The Samsung Galaxy S5 has officially begun receiving the new operating system version, or rather the latest version available for this smartphone: Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow. It will be rolled out gradually to different versions worldwide, but we'll explain how you can install this new operating system on your Samsung Galaxy S5 right now. This is an official firmware update that can install manually if you haven't received the OTA yet.
How to install?
Please note that although this is the official operating system version, we're currently talking about firmware available on SamMobile for the Sri Lankan version of the phone. This means you won't be following the standard OTA firmware installation procedure, but rather a different one. manual procedure Using Odin. We recommend following these steps only if you have previously installed other firmware using Odin or rooted your phone. In any case, we'll now explain step-by-step what you need to do to install Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow on your Samsung Galaxy S5.
Prerequisites and recommendations
- BackupMake a full backup of your data (photos, contacts, WhatsApp, etc.). Although they aren't always deleted, any error could force you to restore them.
- Installed driversInstall Samsung Kies 3 or Smart Switch on your PC to incorporate the S5 drivers, then close them before using Odin.
- BatteryCharge your Galaxy S5 above the 80% to avoid shutdowns during the process.
- Cable and portUse the original USB cable and a USB 2.0 port on your PC for greater stability.
- Developer Options: activates the USB debugging and, if available, the OEM unlock (Settings > About device > tap several times on Build number and then enter the new options).
- exact modelCheck the model number in Settings > About device. Install solo firmware compatible with your variant.
- Warranty and riskFlashing firmware from another region may void the warranty And it's a process under your responsibility.
1.- Download the firmware
First, you will need to download the official firmwarewhich is currently available on SamMobile. you can find in this link. More versions may become available over time, not just Sri Lankan firmware. You can see all the firmwares available for the Samsung Galaxy S5 in its SM-G900F version also on SamMobileIf your country is not listed, you can download the ROM from another region for the same model (for example, variants like SM-G900M They usually have firmware for several Latin American countries); check the CSC and that the model number matches.
2.- Download Odin
If you have previously installed firmware for the Samsung Galaxy S5, you probably already know OdinIn any case, you need Odin to install this new firmware version. The latest version of Odin is 3.10.7, which you can download from hereSave the file in a folder with no strange spaces in the name.
3.- Extract Odin
You will have downloaded a compressed folder containing Odin. Unzip its contents and leaves the files in an accessible folder on your PC. If you're using Windows, run Odin with administrator permission.
4.- Open Odin 3.10.7
Now that you have Odin, simply open it to begin working with it. You will see several sections (BL, AP, CP, CSC). Do not connect even the phone until it's in the appropriate mode.
5. Restart the Samsung Galaxy S5 in Download Mode
For the communication between the Samsung Galaxy S5 and the computer to be correct, you need to restart the smartphone in Download modePress simultaneously Home + Power + Volume Down until a warning appears, and confirm with Turn up the volumeThe phone will then start in Download Mode.
6.- Connect the mobile
Connect your smartphone to your computer with Odin running. In fact, Odin will notify you that the phone has connected successfully with the message "ADDED" and a blue box under ID:COM. If it's not recognized, reinstall the drivers or change the port/cable.
7.- Add the firmware
Once your phone is properly connected, you'll need to add the firmware to Odin. To do this, go to the option AP/PDA And here add the firmware file you downloaded in step 1 from SamMobile. If your download includes separate files (BL/AP/CP/CSC):
- BL: bootloader.
- AP: main system (may take a while to load).
- CP: modem.
- CSCRegion data. Use HOME_CSC to retain data or CSC for a clean installation.
8. Confirm that everything is okay
Before continuing, make sure that only the following are checked in the OPTIONS tab of Odin: Auto Reboot y F. Reset Time. Verify that Re-Partition is NOT checkedDo not activate advanced options unless expressly instructed.
9.- Start the installation
Now all you have to do is start the firmware installation with the button START and wait for the process to finish. When Odin displays PASSThe phone will restart. The first boot may take several minutes. Make sure the process completes 100%, and if possible, ensure the phone's battery is fully charged before starting.
Alternative method using recovery and zip ROM (advanced)
It is possible to install a build in the format ZIP Derived from a test OTA update, similar to a custom ROM. This method is for advanced users and requires root y custom recovery (e.g. TWRP)The general flow is:
- In Odin, flash the bootloader from BL and the modem From CP compatible with the ZIP ROM. Brand Update Phone Bootloader and uncheck Auto RebootPress START.
- When finished, start manually in recovery and perform Wipe Data, cache y Dalvik/ART Cache.
- From recovery, install the ZIP archive from the ROM and restart. If you notice occasional freezes or crashes, turn off the device and remove the battery a few seconds before turning back on.
Compatible Galaxy S5 models
Galaxy S5 phones that can be updated to Marshmallow 6.0.1 include, among others, the following variants: SM-G900F, SM-G900FD, SM-G900FQ, SM-G900H, SM-G900I, SM-G900K, SM-G900L, SM-G900M, SM-G900MD, SM-G900P, SM-G900R7, SM-G900S, SM-G900T, SM-G900T1, SM-G900T3, SM-G900V, SM-G900W8, SM-G901F, SM-G903F, SM-G903M, SM-G903W, SM-G906K, SM-G906L y SM-G906SAlways check your exact number before flashing.
Frequently Asked Questions and Troubleshooting
- Odin does not detect the S5: reinstall drivers, use a different USB port, close Kies/Smart Switch and restart your PC.
- Bootloop or blockagesEnter recovery mode (Volume Up + Home + Power) and perform Wipe cache and, if it persists, Factory resetA long initial start is normal.
- Can I use firmware from another region? Yes, as long as the model number matches. If your country isn't on SamMobile's list, you can use a ROM from another country with the same model. CSC compatible.
- Will I lose my warranty? Installing firmware manually or from another region may affect the warrantyProceed only if you accept it.
- Back to the previous versionDownload the previous firmware from SamMobile and flash it with Odin following the same steps.
With these steps and recommendations, you can update your Galaxy S5 to Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow using either the classic method with Odin and official firmware, or via an advanced ZIP package if you're looking to experiment. Take time to prepare the environmentDouble-check your Odin model and options, and remember that a good backup and a charged battery are your best allies for completing the installation smoothly.
