My Galaxy S20+5g is stuck with android 11

[Members_OjFJrnD]

My Galaxy S20+5G (model SM-G986B/DS) is stuck with android 11, One UI version 3.1 and won't update since January 2023. My 'Android security patch level' is dated 1st September 2021, which seems very old and my phone doesn't feel secure. I am living in the UK.

I tried Settings>Software update>Download and install, and it says 'Your software is up to date'. Same if I try from the Device Care. I tried installing Samsung Smart Switch on my PC, linked the phone to my PC and it tells me the same thing.

I read that the S20+5G should be able to be updated to One UI 5 with Android 13, but I haven't been able to.

Any suggestions? Thank you very much.

[GaMinGiSsEmotional]

If your Samsung device's wireless update isn't working, you can try updating it using Samsung's Smart Switch software on your computer by connecting your phone with a USB cable, opening Smart Switch, and checking for available updates; this will allow you to manually download and install the update via your PC instead of over-the-air. 

Here's how to do it:

Download Smart Switch: Install the Smart Switch application on your computer (Windows or Mac). 

Connect your phone: Use the USB cable that came with your phone to connect it to your computer. 

Open Smart Switch: Launch the Smart Switch application on your computer. 

Check for updates: Smart Switch will automatically detect if an update is available for your device and prompt you to update. 

Follow instructions: Click "Update" and follow the on-screen instructions to download and install the update. 

Other things to try if your wireless update isn't working:

Check your connection: Ensure you have a strong Wi-Fi connection. 

Restart your phone: Sometimes a simple restart can resolve update issues. 

Clear cache partition: Go into recovery mode on your phone and clear the cache partition (consult your device manual for specific instructions). 

Check storage space: Make sure you have enough free storage on your phone to download the update. 

Contact Samsung support: If none of the above methods work, reach out to Samsung customer support for further assistance. 

[Members_OjFJrnD]

Hello GaMinGiSsEmotional,
I have tried all what you have suggested, but with no success. It took me some time to work out how to clear the cache partition. I have a strong Wi-Fi connection and plenty of storage space: 60GB available. When I connect to Smart Switch, nothing happens and I can only see update preferences.
I bought the phone unboxed on eBay in 2021, it might be that it has an unusual provenance.
Many thanks

[BandOfBrothers]

Hello 👋 and may I extend a Warm Welcome to the Samsung Community Forum Section for Uk and Ireland members @Members_OjFJrnD 

Have updates completed OK previously 🤔 

Who supplied the phone originally  ? I ask because if you've ended up with a grey import phone then updates can sometimes be affected. 

You can check the phone by looking at what is called a CsC

To find this look in about phone in Settings and look at the Software Information. 

Under Service Provider Software Version look at the last 3 alphabetical letters.

Check thise 3 alphabetical letters to that of this list or via a Google Search. 

https://eu.community.samsung.com/t5/galaxy-a-series/list-of-samsung-galaxy-csc-country-specific-prod... 

If this turns out to be ok then try inserting another activated different networks sim card to yours to see if that instigates an update. 

Ultimately if you have a Samsung Experience Store local they maybe able to help. 

https://www.samsung.com/uk/support/mobile-devices/how-to-troubleshoot-software-update-issues. 

If i can be of any further help please don't hesitate to ask  😎 

[Members_OjFJrnD]

Hello BandOfBrothers,

I bought the phone 'unboxed' and 'unlocked' from eBay in 2021. The last 3 letters of the Service Provider version is PLS, which suggests it is from Poland. Does that mean impossible to update? Here is snapshot:

I have plenty of storage left (60 GB available). I followed the second link you sent, optimised the phone and restarted it in safe mode, but that didn't work.

Thank you so much for your advice. I live in London, I think I will pop in in my local Samsung Experience Store.

Cheers

[BandOfBrothers]

Hi again @Members_OjFJrnD 

It means your updates are reliant on them coming from the region of release. 

Unfortunately this can mean they can be on a different timeframe or occasionally not coming through at all. 

For example I imported a Samsung phone from Hong Kong into the UK and was reliant on updates coming from there. 

They might be able to help but as there is no Manufacturer's warranty as the phone is an imported model they are not compelled to do so. 

If i can be of any further help please don't hesitate to ask  😎 

[Members_OjFJrnD]

Ah well. I'll give them a try. I am not feeling confident enough to try a manual update from sites such as SamMobile.
Thank you for advice.