[Update: January 2024 Security Update] Samsung Galaxy S21 series Update Tracker
Samsung Galaxy S21 series is one of its elite lineups this year namely, Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+, and Galaxy S21 Ultra. The 5G family powers Exynos 2100 chipset internationally and Snapdragon 888 5G in the USA and China. The trio fuels Android 11-based One UI 3.1 skin on top. So far, the company has sold over six lakh units of the premium-grade handset lineup, which is the highest it has ever recorded since the Galaxy S8.
Note: We will keep this post updated with the latest information regarding the Galaxy S21 series.
Samsung Galaxy S21 Series Update Tracker
[January 16, 2024]: Samsung has started releasing the January 2024 security update for the Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21 Plus, and Galaxy S21 Ultra. The new firmware version of Galaxy S21: G991WVLS9FWL2, Galaxy S21 Plus: G996WVLS9FWL2, Galaxy S21 Ultra: G998WVLS9FWL2.
[December 26, 2023]: The One UI 6 update began rolling out to the Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+, and Galaxy S21 Ultra in India. The firmware version ending in FWL3 and bundles the December 2023 security patch.
[December 20, 2023]: Samsung has been rolling out the One UI 6 update for Galaxy S21 devices. The Samsung seems to be equally passionate about the December 2023 security update.
[December 18, 2023]: The December 2023 Security update is now ready for the Galaxy S20 models. The Galaxy S21, S21+ and S21 Ultra you get the firmware version ending in WKB.
[December 14, 2023]: Samsung Galaxy S21 are receiving the One UI 6 Update in South Korea. The latest software update for the carrier-locked models of the Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+, and Galaxy S21 Ultra bears firmware versions G991NKSU4FWK7/ G991NOKR4FWK7/ G991NKOU4FWK6 and G998NKSU4FWK7/ G998NOKR4FWK7/ G998NKOU4FWK6 are rolling out to the respective smartphones.
[November 08, 2023]: The new software update is available for the Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+, and Galaxy S21 Ultra in Europe. The firmware version is G998BXXS9EWJO and the update is available in all European countries, including Switzerland. It brings the November 2023 security patch that fixes 65 security flaws found in Samsung’s smartphones and tablets.
[October 23, 2023]: Samsung rolled out the October 2023 security patch to the Galaxy S21 in the US. The new software update bumps the firmware version to G991U1UES9EWI3. It brings the October 2023 security patch which fixes 12 security vulnerabilities.
[October 11, 2023]: The latest software update for the Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+, and Galaxy S21 Ultra comes with firmware version G998WVLS9EWI6 in Canada. The update is available for the carrier-locked version of Galaxy S21 series phones with firmware version G998USQS9EWI2 and comes with October 2023 security update
[August 22, 2023]: This Galaxy S21 August 2023 security update expands its area in the US. It has arrived with its identification build number. Each device holds its unique build code number, for Galaxy S21, the code is G991USQS8EWH1 , for Galaxy S21+, the firmware version is G996USQS8EWH1 and for Galaxy S21 Ultra, the version number is G998USQS8EWH1.
[August 22, 2023]: Samsung announced its August 2023 security update for its Galaxy S21 devices. The update has arrived for unlocked variants in the US with its own identification build number. The build code for the Galaxy S21 series is G99xU1UES8EWG3.
[August 18, 2023]: The Galaxy S21, S21+ and S21 Ultra smartphones are now getting the August 2023 update with the build version G99*BXXS9EWH1.
[July 23, 2023]: Samsung‘s July security update is now available for Galaxy S21 series in the US. The carrier-locked variants of the Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+, and Galaxy S21 Ultra are picking up the July 2023 security update in the US. The new firmware build number for the phones is G99*USQS8EWG1.
[July 19, 2023]: Samsung released the July 2023 security update to several phones, including the Galaxy S21 series. The latest software update for the carrier-locked models of the Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+, and Galaxy S21 Ultra bears firmware version G99xUSQS8EWG1. The update is currently available on Sprint’s network.
[July 19, 2023]: Samsung has started internal testing of One UI 6.0 for Galaxy S21. Samsung is testing One UI 6.0 firmware for the Plus model, with G996BXXU9FWG6 as the software version.
[June 20, 2023]: The Galaxy S21 lineup are getting the new update with firmware version G991USQS7EWF1. The new update brings the June 2023 security patch that fixes over 60 security flaws found in Galaxy phones and tablets.
[April 10, 2023]: The latest April 2023 security patch software update for the Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+, and Galaxy S21 Ultra comes with firmware version G99xBXXU7EWCH. The latest security patch fixes over 60 security flaws, including the critical ones related to Exynos processors and Exynos modems.
[February 01, 2023]: Samsung’s Galaxy S21 FE is rolling out new firmware version with January 2023 security update. The new software with firmware version G990BXXU2DWA4 (or G990B2XXU1DWA4) first appear on the servers of the South Korea.
[January 26, 2023]: Galaxy S21 FE is first picked up Android 13 on carrier-locked units in the US. The update comes with the firmware version G990U1UEU4DVLC and it brings the December 2022 Security Patch.
[January 4, 2023]: Samsung is rolling out a new update for the Galaxy S21 series smartphones. The update comes with the version number G99xBXXS5DVL3 and is rolling out as OTA (Over-the-air) update. It brings the January 2023 security patch to the smartphones. The update also optimizes system stability and fixes vulnerable patches. It is live for the Netherland units and other European units of the smartphone. Smasung improves Knox security, Safe Folder, NFC and Wi-Fi connection.
[November 15, 2022]: The Galaxy S21 is receiving a new update with November 2022 security patch. Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+, and the Galaxy S21 Ultra receiving firmware version G99xUSQU5DVK3, the build is rolling out in US.
[November 14, 2022]: The Galaxy S21 new software comes with firmware version G99xBXXU5DVJC and includes the November 2022 security patch. Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+, and the Galaxy S21 Ultra are now getting the stable Android 13 (One UI 5.0) update in India, Kazakhstan, and Russia.
[November 07, 2022]: The Korean giant has started rolling out the OneUI 5.0 stable update in Europe and India, a few weeks after the OneUI 5.0 Stable Beta program. The Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+, and Galaxy S21 Ultra are receiving firmware version numbers G991BXXU5DVJC, G996BXXU5DVJC, and G998BXXU5DVJC respectively.
[September 29, 2022]: Samsung is rolling out October 2022 Security patch for the galaxy S21 in the United States and Germany. The unlocked variant in the US is receiving firmware G99xU1UES5CVI8 and in Germany it is G99xBXXS5CVIF.
[September 16, 2022]: The carrier-locked versions of the Galaxy S21 series are now getting access to September 2022 Security patch. The update is rolling out in the US with firmware version G99xUSQS5CVHC. It resolves a couple of dozen security vulnerabilities. Also, the build might as well carry some stability improvements and general bug fixes.
[September 06, 2022]: Samsung started rolling out September 2022 Security patch for the Galaxy S21 series in some regions of Europe. The firmware versions G991BXXS5CVH1, G996BXXS5CVH1, and G998BXXS5CVH1 are rolling out for Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21 Plus and Galaxy S21 Ultra in Germany, US, India and some other countries.
[August 8, 2022]: Samsung is releasing the August 2022 security patch to the Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+, and Galaxy S21 Ultra. The carrier-locked versions are upgrading in the US with firmware version G99xUSQU5CVGB. Besides, the build might also include some general bug fixes and device stability improvements.
[July 29, 2022]: The Galaxy S21 lineup is upgrading with the August 2022 security patch. As of now, the build is available in Germany with firmware version G99xBXXU5CVGB. Other regions can also get the update soon.
[July 25, 2022]: The T-series models of Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+, and Galaxy S21 Ultra are now getting the July 2022 security patch. The update is rolling out in the USA with the firmware version G99xUSQU5CVG4. Besides increasing the security, the build also improves system stability and addresses some general bugs.
[July 9, 2022]: Samsung has been rolling out a new update for the Galaxy S21. The update is live in the US and brings the July 2022 security patch. It is live for the carrier unlocked variants of the Galaxy S21. The update bears the firmware version number G99xU1UES5CVF5. In the US, it is live for the mobile networks of AT&T, Bluegrass Cellular, Comcast, Tracfone, Verizon, and Xfinity.
[July 5, 2022]: A new update is rolling out for the Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+, and the Galaxy S21 Ultra. The build bumps the security patch level to July 2022 with firmware number G99xBXXS5CVFB. The update is currently available in Europe, while more regions will get a hit in the coming days.
[June 27, 2022]: The carrier-locked versions of the Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+, and the Galaxy S21 Ultra are upgrading with June 2022 security patch. The update is rolling out in the US with firmware version G99xUSQU5CVF3. Also, it might bring some general bug fixes and device stability improvements as well.
[June 1, 2022]: The Galaxy S21 series is getting the June 2022 security patch update in Germany. The build arrives on firmware version G998BXXU5CVEB. The update will reach out to more markets in the coming days.
[May 17, 2022]: The update with May 2022 security patch is reaching out to the unlocked variants of Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+, and the Galaxy S21 Ultra. The build is rolling out in the US with firmware version G99xU1UEU5CVDC.
[May 9, 2022]: Samsung Galaxy S21 series is getting the May 2022 security patch in the US on firmware version G991USQU5CVDB. The build is rolling out to the carrier-locked variants. In addition, it brings device stability and performance improvements.
[May 2, 2022]: Samsung is upgrading the security maintenance for Galaxy S21 series with May 2022 patch. For now, the update is rolling out in Italy with firmware version G991BXXU5CVDD, while more regions are expected to get the build soon.
[April 8, 2022]: More carrier-unlocked models of the Galaxy S21 series are getting the April 2022 security patch. The update is rolling out in the United States and it bumps the firmware version to G991U1UES5CVCB.
[April 6, 2022]: The April 2022 security patch update is reaching out to the carrier-locked variants of the Galaxy S21 series in the US. As of now, it is currently rolling out on Comcast’s network with firmware version G99xUSQS5CVCB in the country.
[April 6, 2022]: The Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+, and the Galaxy S21 Ultra in the US are getting the April 2022 security patch update. The update is rolling out to the carrier-unlocked models with firmware version G996U1UES5CVCB. Also, it could bring some general bug fixes and device stability improvements.
[April 5, 2022]: Samsung is releasing yet another update for the Galaxy S21 series. This time, the build is rolling out in Germany on the firmware version G99XXXXS4CVCG. It bumps the Android security maintenance to April 2022.
[March 22, 2022]: The similar package based on One UI 4.1 and March 2022 patch is extending to the Galaxy S21 series in the US. The build is available for the carrier-locked versions of the Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+, and the Galaxy S21 Ultra. For now, it is rolling out on Sprint and T-Mobile’s networks in the country via firmware version G99xUSQU5CVC4.
[March 17, 2022]: Samsung is releasing the One UI 4.1 update to the Galaxy S21 series in Canada. The update is available on Rogers and Sasktel networks via firmware version G99xWVLU5CVBA. Also, its bumps the security maintenance to March 2022.
[March 14, 2022]: The Galaxy S21 series in the US is getting the current security maintenance, March 2022 via firmware version G99xU1UES5BVC1. The update is rolling out for most carriers, including AT&T, Bluegrass Cellular, Comcast, C-Spire, Verizon, and Xfinity mobile.
[March 8, 2022]: The carrier-locked models of the Galaxy S21 series in the US are finally receiving the February 2022 security patch. The update bears firmware version G99xUSQS5BVA6 which is rolling out on a few carrier networks in the country as of now.
[February 16, 2022]: The February 2022 security patch is extending to the Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra. The build is rolling out in Egypt and Nigeria through the firmware version G99xBXXS4BVA8.
[February 11, 2022]: The T-Mobile and unlocked models of Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+, and Galaxy S21 Ultra in the US are getting the February 2022 security patch. For the T-Mobile variants, the build arrives on the firmware version G991USQS5BVA6, G996USQS5BVA6, and G998USQS5BVA6 respectively. While for the unlocked models, the update bears the version G9911U1UES5BVA6 for Galaxy S21, G9961U1UES5BVA6 for Galaxy S2+, and G9981U1UES5BVA6 for the Galaxy S21 Ultra.
[January 7, 2021]: The Galaxy S21 series in the Netherlands is upgrading the January 2022 security patch. The update is live for the Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+, and Galaxy S21 Ultra through the firmware version G99xBXXU4BULF.
[December 10, 2021]: The December 2021 security patch is extending to Finland for Galaxy S21 series. It carries the build numbers G991BXXS3BUL1, G996BXXS3BUL1, and G998BXXS3BUL1 for Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+, and Galaxy S21 Ultra respectively.
[December 8, 2021]: The Galaxy S21 is getting the third update based on the latest stable operating system. It brings the December 2021 security patch to some European countries via the firmware version G99xBXXS3BUL1. Besides, you will not see any bug fixes or other improvements.
[December 6, 2021]: The latest stable build is now live for the Canadian variants of the Galaxy S21 lineup. This time, the package is arriving with a month-old security patch, November 2021. Visit our dedicated article for changes and other details.
[November 29, 2021]: The Galaxy S21 series is now receiving their first One UI 4.0 based software update. The package is unfurling in the European markets and some other regions including Germany. For the Galaxy S21, it arrives on firmware version G991BXXU3BUKG. While for the Galaxy S21 Plus and Galaxy S21 Ultra, the PDS number varies to G996BXXU3BUKG and G998BXXU3BUKG respectively. Tap here to know what it brings!
[November 25, 2021]:Android 12 based One UI 4.0 package is now extending to the unlocked variants of Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra in the US. Almost all US carriers are experiencing the update including AT&T, Bluegrass Cellular, Cellular South, Comcast, Sprint, Tracfone, and Xfinity Mobile. The Android 12 One UI 4.0 package for the Galaxy S21 lineup is bundled with the firmware version G99xU1UEU4BUK7. Additionally, the software also inculcates the current security maintenance, November 2021. For more changes, click here.
[November 24, 2021]: Samsung is rolling out the second OneUI 4.0 update on Galaxy S21 series via the firmware version G99xUSQU4BUK9. The update fixes issues related to the screen refresh rate. It is currently rolling out on Verizon-locked devices.
[November 1, 2021]:November 2021 patch is extending to India for Galaxy S21 Ultra. The new OTA arrives on version G998BXXS3AUJ7/G998BOXM3AUIE/G998BXXU3AUIF weighing 222.97MB in size. Besides the security enhancements, the package does not carry any other improvements.
[October 26, 2021]: The Galaxy S21 Ultra has started to receive the November 2021 security patch in Germany. The update arrives on software version G998BXXS3AUJ7 weighing 222MB in size. Also, we don’t have the precise changelog for the update but we expect it to carry some general bug fixes and device stability improvements.
[October 14, 2021]: The October 2021 patch is unfurling to the locked and unlocked units of the Galaxy S21 series in the US. While the carrier-locked variants are getting the version G99xUSQS4AUIN on Comcast and Xfinity Mobile networks. The locked models are grabbing G99xU1UES4AUIN on Bluegrass Cellular, C-Spire, and Verizon networks.
[September 29, 2021]: As you can see below, Samsung has started pushing the October 2021 security patch for the Galaxy S21 series. And the update is live in countries like Germany, India, the Philippines, and South Korea. However, the update in South Korea brings the digital key support to the Galaxy S21+ and Galaxy S21 Ultra. The digital key feature was announced back in January and will support brands like Audi, BMW, Genesis, and Ford. The update in South Korea comes with the build number G991BXXU3AUIG.
[September 28, 2021]: Samsung has started pushing a new update for the European and international variants of the Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+, and Galaxy S21 Ultra. The update is currently live in Germany and the Philippines. Samsung is the first brand to push the October 2021 Security patch and the Galaxy S21 is the first device to receive the same. Even, Google is yet to push the October 2021 patch for its devices. The update comes with the build number G991BXXU3AUIE. It currently rolls out as OTA and doesn’t bring any major changes apart from the security patch.
[September 11, 2021]: The international variants of Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+, and Galaxy S21 Ultra in the USA are grabbing a new update. The builds bump the security version to September 2021 via the firmware version G99xU1UES4AUH9. Do not expect the package to bring any other changes besides increasing the system security.
[September 7, 2021]: The Galax S21 series is grabbing the September 2021 security patch in Europe. The update arrives on the version number G99xBXXS3AUHD and G99xU1UES4AUH9 for Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra. Apart from upgrading the patch, the build does not add any other changes.
[August 11, 2021]: The unlocked versions of the Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+, and the Galaxy S21 Ultra are receiving a new update. The August security patch is arriving via the firmware version G99XU1UEU4AUGE. A similar treatment is live for the smartphone units in Canada on the Rogers network as well. Do not expect anything else in the update apart from the improved privacy and security.
[July 31, 2021]: Samsung is releasing the August 2021 security patch for the Galaxy S21 series in China. The latest security maintenance arrives on the firmware version G99x0ZCU2AUGE for Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra. The changelog does not mention any new additions. Also, Samsung is yet to detail its August security patch.
[July 3, 2022]: Samsung is sending a new software update to the unlocked variants of the Galaxy S21 series on firmware version G99xU1UEU4AUF5. The trio on the unlocked networks including AT&T, Bluegrass Cellular, C-Spire, Sprint, Tracfone, and Verizon are grabbing an update with June 2021 security patch.
[June 23, 2022]: The current build for the Galaxy S21 series units in the USA is arriving on firmware version G99xUSQU4AUF5. As of now, only the devices based on Comcast and Xfinity Mobile networks are grabbing the update. The build acks the June 2021 security patch, adds the inbuild QR code reader, optimizes Portrait mode, fixes the zoom in and zoom out lag, and fixes overheating issue. Visit our dedicated article for precise information
[May 27, 2021]: The Korean giant has already started rolling out the June 2021 Security Patch update for the Galaxy S21 5G smartphone users. According to the report by SamNext, the update is occurring on the build number G991NKSU3AUE8, and it weighs 416.71MB. At the moment, the update is taking place only in Korea and a few European countries. There’s nothing new available in the latest firmware apart from the few changes to the system.
[May 13, 2021]: The May 2021 security patch has made its way to India for the Galaxy S21 series. The new software carries the firmware version G99xBXXU3AUE1 that weighs around 200MB in size. This is just a minor bump in safety level as the changelog doesn’t mention any major changes. It improves the overall stability of functions by bringing the described fixes from Google and Samsung. Moreover, there’s a possibility that the new update also fixes the vulnerabilities found in Qualcomm’s 5G modems.
[April 27, 2021]: Some days are left to reach the month of May but Samsung is already prepared to release the new safety maintenance. The Galaxy S21 series is the first lineup to receive the May 2021 security patch. As of now, the level is live in Germany with the firmware version G991BXXU3AUDA for the Galaxy S21, G996BXXU3AUDA for the Galaxy S21+, and G998BXXU3AUDA for the Galaxy S21 Ultra. The new firmware improves the performance of the camera, enhances the Quick Share, and improves the file sharing between Galaxy devices Using Quick Share. Tap here to know more about this package.
[April 8, 2021]:Verizon‘s Galaxy S21 series is grabbing the April 2021 security patch. The latest update carries firmware versions G991USQU2AUC8, G996USQU2AUC8, and G998USQU2AUC8 for the Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra, respectively. The bump drives some performance improvements but no major changes in favor of user experience. The changelog mentions usual bug fixes to enhance the smartphone’s stability. To know more about the firmware, Head here.
[March 30, 2021]: A day before, Samsung is crafting the April 2021 Android security patch for the Galaxy S21 family. The new firmware can be identified by build number G99xxXXU2AUC8. This update is pushed uniquely to expand the smartphone’s security level. This means that apart from the latest security patch, upgrades, enhancements, and user-reported bug fixes, the update doesn’t load with any major changes or new features.
[February 26, 2021]: The Korean giant is rolling out the March 2021 security update for the newly launched Galaxy S21 family. The update weighs around 387 MB which brings the firmware version G9910ZHU1AUB7for Galaxy S21, G9960ZHU1AUB7for Galaxy S21+, and G9980ZHU1AUB7for Galaxy S21 Ultra. As of now, the new software is rolling out in Taiwan, other regions are expected to get a hit anytime soon. Click here for more details about the update.
[February 12, 2021]: The Galaxy S21 series is receiving its third update since its release. The new software carries the version number version G99xBXXU1AUB6. It is currently rolling out in various countries including the UK, Germany, Switzerland, and other countries European nations. The changelog mentions enhancements in the camera app and device performance. Moreover, the reduced battery life issue is probably fixed with this new update. Read more here about the details regarding the new build.
[February 10, 2021]: The US variants of the Galaxy S21 series are grabbing the February 2021 security patch. The new update bumps the build version G991USQU1AUAG, which weighs around 305MB in size. Apart from the new security patch, the update also brings some add-on features such as improvement in the camera, fixing some minor Bugs, and improving the system and device stability.
[February 9, 2021]: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G series is now globally receiving February 2021 Security Patch via OTA. The updated firmware version for this series is G998BXXU1AUB3 which will fix the previously available bugs and add security and performance improvements.
[February 05, 2021]: A couple of days after the rollout of the January 2021 Security patch, Samsung has begun cultivating the February 2021 Security patch to the Galaxy S21 Series. Identified by the G9980ZHU1UAE, G9980OZS1AUAE/ G9980ZCU1AUAE Firmware version is currently limited to Hong Kong users only. The update weighs nearly 306.13 MB in size and it comes with improvements for the camera, Bug fixes, Stability improvements, a new Security patch, and enhancements to the Device Stability.
[January 23, 2021]: Samsung has now started seeding out the January 2021 Security patch update to the Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra smartphones in the United States. The updates are rolling out on the G991USQU1AUA3, G996USQU1AUA3, and G998USQU1AUA3 Firmware versions. Talking about the changes, apart from the Security patch, there’s nothing new in this update. So, this update is only meant to increase the Security patch level and enhance the stability of the smartphone.
[January 16, 2021]: The Galaxy S21 Plus devices have started receiving their first update with the January 2021 Security patch and Android 11 based One UI 3.1 (Skin). The update is hitting all the users on the G996BXXU1AUA4 Firmware version and it doesn’t come with any major features/changes. So, this update is only meant to increase the Security patch level and enhance the stability of the smartphone.
As always, the new build is put via OTA, so you will receive the update soon. Otherwise, you can also track the firmware manually by navigating to Settings > Software updates > Check for updates. We also suggest you maintain at least 60% of charging and switch over to a WiFi network before updating.