As reported earlier, Samsung has started rolling out Android 4.4 Kitkat for the Galaxy Note 3 (SM-N9005), Poland takes the first place here with the update seeding via Samsung Kies and an OTA is expected to back it up soon. The update does not bring a new version of Touchwiz but it was expected not to see it until Samsung launches the next Galaxy S flagship due in March. You can update your Note 3 (SM-N9005) to Android 4.3 manually by following the method below in case you don’t live in Poland and you don’t want to wait anymore. Also it sure is a huge improvement over Android 4.3 in terms of Performance.
Manual Update Method (via ODIN)
*TIP : For Details on this update see our Post “Android 4.4 Official update, now available for Samsung Galaxy Note 3”
Step 1. Backing up your device and downloading the firmware.
You must back up your device through Samsung Kies or the desired way before continuing with the manual method as all data will be wiped after the update. Once Backed up, you can download the firmware file from the link below.
Note : You may need to register with Terafile to download a file above 1GB size. You can do it for free Right Here.
Step 2. Using ODIN
The latest version of ODIN can be Downloaded from XDA-Developers if you don’t have it and also download the Samsung drivers if you don’t have Samsung Kies installed on your PC/Laptop. After installing ODIN to desired location on your PC/Laptop open it and window will appear looking like the one below.
The tabs highlighted are the ones that you have to check for. The Auto Reboot and F.Reset Time should be checked and Re-Partition should be unchecked. Now in the PDA tab you must select the Downloaded firmware file (Use WINZIP/WINRAR to extract the file before using and it must be .TAR extension).
Step 3. Connecting the Smartphone in Downloading Mode
In order to update the firmware on your Galaxy Note 3 you will need to enter the download mode. Press Volume Down + Home + Power Button all at once till you a screen with Android Logo appear on your Note 3. Now Press the Volume Up key to continue and you will enter the Downloading mode on your Galaxy Note 3, once the screen shows connect the phone to the PC/Laptop via USB cable and wait for it show on COM Port in ODIN window (Repeat if unsuccessful), Now press the START button in ODIN. The firmware update should then start and you have to wait for it to complete. Once completed the phone will reboot itself. The Update will now progress in the official manner guiding you through the setup of the Android 4.4 on your Galaxy Note 3.
Note : If your Note 3 is stuck on Samsung Logo Screen then you must factory reset it (Wipe all data). To factory reset press Volume Up + Home + Power keys at the same time (Refer to the video guide below also you can like the video on YouTube for their contribution).
Link to the Video Guide on YouTube : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtKZUTKhuKA