How to update your Samsung Galaxy Note II to Android 4.3 (All Methods)

Samsung started rolling out the Android 4.3 update to the Galaxy Note II back in November 2013 and it has since then progressed to many regions worldwide. Officially the update can be installed via OTA (over the air) or Samsung Kies, but you can also use the manual method if the update isn’t available in your region yet or your phone has been modified (Rooted or Custom ROM). Additionally the manual method will also work for all the people who have bought their smartphones from different countries and are now facing problems in updating it.

Official OTA (Over the Air) Update

To download and install the firmware via OTA, go to Settings > More > About Device > Software update > Update. (Both N7100 & N7105 Models)

Official Update via Samsung Kies

In order to update your Galaxy Note II via Samsung Kies you need to connect your device via USB cable and then open the Kies application (Will require a PC or Laptop). The update notification will pop-up by itself if your Kies has been updated to the latest version (if not you will have to update Kies first). The software shall then give you a complete guide on updating and backing up your device.

Manual Update for Galaxy Note II

If you ran into some issues (Custom ROM/Rooting) and are looking into manually updating your Samsung Galaxy Note II to Android 4.3, luckily you can do it with ease if you follow the following steps and won’t void your warranty (Please download the country specific firmware for that).

1. Downloading the Firmware

The firmware download links are listed below for all major countries. If your country is not in the list then you can wait for us to add it or you can simply choose any firmware you like, either ways the steps, software and language options will remain the same

Galaxy Note II (GT-N7100)

1. CHINA
2. INDIA
3. UNITED KINGDOM
4. RUSSIA
5. FRANCE
6. GERMANY
7. GREECE
8. HONG KONG
9. ITALY
10. NORDIC COUNTRIES
11. AUSTRALIA

Galaxy Note II (GT-N7105)

1. FRANCE
2. UNITED KINGDOM (EE)
3. UNITED KINGDOM (VODAFONE)
4. GERMANY
5. HONG KONG
6. SINGAPORE
NORDIC COUNTRIES

2. Using ODIN

The latest version of ODIN can be Downloaded from XDA-Developers if you don’t have it and also download the Samsung drivers if you don’t have Samsung Kies installed on your PC/Laptop. After installing ODIN to desired location on your PC/Laptop open it and window will appear.

The tabs highlighted are the ones that you have to check for. The Auto Reboot and F.Reset Time should be checked and Re-Partition should be unchecked. Now in the PDA tab you must select the Downloaded firmware file

Note : In Some cases you get more than One file, if that is the case then you will need to the following steps.

a) Click the PDA button and select the file with .tar.md5 extension

b) Click the Phone button and select file with MODEM in its name

c) Click the CSC button and select file with CSC in its name

d) Click the PIT button and select .pit file

3. Connecting the Smartphone in Downloading Mode

In order to update the firmware on your Galaxy Note II you will need to enter the download mode. Press Volume Down + Home + Power Button all at once till you see a screen as below appear on your Note II. Also enable USB debugging in the Settings > Developer Options before hand

Press the Volume Up key to continue and you will enter the Downloading mode on your Galaxy Note II, once the screen (refer to the Second Image) shows connect the phone to the PC/Laptop via USB cable and wait for it show on COM Port in ODIN window (Repeat if unsuccessful).

Now press the START button in ODIN. The firmware update should then start and you have to wait for it to complete. Once completed the phone will reboot itself.

The Update will now progress in the official manner guiding you through the setup of the Android 4.3 on your Galaxy Note II.

Note : If your Note II is stuck on Samsung Logo Screen then you must factory reset it (Wipe all data). To factory reset press Volume Up + Home + Power keys at the same time