Samsung’s latest flagship lineup is composed of three amazing smartphones. Samsung Galaxy S10, Galaxy S10+ and Galaxy S10E. While the first two are truly premium devices, S10E is comparatively a cheaper alternative. However, do not be fooled merely by its title. It is actually a beast and holds lot of value. In this post, learn how to enter Download mode on Galaxy S10 devices i.e. S10, S10+ and S10E.
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What is Download Mode?
In simple words, the Download mode is there for downloading new firmwares in Samsung Galaxy devices. This is the same mode of installing firmwares across all Galaxy devices.
The main concept behind this is the portability and usability of Android. Users of Android have complete freedom to modify their operating systems. Since it is open-source, all companies have adapted to it in their own ways. For Xperia, it is usually via Fastboot. In Samsung Galaxy, it is called Download Mode.
The download Mode in Galaxy S10+, S10 and S10E also keep track of knox counter. This represents how many times a phone’s knox counter is tripped. This usually goes up when an unsigned firmware is installed. This includes lot of custom ROMs and some modified stock ROMs too.
When to use Download Mode?
The only use of Download mode is to install or flash firmwares. This mode is known by different names in Android ecosystem. However, since our concern is Galaxy S10, we stick to the Samsung’s given titles.
Most people use Download Mode when they need to either flash a new version of Android based firmware or just re-flash a firmware. Whether it is about installing an unreleased firmware or just refreshing the phone, Download mode is up for it.
Steps to enter Download Mode on Galaxy S10, Galaxy S10+ & Galaxy S10E
This method works for all variants of Galaxy S10, Galaxy S10 Plus and Galaxy S10E. Since the operating system is same, the entire method of entering download mode on all of these devices is identical.
Before continuing, make sure that your phone is charged over 50% at least. Since we use this mode mainly for installing updates, therefore, it is cautious to keep some charge. In case something goes south, there should be enough juice in the phone to bring it back to life.
Follow the steps below to enter Download Mode on Galaxy S10, Galaxy S10+ and Galaxy S10E.
Time needed: 2 minutes.
This method outlines all the steps to enter and use Download Mode on Galaxy S10 series devices.
- Go to Settings > Developer Options > enable OEM Unlock.
Since anyone is going to use Download mode to install a firmware on S10, therefore, enable this option beforehand.
- Open Settings > Lock Screen and Security > Secure Startup and enable Require PIN.
Here you must enter a PIN and remember it for when phone restarts after flashing a new firmware.
- Press and hold power button for few seconds and then tap on Power Off option.
Use the turn off option to completely shut down your mobile.
- Press and hold Volume Down + Bixby together and connect USB C cable.
Use the two button combination together while phone is turned off. Hold these buttons together and connect USB C cable to phone. It takes phone to Download Mode screen. Note that the USB must be connected to laptop or PC beforehand.
- Now you will see the Download Mode confirmation screen. Press Volume Up to continue.
This screen is there to ensure that someone really wants to enter Download mode or not. Press volume up key to finally enter into Download mode.
- Let the ADB Drivers for Galaxy S10 install automatically.
When you connect S10 with PC in download mode for first time, it will install the required drivers automatically. It is necessary for it to work with Odin.
- Open Odin and check if there is blue light in ID:COM box.
Open Odin while phone is in Download mode. Connect it via USB cable. If the ID:COM box turns blue, then phone is both in Download mode and communicating with PC successfully.
Conclusion
That’s all! This is a very simple yet tricky thing. Therefore, follow these steps 1 by 1 to ensure maximum success. Use the Download only to install firmwares that you trust. Moreover, only flash compatible files with Download Mode. Odin is the most used software for flashing firmwares on Galaxy S10, Galaxy S10+ and Galaxy S10E. Always check Odin after connecting phone to PC in Download Mode. If it is working in Odin, then you are good to go. Otherwise, install the ADB drivers for it.
