I need to flash Android 15 to my phone and I don't know how.

[Ihateithere7]

So, I purchased a phone used from a refurbisher. A regular Galaxy s24. The phone was originally carrier locked but was then unlocked so it basically has the model number of a locked phone and the Firmware region code (or whatever it's called, sorry I'm new to all this) of an unlocked phone. It's as follows:

Model name - SM-S921U

Service provider software version - SAOMC_SMS921U_OYN_XAA_14_0014

When I go to the various sites where firmware for android 15/One UI 7 is available, there's no results when I search for my model number (SM-s921U) and then try to narrow it down to (XAA). It just shows nothing because the unlocked software doesn't match the locked model number (I guess).

Am I doing something wrong? Is there firmware that's safe to use for this dilemma? Do i just have to wait until it's available? What's going on here. I was using AI to figure all this out but it keeps telling me I can find SM-S921U XAA firmware on all these different websites and I can't. 

Thanks for any insight or help. It's very much appreciated as this has been a massive headache and it's 1 in the morning lol

[Tourbillon De La Vie]

Out of scope for these forums

[Piper123]

I'm afraid we don't recommend nor do we advise about flashing official software due to inherent risks (especially when someone says they are new to this 😮) and the loss of warranty.

Your device has official firmware, why the need to change it?

[Moiramon]

XAA is US unlocked so your model no should be SM-921U1. So yes it's mismatched firmware. Somebody as obviously unlocked it and probably reflashed it or changed the CSC. There's quite a few refurbished phones like this about so always worth checking before you buy.

[Reylob]

Hi @Ihateithere7 

Welcome to the community forum.

Have you tried Smart Switch, it should restore the lates available firmware for your device.

[Ihateithere7]

Understandable. And, the reason I need to change it is I can't recieve OTA updates anymore. I'm still on Android 14 and my security patch is Jan 2024 lol. not ideal. I don't need to "change" my firmware per say, I need to update it. 

[Ihateithere7]

This is far outside the realm of Smart Switch, but thanks. 

[Ihateithere7]

So, am I just screwed? Or, can I use any different firmware? I know they're never going to release XAA firmware for this model number so there must be some work around. People flash phone and buy refurbished phones all the time. I struggle to accept that there's just no way to change it. I have a warranty on the phone, but that's such a hassle to deal with, I'd like to try to fix it first. 

[Ihateithere7]

I'm beginning to understand that lol. Is there anywhere else you could recommend to ask more involved questions like mine? I'm completely unfamiliar with the online tech-enthusiast platforms. 

[Piper123]

Smartswitch