Question [SM-G988B] USB Not Recognized – Only Charging, Can’t Use Odin or Smart Switch

[thistahon]

Hi everyone,
I have a Galaxy S20 Ultra (SM-G988B, stock ROM, not rooted), and I’m facing a serious issue. When I connect my phone to my PC (Windows 11) via USB, it only charges. It doesn’t show up on the computer – not as MTP, not as any storage device. Therefore, I can't use Smart Switch or Odin to update the firmware.
I’ve tried:

• Different USB cables (including original Samsung cable)
• Different USB ports
• Turning on USB Debugging (it's enabled)
• Changing USB configuration in Developer Options to MTP
• Installing Smart Switch for updated USB drivers
• Checking Device Manager (nothing appears when I connect the phone)

Unfortunately, due to a previous unauthorized modification (but now I’m on stock ROM), I can’t update via Settings > Software update. I’m looking for an alternative method to update my firmware without USB, possibly with ADB over Wi-Fi, SD card method, or update.zip recovery method.
Any ideas, tools, or advice on how I can do a clean firmware update without USB connectivity would be highly appreciated.

 

[VidJunky]

Welcome to Android Central forums. I'm not the person to ask about this but we can see if one of our members who is known for knowing ADB and Odin might have something for you to try, @mustang7757 .

In the meantime this is likely a good question for XDA Developers forum. There they discuss modified Android and would surely have the answer to your "how" questions, and may even be able to help with why it doesn't work issue. Initially my first thought was making sure it's set to storage device with the prompt that shows up when connected to a USB in the notifications, but you seem to mention this but doing it by going through Developer Options, not sure these are the same.

Anyway, check out XDA and we'll see what mustang has to say.

 

[mustang7757]

You could try using sd card zip file to update your device just need to know what firmware you have currently running on the device and use a computer to put the zip onto the SD card, but you still have an issue with your USB port that will need attention unless you plan to wireless charge for remainder of its life.

 

[thistahon]

You could try using sd card zip file to update your device just need to know what firmware you have currently running on the device and use a computer to put the zip onto the SD card, but you still have an issue with your USB port that will need attention unless you plan to wireless charge for remainder of its life.

Here is the current firmware info of my Galaxy S20 Ultra (SM-G988B/DS):

• Build Number: SP1A.210812.016.G988BXXSEFVE6
• Baseband Version: G988BXXUEFVDB
• Android Version: 12
• One UI Version: 4.1
• CSC (Firmware Version): G988BOXMEHWI3
• Service Provider Software Version (CSC List): PHN/PHN,LUX/EUX/PHN (Multi-CSC: OXM)

My USB port is not working, so I can’t use Odin or Smart Switch.
I’m looking for a compatible update.zip file that I can install through recovery mode using an SD card.
If you can provide a suitable file or point me to where I can find it, I’d really appreciate it.
Thanks in advance!

 

[mustang7757]

Here is the current firmware info of my Galaxy S20 Ultra (SM-G988B/DS):

• Build Number: SP1A.210812.016.G988BXXSEFVE6
• Baseband Version: G988BXXUEFVDB
• Android Version: 12
• One UI Version: 4.1
• CSC (Firmware Version): G988BOXMEHWI3
• Service Provider Software Version (CSC List): PHN/PHN,LUX/EUX/PHN (Multi-CSC: OXM)

My USB port is not working, so I can’t use Odin or Smart Switch.
I’m looking for a compatible update.zip file that I can install through recovery mode using an SD card.
If you can provide a suitable file or point me to where I can find it, I’d really appreciate it.
Thanks in advance!

Sorry not replying faster but I use to do this on my Note 9 with SD card , if I remember correctly download Frija firmware tool to your computer and connect your device it should automatically retrieve the current firmware available see if it's one up from yours and download to your computer and transfer to your SD card then reboot in recovery there should be an option for SD card update, it's been awhile, let me know