How to use ODIN to flash firmware on Samsung devices

How to use ODIN to flash firmware on Samsung devices
Type
Device(s)
Difficulty

What is ODIN?

Odin is a leaked official tool to flash firmware onto Samsung Phone and Tablets.

Why is this tool useful?

This tool and help us to restore or update the firmware of the device in case it gets corrupted.

With this software we can sometimes repair devices that are bootlooping, of stuck on Samsung logo.

Software needed:

ODIN: https://xdaforums.com/t/patched-odin-3-13-1.3762572/

SamKey(will explain later on the guide why this is needed): https://www.samkey.org/

Step 1: Download and Prepare ODIN

1. Download the ODIN ZIP file from a verified source (e.g., the patched version linked above).
2. Extract the ZIP: Right-click > "Extract All" > "Extract."
3. Open ODIN: Run the .exe file (it has a large logo). Click "OK" on any security prompts.

ODIN's interface includes slots for firmware files (BL, AP, CP, CSC), a Log window, Options tab, and PIT tab.

Step 2: Identify Your Device's Details

1. Boot your device into Download Mode, If you dont know how simply google: How to place [Insert your device here] into download mode
2. Connect the device to your PC via USB.
3. Open SamKey and click "Read Info D/L." Note the:
   • Device Model (e.g., SM-G990B2).
   • Version (firmware build).
   • Carrier/CSC

If the device won't enter Download Mode, ODIN can't help—suspect hardware issues like CPU or eMMC failure.

Step 3: Download Firmware

1. Go to samfw.com.
2. Enter your device model, select your CSC/region, and match the version from Step 2.

Step 4: Load Files into ODIN

1. In ODIN:
   • BL: Insert the Bootloader file (BL_ prefix). Loads system files and Android.
   • AP: Insert the Android Processor file (AP_ prefix). Flashes to /system partition (largest file, takes longest).
   • CP: Insert the Core Processor file (CP_ prefix). For modem/radio images.
   • CSC: Insert the CSC file for region/carrier changes. !!!VERY IMPORTANT!!! Use HOME_CSC_ to keep data (no wipe); regular CSC_ wipes data for a clean install.
2. ODIN should detect your device (COM port lights up blue).

Step 5: Flash the Firmware

1. Ensure device is in Download Mode and connected.
2. Click "Start" in ODIN.
3. Monitor the Log window for progress. It ends with "PASS!" (green) on success or "FAIL!" (red) on error.
4. Device reboots if Auto Reboot is checked.