Last updated: December 2nd, 2020 at 08:59 UTC+01:00

Galaxy S9, S9+ start receiving December 2020 security update

Samsung began pushing out the December 2020 Android security update to select members of the Galaxy S9 family of devices. More specifically, the new set of security patches is now reaching the international variants of both 2018 flagships. These over-the-air updates to the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ can be identified by build numbers G960FXXSCFTK2 and G965FXXSCFTK2, respectively.

No other changes or additions are part of the currently deploying updates. If you own an eligible device, you can attempt initiating the OTA download manually by opening the Settings app, scrolling down to the Software update menu, and tapping the Download and install option on the following interface. But given how the rollout has only just started, it may be a while until you’re able to trigger the installation manually.

Samsung will continue supporting the Galaxy S9 range until 2022

As always, users who are feeling impatient can search our firmware archives for a compatible system image containing the new monthly security update that they can flash to their device via a PC. Assuming they know what they’re doing and understand the inherent risks, that is.

Despite getting on in age, the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ received a major refresh in the form of One UI 2.1 earlier this year, which was a welcome surprise and was followed by the One UI 2.5 update a few months later. And while both devices are expected to continue enjoying some level of support from Samsung in the immediate future, their best days are definitely behind them. On the other hand, there are still quite a few reasons for buying a Galaxy S9-series smartphone in 2020, assuming the circumstances are just right.