All your apps are gone, flashing wipes the internal storage. You can reinstall your apps from the Google Play Store. If you have a cloud backup, the setup wizard will help restore them.
- Dial *#06# immediately after setup to verify your IMEI status. Do this before inserting a SIM card. If the screen displays “unknown” or “null”, refer to the IMEI repair guide.
- Be careful when re-adding your Google account, if the account was not removed prior to flashing, the system might trigger FRP. Enter your credentials during the initial setup rather than through the settings menu.
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and mobile data should function immediately. If mobile data fails, navigate to Settings › SIM and Network to manually input your carrier APN details.
- Stuck in a bootloop after first boot? Boot into recovery mode and execute a factory reset, see the hard reset guide above. This clears leftover temporary files that sometimes conflict with the new system.
- Samsung Smart Switch: Following the installation of your Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G SM-F916U1 firmware, Samsung Smart Switch might recommend supplementary updates. Allow the software to install these to ensure your phone has the proper regional security patches.
Missing IMEI or Corrupt Baseband on Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G SM-F916U1 After Flashing?
A missing IMEI or corrupt baseband after flashing usually indicates a wiped EFS partition, which you can often repair using dedicated software tools. The EFS partition houses your IMEI and network configuration. Keep in mind that writing a fake IMEI is illegal in most regions, so only restore the original number assigned to your phone. Programs like ChimeraTool or BFT are designed for this task. Verify your local regulations before proceeding.
Video Guide: How to repair IMEI
Common Issues When Flashing Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G SM-F916U1
- Odin Shows “FAIL” Instead of “PASS”:
- This typically happens when the firmware model or region does not match your phone. Double-check your exact model number in Settings › About Phone. Even a single character difference in the model code will cause a failure.
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G SM-F916U1 Not Recognized by Odin:
- Reinstall the Samsung USB drivers and ensure the phone is in Download Mode. Swap to a different USB cable, as Odin requires a stable data connection.
- KG Lock / Knox Triggered After Flashing:
- This occurs when a Samsung account remains logged in before flashing or when unofficial software is detected. Removing accounts beforehand prevents this. Resolving an active KG lock usually requires professional unlocking software.
- Boot Loop After Flashing:
- Boot into recovery mode (Volume Up + Power) and perform a factory reset. This wipes lingering data from the old system that might be causing the conflict.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Will flashing the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G SM-F916U1 firmware erase my data?
A: Yes. Running this firmware through Odin formats the device storage and installs a fresh copy of Android 13, One UI 5.1.1. Every app, photo, contact, and account will be deleted. Save your files beforehand, as there is no method to recover information once the Odin process finishes.
Q2: Is this firmware compatible with other Samsung models?
A: No. This package is strictly for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G SM-F916U1 equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ 5G (SM8250-AB) processor. A Galaxy Z Fold2 5G variant with a different letter suffix often utilizes entirely different internal hardware. Installing the wrong file can ruin the phone. Always verify your specific model number in Settings › About Phone.
Q3: Can I downgrade from the latest version to an older firmware version?
A: While technically possible on certain Qualcomm devices, downgrading is generally discouraged. Rolling back can introduce security vulnerabilities and break app compatibility on Android 13, One UI 5.1.1. If the newest update is causing errors, leave a comment below to explore alternative solutions before attempting a downgrade.
Q4: What should I do if I encounter an FRP lock after flashing?
A: Download and use our free Android apps launcher. FRP activates on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G SM-F916U1 when a Google account remains signed in prior to the flash. Removing the account beforehand is the easiest way to prevent the lock entirely.
Q5: Are custom ROM options available for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G SM-F916U1?
A: This page focuses exclusively on official Samsung stock software. The availability of custom ROMs for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G SM-F916U1 depends on the open-source kernel support for the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ 5G (SM8250-AB) chipset. Visit our Custom ROMs page or browse the XDA Developers forum for community-built software.
Q6: My Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G SM-F916U1 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. Move the cable to a USB 2.0 port, as Samsung phones occasionally struggle with USB 3.0 connections. Temporarily disable your antivirus software. If the problem persists, leave a comment with the specific error log so I can assist you further.
Q7: How do I enter recovery mode on my Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G SM-F916U1?
A: Turn the phone completely off, then press and hold Volume Up + Power until the recovery menu appears. Older Samsung devices with a physical Home button require Volume Up + Home + Power. The recovery screen displays the current build number for your Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G SM-F916U1, which is useful for verifying your software version.
Q8: My IMEI shows “unknown” after flashing the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G SM-F916U1. Is my phone permanently damaged?
A: No, the hardware is fine. The EFS partition simply needs restoration. Follow the IMEI repair guide located in the troubleshooting section. Wait until the IMEI is completely restored before inserting a SIM card.
Q9: How long does it take to flash Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G SM-F916U1 firmware?
A: The Odin flashing stage requires roughly 3 to 10 minutes, depending on the ROM size and your USB transfer speed. The initial reboot after the flash takes an additional 3 to 8 minutes. Leave the phone alone during both stages. If the Odin progress bar pauses, allow it a few extra minutes before troubleshooting.
Final Thoughts on Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G SM-F916U1 Firmware
Following this guide will allow you to safely install the official Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G SM-F916U1 firmware and restore your device to full working order. By applying each step carefully, your phone will operate on a clean, stable software build.
If you run into an unexpected error or a specific step fails, leave a comment below. Provide the exact error message, your current step, and the troubleshooting steps you have already attempted. I review every comment and will provide assistance.
If this walkthrough helped you fix your phone, please share the article 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.
