Question Software update

[Altnume]

Hello guys so I have a galaxy s21 ultra the us version sm-g998u and I'm in the middle east it's unlocked and now running on android 12 will I be able to receive software updates even though I'm not in the US?

 

[joeldf]

Hello guys so I have a galaxy s21 ultra the us version sm-g998u and I'm in the middle east it's unlocked and now running on android 12 will I be able to receive software updates even though I'm not in the US?

Is it a factory unlocked model? Or, was it carrier branded but unlocked after the fact?

If it was a carrier model (and the "U" in the model number is usually carrier branded, while "U1" is usually factory unlocked), then it depends on which carrier it was branded to.

If it was an AT&T sold phone, and even if it was unlocked, then the answer is - no, it won't get updates. AT&T models only get updates from AT&T while on the AT&T network with an AT&T activated SIM. Outside of the network, AT&T can't see you to send the update.

I don't know about T-Mobile or Verizon works,

 

[joeldf]

Just a quick follow-up as I forgot to include this, but you can flash newer firmware to the phone on your own. For many that got AT&T phones over to other parts of the world, that's the only option.

I know that @mustang7757 can help with that.

 

[Altnume]

Is it a factory unlocked model? Or, was it carrier branded but unlocked after the fact?

If it was a carrier model (and the "U" in the model number is usually carrier branded, while "U1" is usually factory unlocked), then it depends on which carrier it was branded to.

If it was an AT&T sold phone, and even if it was unlocked, then the answer is - no, it won't get updates. AT&T models only get updates from AT&T while on the AT&T network with an AT&T activated SIM. Outside of the network, AT&T can't see you to send the update.

I don't know about T-Mobile or Verizon works,

Thanks for the replay that was sad actually it is sm-g998u without the 1 so yeah as you said but will it work with smart switch?

 

[mustang7757]

Welcome to AC!
On WiFi u should be able still receive updates or PC Smart switch

Personally I would flash over to the unlock firmware sm-g998u1

 

[mustang7757]

I usually make a sticky thread on Samsung devices for this process

Odin Files/Guides For S21

So far these are the files for US unlocked versions https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/samsung-s21-s21-and-s21-ultra-u1-firmware-links.4220223/

forums.androidcentral.com

 

[Altnume]

Welcome to AC!
On WiFi u should be able still receive updates or PC Smart switch

Personally I would flash over to the unlock firmware sm-g998u1

Thanks for your answer I'm not that great in tech so if I can ask you now I searched for the firmware and it appears that the phone was once locked to Verizon and now it's unlocked so on wifi I will get the update? Or no way I'm getting an update the normal way ?

 

[mustang7757]

Thanks for your answer I'm not that great in tech so if I can ask you now I searched for the firmware and it appears that the phone was once locked to Verizon and now it's unlocked so on wifi I will get the update? Or no way I'm getting an update the normal way ?

I would try on WiFi if it doesn't download smart switch to your PC and hook your device with cable see if ones available otherwise you will need to flash with Odin which I can guide you

 

[joeldf]

Yeah, your luck might be better if it was a Verzon device.

It's AT&T devices that only get the updates through AT&T's update servers. And Device Switch never worked on AT&T. All other carriers get their updates from Samsung's update servers.

 

[Altnume]

Yeah, your luck might be better if it was a Verzon device.

It's AT&T devices that only get the updates through AT&T's update servers. And Device Switch never worked on AT&T. All other carriers get their updates from Samsung's update servers.

Then I'll wait and see if it will happen thank you guys for all the replays and explanations

 

[Altnume]

I would try on WiFi if it doesn't download smart switch to your PC and hook your device with cable see if ones available otherwise you will need to flash with Odin which I can guide you

Thanks brother for answering my question now I'll wait and see, if not I will do it with Odin as you said. Thanks again

 

[mustang7757]

Thanks brother for answering my question now I'll wait and see, if not I will do it with Odin as you said. Thanks again

Welcome