S22 Ultra

[mboemn]

Hello guys

My device is still stuck on Android version 14, One UI 6.1. Haven't received any updates since last year. I've been checking on settings now and then. What should I do to get software updates?

[ollyy2021]

Try on samsung members

[SherlockHolmes222B]

Hi
If your Galaxy S22 Ultra is still stuck on Android 14 / One UI 6.1 and hasn’t received any updates for months, here are the key things you can check and try:


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🔍 1. Check Your CSC / Region Code

Sometimes updates are region-dependent.

Go to Phone dialer → type *#1234#

Look for CSC info (something like XFA, INS, BTU, XSG, etc.)
👉 Note that:

XFA = South Africa (unlocked models)

Carrier-branded CSCs (like XSP, EVR, etc.) might get delayed updates.


If your phone is imported or using a different region CSC, updates might not roll out there yet.


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⚙️ 2. Check for Updates Manually

Go to:
Settings → Software update → Download and install

If it says “Your software is up to date,” but you know updates are out, move to the next step.


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💻 3. Use Smart Switch on PC

Sometimes OTA (over-the-air) updates don’t appear, but Smart Switch detects them.

Install Smart Switch on your computer (from Samsung’s official site).

Connect your S22 Ultra via USB.

If an update is available, Smart Switch will prompt you to install it.



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📶 4. Check Storage, Battery, and Root Status

Make sure you have at least 10GB free space.

Battery above 50% when checking for updates.

If your device is rooted or bootloader unlocked, Samsung’s servers will block OTA updates.



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🌍 5. Switch to a Stable Network or SIM

Sometimes updates are triggered by the SIM card region. Try inserting a SIM from your home country or switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data before checking again.


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🧰 6. Last Resort — Flash Latest Firmware (Optional)

If you’re comfortable with it, you can manually install the latest firmware using Odin and a trusted firmware source like SamFW.com or Frija.
⚠️ Only do this if you know how — flashing the wrong firmware can brick your device.

[SherlockHolmes222B]

If you tell me your CSC code and model number (like SM-S908B or SM-S908E), I can check which Android / One UI version your region should currently have and guide you exactly on how to update safely.

[mboemn]

It's SM908U

[SherlockHolmes222B]

Lastly which country you from?

[mboemn]

Zimbabwe

[SherlockHolmes222B]

Got it 👍 — that explains a lot.

So, if the Galaxy S22 Ultra (SM-S908U) is being used in Zimbabwe, here’s what’s happening and what you can do:


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🇿🇼 Why You’re Not Getting Updates in Zimbabwe

The SM-S908U is the U.S. carrier model (used by Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, etc.), and:

Its updates are controlled by the carrier it was originally sold through, not by Samsung directly.

When the phone is used outside the U.S. (e.g., in Zimbabwe or South Africa), Samsung’s local servers don’t push updates to it.

So even if your phone is fully unlocked, the update path is region-locked to the U.S.



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✅ Options to Get Updates

1. Use Smart Switch on a Computer

This is the safest way to try first:

Download Samsung Smart Switch on a Windows or Mac PC.

Connect the phone with a USB cable.

Smart Switch might detect an update even if OTA (over-the-air) doesn’t show it.


👉 Download link (official): https://www.samsung.com/smartswitch


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2. Insert a U.S. SIM Card Temporarily

If you can borrow or buy a cheap U.S. SIM card (e.g., AT&T, T-Mobile), insert it and connect to Wi-Fi.
Then check for updates again:

> Settings → Software update → Download and install



Sometimes, the presence of a U.S. SIM triggers the carrier’s update server.


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3. Manually Flash the Latest Firmware (Advanced Option)

If no OTA or Smart Switch updates work:

Go to SamFW.com or SamMobile.com

Search for SM-S908U

Download the latest firmware (choose the U.S. unlocked (XAA) version — it’s the most universal)

Use Odin on PC to flash it manually.


⚠️ Be very careful — flashing firmware incorrectly can brick the phone.
If you’d like, I can walk you step-by-step through this process safely.


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4. Consider Changing the CSC (Optional, Advanced)

You can sometimes change the CSC code from a U.S. carrier (like VZW or ATT) to XAA (U.S. unlocked) using tools or SIM tricks — that allows you to get direct Samsung updates instead of carrier-delayed ones.
Again, this requires some technical steps.


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💡 Best Long-Term Solution

If the phone is permanently based in Zimbabwe, it’s better to:

Keep it on the U.S. unlocked firmware (XAA) version — it gets updates directly from Samsung without carrier delay.

Or next time, buy a global version (SM-S908B or SM-S908E), which receives updates faster in Africa.

[mboemn]

Thank you so much for your response. About the issue of using Smart switch, I've tried using it several times but nothing comes out of it. If possible you can help me out on how to change the CSC so that I may receive updates. As you said it requires technical steps, how do I go about it?

[SherlockHolmes222B]

No problem
Since Smart Switch didn’t detect anything, changing the CSC (Country/Carrier Software Code) is indeed the next logical step. This can allow your Galaxy S22 Ultra (SM-S908U) to receive direct U.S. unlocked (XAA) updates from Samsung, instead of being tied to a carrier like Verizon or AT&T.

Let’s go through this safely and clearly 👇


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⚠️ Before You Start

Changing the CSC is considered a technical modification. It’s not officially supported by Samsung, so:

It may void warranty (though usually safe if done correctly).

It wipes your device (factory reset).

It must be done very carefully — flashing the wrong files or codes can cause boot issues.


If you’re comfortable with that, here’s the step-by-step method.


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🧰 Step-by-Step: Switching to XAA (U.S. Unlocked CSC)

Step 1️⃣: Check Your Current CSC

Dial this on your phone keypad:

*#1234#

You’ll see something like this:

AP: S908USQU1AXXX
CSC: S908UOYN1AXXX

Write down the CSC code (the letters after “CSC”).
Examples:

VZW = Verizon

ATT = AT&T

TMB = T-Mobile

XAA = U.S. unlocked (the one we want)



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Step 2️⃣: Backup Your Data

Since CSC change resets the phone:

Use Smart Switch or Samsung Cloud to back up all data.



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Step 3️⃣: Download the Correct Firmware

Go to one of these trusted firmware sources:

🔗 https://samfw.com

🔗 https://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/


Then:

Search for SM-S908U

Select XAA (USA Unlocked) region

Download the latest firmware (around 8–9 GB)


You’ll get a .zip file containing 5 files:

AP_xxx.tar.md5
BL_xxx.tar.md5
CP_xxx.tar.md5
CSC_XXX.tar.md5
HOME_CSC_XXX.tar.md5


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Step 4️⃣: Install Odin

Download Odin3 v3.14.4 or newer (you’ll find it easily online).
Extract the ZIP.


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Step 5️⃣: Enter Download Mode

1. Power off your phone.


2. Hold Volume Up + Volume Down, then connect USB cable to PC.


3. Press Volume Up once to continue to Download Mode.




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Step 6️⃣: Flash Firmware in Odin

1. Open Odin on PC.


2. In Odin, load the files like this:

BL: select the file starting with BL

AP: select AP file (takes time to load)

CP: select CP file

CSC: ⚠️ use CSC_XXX (NOT HOME_CSC — we want a full reset).



3. Make sure “Auto Reboot” and “F. Reset Time” are checked.


4. Click Start.


5. Wait ~5–10 minutes. The phone will reboot automatically.




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Step 7️⃣: Verify CSC

After reboot, dial:

*#1234#

Now the CSC should show XAA instead of your old carrier code.

You can also confirm by checking:

> Settings → About phone → Software information → Service provider SW ver.



It should mention XAA/XAA/...


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Step 8️⃣: Check for Updates Normally

Now, go to:

> Settings → Software update → Download and install



You should now receive direct Samsung updates without needing a U.S. SIM.


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✅ Final Notes

Once on XAA, updates will arrive OTA normally, just like on U.S. unlocked phones.

Keep Smart Switch installed — it can still detect updates early.

Do not flash other region firmware (like S908E or S908B); only S908U firmware works safely.