Last Updated: May 9, 2026
Fix your SM-R720 Gear S2 classic with the official Samsung Gear S2 classic SM-R720 firmware. Everything you need is on this page, hard reset, FRP bypass, flash files, IMEI repair, tools, drivers, and all the exact steps.
Device: Samsung Gear S2 classic SM-R720 | Chipset: Exynos 3250 Dual | Flash Tool: Odin
Android: Tizen OS 2.3.2 | File Type: TAR/ZIP (Contains AP, BL, CP, CSC files for Odin)
⚠ Warning: Flashing erases all data. Back up first.
Samsung Gear S2 classic SM-R720 Firmware (Flash File) Drivers, Tools & Guide
Flashing Samsung Exynos firmware with Odin is fairly straightforward once you know what to look out for. I have put everything together on this page: the right firmware file for the Samsung Gear S2 classic SM-R720, the correct Odin version, and the steps that work.
One thing to do before you start: if your device has a Samsung account signed in, sign it out before doing anything else. Knox will trigger if this step is skipped, and dealing with a KG lock after flashing takes extra time. This step is almost never mentioned in official guides, which is why I always bring it up here.
Your Samsung Gear S2 classic SM-R720 firmware comes as a compressed ZIP file. Download and extract it using WinRAR or 7-Zip. Once extracted, open the folder and confirm it contains the AP/BL/CP/CSC files before proceeding.
Keep in mind that flashing stock firmware erases all data — which is intentional, as it resolves software issues including FRP lock, app problems, slow performance, forgotten pattern locks, a dead or logo-stuck device, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth issues, battery drain, and soft brick situations.
Hard Reset Samsung Gear S2 classic SM-R720
To factory reset Samsung Gear S2 classic SM-R720 without a computer, power off the device completely, then hold Volume Up and 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 Gear S2 classic SM-R720 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 Gear S2 classic SM-R720 FRP Bypass
The fastest way to bypass FRP on Samsung Gear S2 classic SM-R720 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.
Why Do We Need Samsung Gear S2 classic SM-R720 Firmware?
Samsung devices like the Samsung Gear S2 classic SM-R720 use Exynos chipsets, and Odin is the standard tool for flashing firmware. Whether you are dealing with a boot issue or a software problem, flashing can resolve it:
- Unlock your device if it has been locked or disabled.
- Update to the latest Android version supported by your phone.
- Fix startup loops, lagging, and freezing on your SM-R720 Gear S2 classic.
- Resolve OTA update failures and battery drain issues.
- Restore the original Samsung stock ROM to keep your warranty valid.
- Recover your device when it only boots into recovery mode.
- 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.
Choosing the Right Firmware Version
Before you begin flashing, take a moment to confirm you have the right file. Flashing the wrong firmware is a mistake that is difficult to recover from:
- Identify Your Device Model: Go to About Phone and confirm your model is Samsung Gear S2 classic SM-R720. Check the full model string, not just the name.
- Verify the Build Number: Look for the identifier “SM-R720” in your device build details.
- Confirm the Chipset: According to Samsung specifications, the Gear S2 classic SM-R720 runs on Exynos 3250 Dual.
- Match the Firmware Version: Check the version and regional details against what is listed in the download table above.
- Verify in Recovery Mode: If you are not sure about the chipset or build number, boot into recovery mode — it displays this information clearly and is the most reliable way to confirm before you flash.
Firmware Details for Samsung Gear S2 classic SM-R720
Here is a quick overview of the official firmware specifications:
| Firmware Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Device Model | Samsung Gear S2 classic SM-R720 |
| Firmware Version | N/A |
| File Size | N/A |
| Android Version | Tizen OS 2.3.2 |
| Platform | Exynos 3250 Dual |
| Release Date | Released 2015, October |
| Region | Global, Africa and Asia |
| File Type | TAR/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 | the latest version — download this one. It is the latest Samsung Gear S2 classic SM-R720 firmware available. |
| FRP / Google account lock only | See the FRP bypass guide above — you likely do not need the full firmware for this. |
| 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. |
| 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 files selection before assuming the firmware is the problem. |
| Restoring to factory / warranty repair | the latest version — clean state, fresh start. |
With Odin flashing, I always use the latest CSC build for the correct region. Using firmware built for a different region can cause problems with carrier features and OTA updates. If you are not sure of your region code, check Settings › About Phone › Software Information.
Download Samsung Gear S2 classic SM-R720 Firmware
Download the official stock firmware for your Samsung Gear S2 classic SM-R720 below. The latest available version is the latest version. 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.
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-R720 with a different letter suffix. Check About Phone carefully — one letter difference can cause a failed or broken flash.
- Your chipset differs from Exynos 3250 Dual. 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 Gear S2 classic SM-R720 Firmware
Go through this list before you open Odin for the Samsung Gear S2 classic SM-R720. 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:
How to Install Firmware on Samsung Gear S2 classic SM-R720
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.
- 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:
- Click the “AP” button and select the AP file. Repeat for BL, CP, and CSC if available.
- Connect Your Device:
- Power off your phone completely — not sleep mode, fully off.
- Connect to your PC via USB cable. The flash tool will detect it automatically.
- 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 Gear S2 classic SM-R720 Firmware
I get a lot of comments from people who think something went wrong when it actually did not. Here is what is completely normal after a successful Samsung Gear S2 classic SM-R720 firmware 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.
- 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.
- The phone will feel warm during first boot — this is normal. It settles after a few minutes once the initial app setup is complete.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 — it is usually a conflict with leftover data from the old install.
- Samsung Smart Switch: After flashing your Samsung Gear S2 classic SM-R720 firmware, Samsung Smart Switch may prompt you to install additional updates. Let it complete — this ensures your device has the latest security patches for your region.
Missing IMEI or Corrupt Baseband on Samsung Gear S2 classic SM-R720 After Flashing?
A missing IMEI on an Exynos 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
Common Issues When Flashing Samsung Gear S2 classic SM-R720
- 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 Gear S2 classic SM-R720 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 + Home) and perform a factory reset. This clears any leftover data from the previous firmware that may be causing the conflict.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Will flashing the Samsung Gear S2 classic SM-R720 firmware erase my data?
A: Yes — flashing this firmware with Odin restores your device to factory state, including Tizen OS 2.3.2 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.
Q2: Is this firmware compatible with other Samsung models?
A: No. This firmware is built specifically for the Samsung Gear S2 classic SM-R720 running on the Exynos 3250 Dual chipset. Even the Gear S2 classic with a different letter suffix (for example, a different variant of SM-R720) 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 › About Phone.
Q3: Can I downgrade from the latest version to an older firmware version?
A: It is technically possible on some Exynos builds, but I do not recommend it. Downgrading can cause security issues and app compatibility problems on Tizen OS 2.3.2. If the latest version is causing you trouble, leave a comment below — there is usually a better fix than rolling back.
Q4: What should I do if I encounter an FRP lock after flashing?
A: Use our free Android apps launcher. FRP lock on the Samsung Gear S2 classic SM-R720 activates when a Google account was still signed in before flashing. This is also why I always recommend signing out of your Google account before flashing — it avoids this issue entirely.
Q5: Are custom ROM options available for the Samsung Gear S2 classic SM-R720?
A: This guide covers official Samsung stock firmware only. Custom ROM availability for the Samsung Gear S2 classic SM-R720 depends on whether the Exynos 3250 Dual chipset has open-source kernel support. Check our Custom ROMs page or the XDA Developers forum for device-specific custom ROM threads.
Q6: My Samsung Gear S2 classic SM-R720 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 — Exynos devices are more reliable on USB 2.0 ports. Disable your antivirus temporarily. If none of that works, leave a comment below with the exact error message and I will help you from there.
Q7: How do I enter recovery mode on my Samsung Gear S2 classic SM-R720?
A: Power the device off completely, then hold Volume Up + Power + Home at the same time until the recovery menu appears. The recovery menu will display the build number for your Samsung Gear S2 classic SM-R720 which you can use to verify your firmware version before flashing.
Q8: My IMEI shows “unknown” after flashing the Samsung Gear S2 classic SM-R720. 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 Exynos devices, check for EFS partition corruption first. The important thing: do not insert a SIM card until the IMEI is restored.
Q9: How long does it take to flash Samsung Gear S2 classic SM-R720 firmware?
A: The actual flashing process usually takes between 3 and 10 minutes depending on the firmware size and your USB connection speed. The first boot after flashing takes longer — anywhere from 3 to 8 minutes. Do not interrupt the device during either stage. If the progress bar in Odin appears stuck, give it a few more minutes before assuming something went wrong.
Final Thoughts on Samsung Gear S2 classic SM-R720 Firmware
That is everything you need to safely flash the official Samsung Gear S2 classic SM-R720 firmware (the latest version) 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.
