As you probably already know –especially if you're a Note 3 owner-, Samsung has recently started rolling out the official Android 4.4.2 update on its latest phablet. The launch currently takes place only in certain regions, and the first model to take advantage of the new OS was the LTE N9005 model.

The good news is that Samsung has now launched the update for the N900 model as well, which is the International Octa-core Exynos variant. If you happen to own this particular device and you don't want to wait for the rollout process to expand, then you should find this guide most useful, as it allows you to apply the official Android 4.4.2 update manually.

IMPORTANT – READ BEFORE PROCEEDING:

  • This guide allows you to flash the official KitKat OS on the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 model number SM-N900 (Exynos variant). Don't attempt to apply this update to any other device or Note 3 variant
  • If you want to apply the proper update for the Snapdragon 800 variant (model number SM-N9005), then follow this link instead
  • You can find out your handset's model number by going to "Settings" > "About phone"
  • In case your Note 3 runs a custom ROM, then applying this update will wipe the system partition. Create backups if needed, and sync your contacts with your Google account
  • If your Note 3 runs on stock Android OS, then you don't risk losing any data
  • You'll need to connect your Note 3 to a computer that has the proper Samsung USB drivers installed. You can download them from this link
  • Before proceeding, disable KIES as it can interfere with the flashing process
  • Disable any security software on your PC as these types of programs can also interfere with Odin and the installation process
  • You need to enable USB Debugging on your smartphone. To do so, go to "Settings" > "About device" and then tap "Build number" until the message "Developer mode has been enabled" appears on-screen. Return to "Settings", tap "Developer options" and enable "USB Debugging"
  • Make sure your smartphone's battery is at least at 70% full. It's crucial for your device not to run out of battery during the flashing process
  • This is a guide for advanced users. Proceed at your own risk. Should anything go wrong, you cannot hold anyone responsible
  • Don't skip any steps

Entering "Download Mode" on the Galaxy Note 3 SM-N900:

IMPORTANT: don't follow these steps at this point. This is a short guide on how to enter "download mode" on the Note 3, and you will need to refer to it later on during the installation process.

  1. Turn off your Note 3 and remove its battery
  2. After about 10 seconds, re-insert the battery
  3. Press and hold "Volume Down", "Power" and "Home" at the same time
  4. When the "Warning" message appears, release the aforementioned keys
  5. Use the "Volume Up" button to confirm that you wish to enter "Download Mode"
  6. When the "Downloading… Do not turn off target" message appears on-screen, you can connect your device to your PC after launching Odin

Samsung Galaxy Note 3 (SM-N900) – Flash Official Android 4.4.2 OS (N900XXUDNA6 Firmware):

  1. On your computer, visit this link (or this one) to download the "N900XXUDNA6" firmware zip file
  2. Once the file has been downloaded, unzip it and you should obtain a file called "N900XXUDNA6_N900SERDNA6_N900XXUDNA1_HOME.tar.md5"
  3. Visit this link to download the Odin3 v3.09 zip, and extract it on your computer
  4. Turn off your smartphone and reboot it in "Download Mode" (refer to the guide above)
  5. Launch Odin on your computer, and connect your Note 3 to it. Odin should now detect your phone. If it doesn't, then don't proceed any further, and make sure you have the proper USB drivers installed
  6. In Odin, click the "AP" button and then load the "N900XXUDNA6_N900SERDNA6_N900XXUDNA1_HOME.tar.md5" file
  7. Ensure that the "Re-Partition" option is disabled in Odin, and leave any other settings to their default values
  8. In Odin, click the "START" button. This will begin the installation process of Android 4.4.2 on your Note 3. Be patient and don't press any buttons during this time
  9. Once the installation has finished, Odin should display the "PASS" message, and your smartphone should reboot in normal mode
  10. After the boot animation appears on the Note 3, you can disconnect it from your computer

TROUBLESHOOTING:

  • In certain situations, Odin can freeze or the installation might fail. Should that happen, make sure that you haven't missed any steps, and that you've prepared your phone accordingly
  • In case Odin shows you that the flashing process has been successful but the Note 3 can't get past the boot animation, then you need to reboot in recovery mode and factory reset your smartphone and try applying the OS again. NOTE: factory resetting your Note 3 will result in loss of data! To reboot in recovery mode:

  1. Power off your handset
  2. Press and hold the "Volume up", "Home" and "Power" buttons at the same time, in order to enter stock Recovery
  3. When the recovery screen appears, release the buttons
  4. Choose to factory reset your smartphone, and then reboot your handset in normal mode



See More: Samsung Galaxy Note 3 SM-N900: Flash Official Android 4.4.2 OS (N900XXUDNA6 Firmware) via Odin