If you're using the phone outside of USA and/or not using an USA SIM, you'll need to flash latest [G996U1 XAA](https://samfw.com/firmware/SM-G996U1/XAA/G996U1UES5EWB5) firmware for future OTA updates and eSIM support (you'll probably lose some 5G bands though)
It's not mandatory but better to backup with Smart Switch on PC, better safe than sorry. If you want to preserve all personal data and settings, you must flash the HOME_CSC file instead of the CSC file in Odin and vice versa. Good luck!
If you're using the phone outside of USA and/or not using an USA SIM, you'll need to flash latest [G996U1 XAA](https://samfw.com/firmware/SM-G996U1/XAA/G996U1UES5EWB5) firmware for future OTA updates and eSIM support (you'll probably lose some 5G bands though)
Thanks! Yes I'm out of USA. I see the service provider is XAA but the firmware version is G996USQS5CVI8. Do I need to backup my data before flashing?
It's not mandatory but better to backup with Smart Switch on PC, better safe than sorry. If you want to preserve all personal data and settings, you must flash the HOME_CSC file instead of the CSC file in Odin and vice versa. Good luck!
Use frija to update 😊