Android 6.0 Marshmallow is starting to roll out, but previously it has taken Samsung several months to push out major updates. Currently, the Samsung S5 is seventh in line to receive the update. The exact date is still uncertain at this time, but it probably won’t be any sooner than February. T-Mobile does offer tracking through its website. Keep in mind that if you have a rooted phone, updates can interfere with the root, or vice versa. It is possible to root it again after the update, or to unroot it beforehand. There is also the possibility you won’t experience any issues at all. Problems are a lot more common when you flashed a ROM via a custom recovery. Regardless of your situation, we can show you how to update Samsung Galaxy S5.
Method 1: Update Over-the-Air
The 5.1.1 update is ready for this phone. If you are with any of the five major U.S. carriers (AT&T, U.S. Cellular, Sprint, T-Mobile, or Verizon) the update has been made or will be made available to you soon OTA.
- Ensure that you have a stable Wi-Fi connection.
If your Wi-Fi connection is unreliable, it might be best to use Methods 2 or 3 instead. They contain ways to update Samsung Galaxy S5 without Wi-Fi.
- Fully charge your phone.
It’s never a bad idea to backup your Samsung Galaxy S5 before any major change.Or check to make sure it has at least 50% capacity.You will also want to be certain there’s enough space. From Settings, select Storage. More than 1GB is mandatory. 3-6+ GB is ideal.
- Check the Notification bar to see if there’s an update alert. If you see the alert in your notification bar, tap on it and confirm that you want to download the update. If it isn’t available, proceed to Step 4.
- From your S5’s menu, tap on Settings. From now until the upgrade is finished, do not remove the battery for any reason!
- Choose More.
- Select About Device.
- Choose Software Updates. Look for any new notifications here.
- If available, select the update to install. Your phone should take it from here.
Method 2: Update Using Kies
This method shows you how to update Samsung Galaxy S5 through the USB port. Currently, you can update the Samsung Galaxy S5 to Lollipop, with Kies. You should consider performing a backup before getting started.
- Go to Samsung’s website to find the download for Kies. Make your Kies 3 selection according to whether you will be using a PC or Mac.
- Download and install Kies 3.
- Connect your S5 to your computer via USB cable. Drivers may need to be installed. This should happen automatically.
- Open Kies. Kies will compare your current software version to the most recent, and will notify you if you need an update.
- Click on Update and wait until all the new files are finished downloading.
- Confirm the update by pressing the Start Upgrade button. If you S5 doesn’t automatically reboot, do so manually.
Method 3: Update with Odin
This method is a little more complex than those preceding it, but we will make it easy for you. Using Odin allows you to skip the line, so it will be worth it. The Odin method can also be crucial for rooted devices that can’t be updated OTA.
- Make sure the proper USB drivers are installed before using Odin. Usually this automatic installation takes place when you plug the USB cable into the PC. You should also be able to find the appropriate driver for your cable by searching the Internet or we have a download link below for you to use. Download Samsung USB Driver
- Complete a backup of your S5. You will also want to ensure that your S5 has at least 70% charge.
- Download and install Odin. Download Odin Extract or unzip the contents.
- Enter download mode.
With the device turned, hold the Power, Volume Down, and Home buttons simultaneously.
When a warning message pops up, release all the buttons.Immediately press Volume Up.
- Download your update.
Updates can found on Samsung’s website. It contains the latest update Samsung software.
Download Samsung Galaxy S5 Update Software
Using the drop-down on the left side of the screen, select your specific model Samsung Galaxy S5. Be sure that you are using firmware that matches your model, or you could risk your phone being bricked.
- Run Odin. The ID:COM section should now turn blue and an Added message should display.
- Press the AP button. The button could also say PDA if you are using Odin 3.07.
- Select the file you downloaded earlier to use for your update. Browse your computer for the firmware .tar.md5 update and load it to Odin.
- Click the Start button.
It’s usually unnecessary to make any other changes because the options that are ticked by default are best.Do not select Re-Partition.
- When you are done a Pass message will display. You will also get a green light from the ID:COM section, meaning you are ready to go.
Conclusion
Another way you might be able to attain marshmallowy goodness ahead of the rest is through a custom ROM called CyanogenMod. This build of OS isn’t available specifically for the Samsung S5 at the time of this writing, but they are rolling out more builds for more devices soon, so it could prove worthwhile to keep an eye on CyanogenMod’s website. If you like what you see there, we have a guide to learn more about installing CyanogenMod on your Samsung Galaxy S5. In the meantime, OTA updates are going to be the easiest option, but they do require Wi-Fi. Odin is your best bet for a rooted phone, especially if you rooted using a custom recovery. You can also learn about what you will gain with Marshmallow and how to take advantage of your newly updated phone. Tell us how you like your new update in the comments section below. If you are still having difficulty installing the update, tell us about your troubles. Featured Image Credit
