Categories SamsungUpdates

Guide to install official Android Pie on Galaxy S8 Plus

Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus is a two-generation old device. It is the limit to which Samsung pushes major updates. Therefore, we finally have the official Android Pie 9.0 for Galaxy S8 Plus. This firmware is initially released for Germany only. However, anyone around the world can update their S8 Plus to Android Pie firmware with Odin. Since it is an official update, therefore, you don’t have to use the update process. Use this update method for a fresh install, which is of course, much better than the regular update method.

This guide is currently applicable for G955F Galaxy S8 variant. We have to wait until Samsung releases official Android 9.0 firmwares for other variants. Here you can find the new firmwares download links and their installation methods right after they are released. For now, use this guide only to update the Galaxy S8 G955F to Android Pie 9.0 official firmware. Note that this update is from Germany region. However, it is neither region locked nor telecom branded.

Contents

What’s new in Galaxy S8 Plus Android Pie update

The brand new update comes with all the goodies of Android 9.0 in addition to Samsung’s One UI. This is the most prominent update when it comes to a Galaxy device. We have been stuck with slow and below-part touchWiz UI for quite some years now. For the first time, Samsung has finally paid attention to the details and designed its UI with user accessibility in mind.

Ease of use

The basic motivation behind building One UI is to redefine the entire interface for large screen phones. While large phone displays are very cool, it is often in the way of one-handed usage. Now, lot of people have gotten used to it. However, it is still not perfect and lot of things could be improved. Therefore, the brand new One UI totally reimagines the usability. It now keeps in mind all the issues that one could face while using a phone with large display.

For example, the notification tray in Galaxy devices contains buttons for quick settings. These include the likes of WiFi, Mobile Data, Airplane Mode, Screen Share, Night Mode and many more. While there is nothing wrong with how these are presented but their placement is certainly an issue. These are located at top of screen it is often hard to reach buttons with one hand. Now double swiping down on notification bar also brings down the quick settings icons.

Revamped stock Apps

The applications in TouchWiz UI are same for God knows how long. In past, these apps launch with few changes. For the first time, we get new apps for stuff like Messaging, Phone App, Contacts, Music, Calendar and more. All of these apps are redesigned with design language consistent with One UI.

Another cool addition is the Dark Mode. This is a system-wide night mode. What this mode does is turn all white background black. As signified by its title, this mode is there to make viewing screen easeir on the eye in low-light. It is mainly there for when someone wants to use their phone in dark rooms. The white light is really blinding in such times. Until now, these feature was only available withing certain apps, through themes or third-party apps. However, the built-in implementation is certainly better than any third party solutions.

Improved Performance

Although the basic hardware is same. Initial performance tests indicate slight improvement in overall performance. This means that animations are now faster, smoother and responsive. There is an option in Developer Options to decrease transition time for animations. This option is now available by default in settings.

Overall, Android Pie for Galaxy S8 Plus is a massive upgrade. It not only comes with new Android goodies, but it offers new updates from Samsung itself. Enjoy Samsung’s new design language. It is a revamped experience.

Pre-Update Requirements

  1. Odin 3.13.1Download
  2. Samsung USB DriversDownload and Install on your PC.
  3. ADB DriversDownload
  4. Download Galaxy S8+ G955F Android Pie 9.0 G955FXXU4DSBA Firmware – Direct Link
  5. Check phone model number in Settings > About Phone > Model Number. It must be G955F. Do not use this guide on any other model.
  6. Charge the phone over 50%.
  7. Enable OEM Unlocking and USB Debugging mode on your Galaxy S8+. To do so open Settings > About Phone > Tap the build number for 7 times to enable Developer options. Now go back to Settings > Developer options > Find OEM Unlock & USB Debugging > Enable.
  8. Head over to Settings > Lock Screen and Security > secure Startup. Enable “Require PIN” option here. Enter a PIN that you will remember.

How to install Android Pie 9.0 Firmware on Galaxy S8 Plus

This is an official and stable release. Currently, you can use this guide to update Galaxy S8+ G955F to Android Pie 9.0 official firmware. It is not an update zip therefore, we are going to use Odin for it. The firmware used here is G955FXXU4DSBA and it is of Germany region. Do not worry! It is not locked in German language.

Note that you must make a backup of your personal data before updating. Otherwise, some data may be lost.

Update Guide

Time needed: 10 minutes.

Follow the steps below to install Android Pie 9.0 Firmware on Galaxy S8+ via Odin.

  1. Download and unzip Odin.

    Unzip the downloaded odin zip file from above. Put it anywhere on your PC.

  2. Download and unzip the Galaxy S8+ Android Pie 9.0 firmware.

    Use the link above and download this firmware anywhere on your PC. Unzip it to get all files inside.

  3. Add BL, CSC, AP and CP files from firmware zip in Odin.

    Open Odin, click on respective tabs and load the files with extensions. For example, BL file will go into BL tab. These are mentioned as prefixes on these files. Use Home_CSC file to avoid factory reset. CSC_ file will wipe all data. Choose which one to use.

  4. Put Galaxy S8+ into Download Mode.

    Turn off your phone. Wait for 5 seconds. Press and hold volume down + Bixby + home keys together. Wait until you see download mode screen. Press volume up to continue.

  5. Connect Galaxy S8+ to Odin in Download Mode.

    Use a USB cable to connect your phone to PC. The ID:COM box should turn blue. Moreover, you’ll get “Added” message in log.

  6. Untick Re-partition option.

    In the main menu of Odin, untick Re-partition option. Only tick Auto Reboot and F.Reset Time. Leave rest of the options.

  7. Press Start and let the flashing complete.

    Once you’ve double-checked everything, hit the Start button. The flashing process with take few minutes.

  8. Phone will restart automatically after flashing is complete.

    Once the flashing is complete, your phone will restart automatically. The first reboot will take longer than usual.

  9. Enter startup PIN if asked.

    Once the phone restarts, enter the startup PIN that you created in requirements.

  10. Complete the setup after reboot.

    Once the phone is rebooted and unlocked, customize it with your personal settings.

That’s it guys! Your phone is now updated to official Android 9.0 firmware. If someone is facing issues after updating, then consider doing a clean flash. Read it again in step no. 3 above.

Feel free to leave your feedback and queries in the comments below

This post was last modified on October 11, 2020 8:48 am

Usama M

Usama is a software engineer by profession and at TechBeasts.com he uses his expertise to solve everyday consumer tech problems with his main areas of interest being Android, iOS and Windows.

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  • My issue is is that my baseband version is Verizon but the phone doesn't boot with a verizon carrier message so i don't know what firmware I'll download to update it to android version 9. Should i get an unlocked verizon pie or another firmware

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