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[GUIDE] Noobs guide to Odin to flash your SGS4G (Windows)

UPDATED 04/08/11 - Thanks for the comments to make this process less confusing
I have seen a lot of questions about how to use Odin to flash your SGS4G. I am a noob as well and had to search throughout the forums to get the answers so here it is, plain and simple:
1. Download the Stock + Root rom (.tar file) posted by Krylon360 (kudos) HERE, or a rom from anyone else that has one being built for the SGS4G (use caution, do not attempt to flash a rom for a different device!)
2. Install the SGS usb driver 32-bit or 64-bit
3. Download Odin 1.7 HERE and RUN IT FIRST (before you plug in your phone in step 5 - this allows Odin to find your phone)
4. Remove your memory and sim card (I did this because Odin failed to flash my phone when they were present)
5. Put your SGS4G into Download mode (Hold volume up + volume down then plug in your usb cable running from the compy) You should see a big triangle symbol
6. Wait for your computer to install all drivers (takes a minute)
7. In Odin click the PDA button and select the rom (.tar file)
8. Make certain that Re-Partition is not checked
9. Click the start button and let it do its magic (takes a couple minutes)
10. After it completes your phone will reboot into recovery mode
11. Select reboot system now with the power button (takes a couple minutes to establish the new system)
Like everyone has said before, we are not responsible if you brick your phone. This process worked flawlessly for me.
My thanks go out to the people that are working on the roms and recovery systems that make this all possible. You should thank them by donating or by clicking the thanks button.

pixelbrain said:
3. Make sure your phone is rooted (via SuperOneClickRoot)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was not able to root my phone using SuperOneClick Root and I used this process TO root my phone with krylon's stock + root ROM so I am no sure this step is necessary. Just my two cents. . .

Good point. Didnt think about that.
Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA App

Is it possible to flash original Vibrant ROMS to the SG4G?

dsvnty7 said:
Is it possible to flash original Vibrant ROMS to the SG4G?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No it is not. This will brick your phone. Do not try this.

pixelbrain said:
3. Make sure your phone is rooted (via SuperOneClickRoot)
5. Remove your memory and sim card
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've never heard of you having to root your phone for using Odin to flash your phone. As long as you can get into download mode. You should be able to flash your phone using Odin.
Also I've never had to remove my memory or sim card either. This is true with my SGS4G and when I had my Vibrant.
Please provide download links to Odin and stock TAR for the Super Noobs. Not all noobs know how to use the Search..hehe.

i never removed my memory card or sim and it still works fine

Step 1 -- Get a Windows box
Also, ODIN is available off links at http://www.samfirmware.com/

Do you guys know how long it usually takes for Odin to do its thing? I've been waiting for 20 minutes and it's stuck at
<ID:0/003> SetupConnection..
Thanks.

FBis251 said:
Do you guys know how long it usually takes for Odin to do its thing? I've been waiting for 20 minutes and it's stuck at
<ID:0/003> SetupConnection..
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you in Download mode? (see step 5 above)

pixelbrain said:
Are you in Download mode? (see step 5 above)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've got a screen that's got the Android in the background next to a triangle with an exclamation mark on it. Up top it says:
Android system recover (3e)
Samsung Recovery Utils
- for BML -
Gives me options to reboot system, reinstall packages, delete all user data, delete cache data.

FBis251 said:
I've got a screen that's got the Android in the background next to a triangle with an exclamation mark on it. Up top it says:
Android system recover (3e)
Samsung Recovery Utils
- for BML -
Gives me options to reboot system, reinstall packages, delete all user data, delete cache data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are in Recovery mode. To flash the rom with Odin you need to be in Download mode.

pixelbrain said:
You are in Recovery mode. To flash the rom with Odin you need to be in Download mode.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got it! I wasn't pressing both volume buttons, and I was starting it without the usb cable plugged into the computer. Thanks for the help.

FBis251 said:
Got it! I wasn't pressing both volume buttons, and I was starting it without the usb cable plugged into the computer. Thanks for the help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem glad its working have fun
Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA App

So i don't need to root so just use the guide
Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA Premium App

mikepw28 said:
So i don't need to root so just use the guide
Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's correct. No need to root.

pixelbrain said:
5. Put your SGS4G into Download mode (Hold volume up + volume down then plug in your usb cable running from the compy) You should see a big triangle symbol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The easiest way for me was to start with the battery out, then plug in the usb and hold down both volume buttons and then put the battery back in. Not sure if this is necessary but the way your describing sounds like it puts you in recovery mode. Does the usb cable being in automatically put you in download mode? (at work or I would test this)

t-mo123 said:
The easiest way for me was to start with the battery out, then plug in the usb and hold down both volume buttons and then put the battery back in. Not sure if this is necessary but the way your describing sounds like it puts you in recovery mode. Does the usb cable being in automatically put you in download mode? (at work or I would test this)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Whatever way gets you in there
If the usb cable is plugged in first, it sets the phone into a battery charge mode (not sure if that's what it is called exactly) and does not allow you to go into download mode if you try pressing vol up and down.

t-mo123 said:
The easiest way for me was to start with the battery out, then plug in the usb and hold down both volume buttons and then put the battery back in. Not sure if this is necessary but the way your describing sounds like it puts you in recovery mode. Does the usb cable being in automatically put you in download mode? (at work or I would test this)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats the quickest way to get into download mode.
I either do it that way and pull the battery out first or when the phone is off I'll hold the volume up and down and then plug in the usb cable. Either way works best with me.

I know the OP does not list this but I use this quick and easy way with my phone plugged in and turned on.
open command prompt (windows key + r, then type cmd)
cd C:\Android-sdk-windows\tools (C drive is where my sdk folder is)
adb reboot download
The phone will reboot and go right into download mode. never have to pull battery or push multiple buttons. Hope I dont confuse anyone

Strange icon on my Startup Infuse 4G

I think i BRICKD it.....
I was performing a Restore to STOCK using Odin 3 v 1.7 and the GTG's UNBRK files from here.
The process failed while the phone was in Download mode.
Now all I get is
An icon which looks like
A Cell Phone ........Exclamation Mark (in orange).......... Computer
The phone is not responding to any of the buttons:
1. No power down... I have to remove the battery and then no matter what I do, power on or else, it shows the same icon
Any one else been here?
Any way to FIX this or am I SOL?

I believe this is in the wrong forum but I understand your panic. Don't take my word for this but I believe you need a USB jig to get out of this. Or unless try this:
1. Pull battery for 15-20 seconds
2. Re insert battery
3. Hold volume up/volume down while plugging in USB cord from computer
4. If it succeeds you should be in download mode!
P.s. Sorry if you have already done this, i'm just attempting to help you troubleshoot
Sent from my SGH-I997 using xda premium

I believe this is what you're seeing..
http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/3323/20101211170056.jpg
Sent from my SGH-I997 using xda premium

Like rominator was saying pull battery hold volume buttons replace battery insert USB cord will turn on in download
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using XDA App

theROMinator said:
I believe this is what you're seeing..
http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/3323/20101211170056.jpg
Sent from my SGH-I997 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the suggestion. Yes, that is the exact thing I am seeing and No, that Vol Up + USB insert still gives the same icon.
What is a USB jig? and where do I get it?
Many thanx and sorry for posting it in the wrong forum... perhaps, admin can move to the right one.... yes, it was panic.

phoneman108 said:
Thank you for the suggestion. Yes, that is the exact thing I am seeing and No, that Vol Up + USB insert still gives the same icon.
What is a USB jig? and where do I get it?
Many thanx and sorry for posting it in the wrong forum... perhaps, admin can move to the right one.... yes, it was panic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Uhh, I haven't gotten stuck on that on my Infuse I don't think, but with the Captivate the solution was to hold vol + and - and power at that screen until it rebooted, then let go of power and it would fall back to download mode.
And yes, this is not development and should be in the general section.

phoneman108 said:
Thank you for the suggestion. Yes, that is the exact thing I am seeing and No, that Vol Up + USB insert still gives the same icon.
What is a USB jig? and where do I get it?
Many thanx and sorry for posting it in the wrong forum... perhaps, admin can move to the right one.... yes, it was panic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
EDIT: Did you hold BOTH volume up and down as you plugged in the usb?
USB Jig
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B0053H73JQ/ref=dp_olp_0?ie=UTF8&redirect=true&condition=all
It's been reported here in the forums that IT DOES work. You might want to search around to confirm that. Or, if you want quick help you can possibly explain more of what you did to get your phone to this point.

Jig Does work!!!
i made at the job not to long ago....took me a while to get the right resistance, but it got it into download mode.

theROMinator said:
EDIT: Did you hold BOTH volume up and down as you plugged in the usb?
USB Jig
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B0053H73JQ/ref=dp_olp_0?ie=UTF8&redirect=true&condition=all
It's been reported here in the forums that IT DOES work. You might want to search around to confirm that. Or, if you want quick help you can possibly explain more of what you did to get your phone to this point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I meant to write Holding BOTH Vol+ and - and USB insert.
Here are the steps that I got me here... one step is completely stupid....
1. Yesterday, I was trying to get 3e recovery, so got the zip file
2. MISSED this step - of Copying the recovery file to SD Card.
3. Renamed the old recovery in the bin folder to _old
4. Rebooted and then used the ROM Manager to reboot into Recovery.... Bad idea - The phone went blank....
5. Only solution I saw was to ODIN in the GTG's Ultimate unbrick.....
6. Went into Download Mode....
7. ODIN sees the COM Port.
8. Loaded the .pit and other files per instructions....
9. Pressed START
10. ODIN reports failed.
11. Unhooked the USB and HARD rebooted.... Arrived at this icon.
Yes, i am a noob and am paying for my mistake of overlooking a step.

You could possibly try heimdall... do you have kies installed (only needed for drivers)? Hmm, I couldn't help you any further w/o actually being there
Definitely keep me posted!

I have bricked my phone a few times now . Same error screen and everything, just do the vol + and vol - down trick , let it boot to the error screen and startup odin 1.8 or higher. That part is very important. Odin 1.8 will recognize it as a serial device and write the software . Good luck!

I've been in that icon, but I just tried back with Odin gtg's unbrick and it went through perfectly as always. I got there because I forgot to select the pit file and Odin started to download and it failed.
I think that symbol is the same download mode but in this case you must use Odin because the phone can't startup itself. Just don't panic if it worked for me then it would work for you.
Sent from my SGH-I997 using XDA Premium App

Nopcodex90 said:
I have bricked my phone a few times now . Same error screen and everything, just do the vol + and vol - down trick , let it boot to the error screen and startup odin 1.8 or higher. That part is very important. Odin 1.8 will recognize it as a serial device and write the software . Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
weird because I have used odin 1.7 with success each time..

Oh yeah, that error screen is a download mode isn't it? I forgot about that. So just use unbrick from there or flash something else you want.

AJerman said:
Oh yeah, that error screen is a download mode isn't it? I forgot about that. So just use unbrick from there or flash something else you want.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, that error screen is download mode, just like the usual "Construction Android" screen, with one difference:
The phone is forcing download mode because it knows it's hosed up. It's saying "flash something with Odin or you're not going anywhere".
So you're already in download mode - no need for button combos, the phone realized you needed it and went straight there for you.
BTW this doesn't belong in Development.

re: its not bricked!!!
phoneman108 said:
I think i BRICKD it.....
I was performing a Restore to STOCK using Odin 3 v 1.7 and the GTG's UNBRK files from here.
The process failed while the phone was in Download mode.
Now all I get is
An icon which looks like
A Cell Phone ........Exclamation Mark (in orange).......... Computer
The phone is not responding to any of the buttons:
1. No power down... I have to remove the battery and then no matter what I do, power on or else, it shows the same icon
Any one else been here?
Any way to FIX this or am I SOL?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its not bricked!!!
Those symbols only mean that it did not finish the last operation/flashing
Its the same as download mode.
So go back into those "Cell Phone ........Exclamation Mark (in orange).......... Computer"
Which is download mode and start a new flash of the Ultimate Unbrick.
Good luck, be sure to to put PIT to PIT PDA to PDA and PHONE to PHONE
in odin!!!

GOOD NEWS.
That was simple... Followed the suggestions from Nopcodex90 , Mrjunky and all....
Just started ODIN, loaded the PIT, PDA and PHONE files and off it went and am back alive........
You all are so helpful... Thank you all..... I learnt valuable lessons today.....
Now, if I may request the Admin to please move this post to the correct forum ......

phoneman108 said:
I think i BRICKD it.....
I was performing a Restore to STOCK using Odin 3 v 1.7 and the GTG's UNBRK files from here.
The process failed while the phone was in Download mode.
Now all I get is
An icon which looks like
A Cell Phone ........Exclamation Mark (in orange).......... Computer
The phone is not responding to any of the buttons:
1. No power down... I have to remove the battery and then no matter what I do, power on or else, it shows the same icon
Any one else been here?
Any way to FIX this or am I SOL?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That icon is a form of download. You can still connect to odin amd use ultimate unbrick
looks like i some beat me to it. Glad to see your back
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using xda premium

That happened to me other day I just plugged it in Odin like that and it recognized it and did gtg unbrick back to stock, try to restart Odin and try plugging it in like that and see if Odin recognizes it, it recognized mine
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using XDA Premium App

Take out the battery, put battery back in, hold both volume buttons, continue holding and plug in usb. You should be in download mode, now retry odin with GTG ultimate unbrick.
This phone is never really bricked, ive flashed a wrong bootloader using heimdall and nothing would turn on and i was still able to odin back to stock.

Samsung Infuse Dont Boot!!!

I have a Samsung I997 Infuse only enters Recovery Mode ... I Wiped all data and Cache ... And can not get anything ... Please Help Me!!!

Delgisp said:
I have a Samsung I997 Infuse only enters Recovery Mode ... I Wiped all data and Cache ... And can not get anything ... Please Help Me!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Download heimdal or Odin (you can find links in the infuse super everything thread "ISET") put your phone in download mode, then run Odin or heimdal
Download mode instructions:
1) Pull battery
2) Put battery back in
3) Hold volume up and simutaniosly...don't let go and don't touch the power button
4) plug USB into both computer and phone
Sent from my HTC PH39100 using Tapatalk 2

mg2195 said:
Download heimdal or Odin (you can find links in the infuse super everything thread "ISET") put your phone in download mode, then run Odin or heimdal
Download mode instructions:
1) Pull battery
2) Put battery back in
3) Hold volume up and simutaniosly...don't let go and don't touch the power button
4) plug USB into both computer and phone
Sent from my HTC PH39100 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't put the phone in Download Mode ... It returns to Recovery ... The screen says CWM-Based Recovery v5.5.0.4 ... When i turn on the Phone it say Galaxy S and CyanogenMod!!!

Delgisp said:
I can't put the phone in Download Mode ... It returns to Recovery ... The screen says CWM-Based Recovery v5.5.0.4 ... When i turn on the Phone it say Galaxy S and CyanogenMod!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You act suprised about the recovery/cyanogenmod splash screen...did you not flash cm9?
And I'm 99.99% sure your not doing it right...I've never heard of a phone going to recovery when trying download mode...I've heard of them just not going and/or bootlooping-but I've never heard of it going in to recovery...can you please list the exact steps you took to enter download mode?
They should be this:
Remove battery
Put battery back in
Hold volume up+down
Plug USB in while holding volume keys
-please note, I wasn't trying to be rude above...just stating I've never heard of what's happening to you happen before...and anything is possible to some extent...so it is possible that your just having some freak problems...
Sent from my HTC PH39100 using Tapatalk 2

mg2195 said:
You act suprised about the recovery/cyanogenmod splash screen...did you not flash cm9?
And I'm 99.99% sure your not doing it right...I've never heard of a phone going to recovery when trying download mode...I've heard of them just not going and/or bootlooping-but I've never heard of it going in to recovery...can you please list the exact steps you took to enter download mode?
They should be this:
Remove battery
Put battery back in
Hold volume up+down
Plug USB in while holding volume keys
-please note, I wasn't trying to be rude above...just stating I've never heard of what's happening to you happen before...and anything is possible to some extent...so it is possible that your just having some freak problems...
Sent from my HTC PH39100 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is Done... I did put the phone on Download Mode and Restore the Old Data with Odin... A Lot of THANKS Bro!!!
(Sorry for my English... I'm From Dominican Republic and here We talk spanish)
PD: Can U Recommends me a Rom w/ ICS for my Infuse???

Delgisp said:
Is Done... I did put the phone on Download Mode and Restore the Old Data with Odin... A Lot of THANKS Bro!!!
(Sorry for my English... I'm From Dominican Republic and here We talk spanish)
PD: Can U Recommends me a Rom w/ ICS for my Infuse???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My ICS favorites are RemICS-UX & AOKPCB. both run perfectly smooth, just choose the one you prefer
However, if you're up to it, you may want to try the unofficial CM10 (Jellybean 4.1.1 goodness!).
Im from Puerto Rico, so if you if you have any doubts send me a PM in spanish

[Q] Stuck at splash screen after Chainfire driver install

it wont load past the Galaxy SIII splash screen. Im running CM10 stable and Faux kernel. Just need to know what to do to undo my stupidity.

thecozmo65 said:
it wont load past the Galaxy SIII splash screen. Im running CM10 stable and Faux kernel. Just need to know what to do to undo my stupidity.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pull the battery out so the phone is off
Place the battery back in.
Hold Volume down + Home, then press and hold the power button.
You should be in download mode now.
Now, load ODIN on your PC.
Plug your Cable from your PC to your phone.
Install the RUU from ODIN in PDA mode, select, "Run".
This is how I would fix the problem. Anyone care to confirm?

AndroidGraphix said:
Pull the battery out so the phone is off
Place the battery back in.
Hold Volume down + Home, then press and hold the power button.
You should be in download mode now.
Now, load ODIN on your PC.
Plug your Cable from your PC to your phone.
Install the RUU from ODIN in PDA mode, select, "Run".
This is how I would fix the problem. Anyone care to confirm?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So i understand that i shouldnt have tryed to install chainfire. I know how to odin but im still very new to this so Ruu? What is it and where do i find it? Talk to me like im a noob. Because im a noob. Also i need this phone back up and running by monday as its my work phone so if anyone can help pleas do so. Thanks.

Will a wipe and reinstallation of cm10 and faux kernel do the job? Can anyone give me some more info?

Help? Anyone?

AndroidGraphix said:
Pull the battery out so the phone is off
Place the battery back in.
Hold Volume down + Home, then press and hold the power button.
You should be in download mode now.
Now, load ODIN on your PC.
Plug your Cable from your PC to your phone.
Install the stock rom tar from ODIN in PDA mode, select, "Run".
This is how I would fix the problem. Anyone care to confirm?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FTFY, the Samsung term is "stock rom" which is a "tar" file. RUU's are for HTC devices which this is not. Same concept just the wrong nomenclature.
thecozmo65 said:
Help? Anyone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So what did you install? Link please? If you just downloaded an app, you should be fine just booting into recovery and wipe/reinstall CM10. Pull/reinsert the battery, hold volume up, home, and power button until you boot into your custom recovery then wipe/flash away.

Run this.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1840030
Worked for me.
Give pure motive your thanks if it works
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

Chainfire 3d is a graphics program and drivers thats supposed to make graphics output better/different. Oh and its appatently not for ICS or JB. They say if you run into a no boot or a boot freeze situation you have to re flash your firmware. That, im assuming is the. tar file that slimsnoop is talking about. Can i just reflash this stock tar or do i also need to do the two bootchains? Will i lose root?

Download mode problem

Ready to flash my first custom rom.. but when i go to enter download mode (3 keys, volume down) I get the blue downloading screen straight away, like while flashing rom . No usb in, not came in contact with odin before.
When I upgraded from 2.1 to 2.2 on kies, windows may have searched for drivers too quickly (while still installing) but wasn't pulled out. All went fine, but on phones boot kies didn't find the device that time. Now I enter kies and it states 'install not complete(false) recover?' but that approach also needs down mode!
Factory reset and sd out made no difference.
Is there any other way to enter download mode?
Or show kies the download's done maybe?
update.zip from sim any use?
I'll donate really want this rom
Cheers guys

try this..
andygee33 said:
Ready to flash my first custom rom.. but when i go to enter download mode (3 keys, volume down) I get the blue downloading screen straight away, like while flashing rom . No usb in, not came in contact with odin before.
When I upgraded from 2.1 to 2.2 on kies, windows may have searched for drivers too quickly (while still installing) but wasn't pulled out. All went fine, but on phones boot kies didn't find the device that time. Now I enter kies and it states 'install not complete(false) recover?' but that approach also needs down mode!
Factory reset and sd out made no difference.
Is there any other way to enter download mode?
Or show kies the download's done maybe?
update.zip from sim any use?
I'll donate really want this rom
Cheers guys
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which rom are u flashing. Secondly u can enter download mode ny time ie when ur powered off with/without connecting to pc. Just press home + power + vol down. N u will enter download mode ready to flash via odin. Via odin you can flash almost all sg3 roms be it stock r custom rom. Just
any rom bro. You just need to hav tar file of d rom. Do check out d sg3 flashing guide.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1372414
Hope this helped

Their must be on Samsung kies a
Recovery option, note ! You lose your root access when you do that !!
Sent from my HTC Desire using xda app-developers app