Android 11- OneUI 3.0 (Beta 1,2 & 3) - Manual Update/SideLoad (N986U & N986U1) - [Guide]

[warriorvibhu]

********** ANNOUNCEMENT - Beta Enrollment without Banner (OPEN NOW - Nov 16,17) - Read More Here​

INTRODUCTION - Hello all. Now Samsung wants us to go to Members app and keep looking for banner to sign up for Android 11, One UI 3 Beta . It went live October 27th, 10:20 PM EST, As fate would have it, i went to sleep early, i missed it and the banner refused to show up for me in the morning. Download was only showing up for people with unlocked variants on ATID firmware.

DISCLAIMER / NOTICE - Flashing is always risky. I am not responsible for anything that may happen to your device including but not limited to it turning against you, making you its slave and sucking you into the Matrix.

This post is a collection of wisdom, research and hard work of many people over many years across many forums and not just XDA. I will try to credit and link to their original posts.

TIP -Keep in Notice -This SHALL NOT Factory Reset Your Device or Format Data, it is still a good idea to Take Back Up - Just a Suggestion - Always have a latest Back Up
******** UPDATE - It seems ATT devices are getting wiped now if its CSC or the Sim remains to be tested.
i don't have ATT hence cant verify but in case you have an Unlocked device (N986U1) with ATT sim, then, removing sim and Changing the CSC to XAA/XAA/XAA before sideloading Beta is advisable.
​

PROBLEM STATEMENT - Missed the One UI 3.0, Android 11, Beta Sign up Banner in Members app or got the banner but didn't get the download and I really want it NOW.

Not sure if you want it now? - Find the BETA CHANGELOG HERE

GRAB YOURSELF A COFFEE / DRINK, because depending on where you at and how fast you/your internet speeds/your Machine is this may take anywhere between 7 to 45 Mins
​

SOLUTION -
1. Pre-Requisites - Make sure Following Conditions are met before you start

• You need a PC/Laptop along with your phone and USB Cable.
• You need ADB installed, you can use ADB on Linux too - NOTE If your ADB Tools are not working, download my ADB Folder called platform-tools. Then extract it somewhere easy to remember/ find, like desktop
• Remember the Location of the folder where you have ADB installed / Location of platform-tools- This is the location containing adb.exe file.
• You may or may not need ADB/USB Drivers if any errors in ADB please Download Drivers from here and Install on your PC.
  
  This following one step is relevant Only for flashing Beta 1
• Use Odin to Flash Unlocked (SM-N986U1) ATID Firmware if you are not on that. Refer this thread to get your Firmware.
  For changing Firmware from N986U to N986U1 and / or GUIDE TO FLASHING USING ODIN Refer This thread

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. Now Download the relevant Beta File that you intend to flash - note that to Sideload Beta 2 you need to be on Beta 1 first. Mandotory Sequence = Beta 1>>Beta 2>>Beta 3 There is no skipping versions possible here.

• BETA 1 (ZTGJ) Get the Beta1.zip file from here Thanks to @thatotherguy.. for the original zip.
• BETA 2 (ZTK1) Get the Beta2.zip file from here
• BETA 3 (ZTK9) Get the Beta3.zip file from here

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

*************** Apply Update from SD card failed for me (Feel free to try that ) but here we will be using ADB Sideload Feature in Stock Recovery*************​

HOW TO - Using ADB Sideload - Windows -The Process is Similar for Linux too
1. Copy the downloaded zip file to the ADB Folder (From Pre-Requisite step). ADB Folder is the folder containing ADB.exe it might be named differently for you (The one i have posted is called platform-tools)
2. Open Command Prompt Window as Admin.
3. Type in

cd Copy-paste the location of your ADB folder here

4. Connect the phone to the PC using USB Cable and Unlock it. Go to Developer Options and Switch on USB Debugging.
To turn on developer options go to Settings>>About Phone>>Software Information>> Then tap the build number 7 times - Developer options will appear at the bottom of Settings Menu

5. On your PC Type in Command Prompt

adb devices

6. Give Permission that appears on your phone and PC - I check the box Always Allow, you should do the same.
7. Now type the following and the phone will reboot to recovery.

adb reboot recovery

8. Once you see recovery on your phone Use Volume Keys to scroll down to Apply Update from ADB and press Power Button.
9. Now on your PC, Type the following in Command Prompt; this is just to be sure, it should show the device name with Sideload next to it.

adb devices

10. Type

adb sideload Beta1.zip

For Beta 2 use adb sideload beta2.zip Similarly For Beta 3 use adb sideload beta3.zip. Use whatever you have named the zip file. Most people use update.zip. The commands here are for the attached files in this post and their naming convention.
11. Wait for it to finish and Done

2nd (Second) BETA Is Out- How To Do this if you are not able to Enroll for Beta and or don't see update to download even after Enrolling​

• Second Beta should be flashed After Beta 1. Second Beta (ZTK1) can not be flashed unless you have Beta 1 (ZTJG).
• To flash follow the same instructions as above only this time the prerequisite is you have to be on the 1st Beta. Download the 2nd Beta (ZTK1) Zip File to flash Here Thanks to @hayabusa1300cc for the FOTA Link.

3rd (Third) BETA Is Out- Nov 16, 2020 Do this if you are not able to Enroll for Beta and or don't see update to download even after Enrolling​

• Third Beta should be flashed After Beta 1>>Beta 2. Third Beta (ZTK9) can not be flashed unless you have Second Beta (ZTK1). Second Beta (ZTK1) can not be flashed unless you have Beta 1 (ZTJG).
• To flash follow the same instructions as above only this time the prerequisite is you have to be on the 2nd Beta. Download the 3rd Beta (ZTK9) Zip File to flash Here

OPTIONAL THINGS TO DO POST UPDATE ​

• If you want to enable RCS (In the Native SMS app) and Native Video calling (This feature is on Tmobile) have a look at this thread.
• Check out this Guide Service Mode and CSC Guide/Enable LTE/5G Bands and Services/5G Low Band on U1 by @mellojosh

TROUBLESHOOTING​

Some people might run into "cant read update.zip" error for that we need to make ADB Large address aware. Follow the Steps Here I use the Advanced mode as it shows the true false flags. - This wont happen if you use the ADB Tools provided by me above under the Pre-requisites section.

************** FOR FUTURE BETA OTA Questions / Bugs - Observations and some more info - Go Here ********Please dont ask questions without reading.



QUESTIONS, HELP & SUPPORT ?? - See if I am Online here on this Live Chat​

If it helped HIT THAT THANKS BUTTON, what are you waiting for ? Cheers !!

 

[ekerbuddyeker]

Suggest you rename the title for which device it's for as it's not for every snapdragon (right?)

 

[d_ganggreen]

I get "adb: failed to read command: No error"

 

[warriorvibhu]

Suggest you rename the title for which device it's for as it's not for every snapdragon (right?)

I flashed on an Unlocked one so there is no way for me to tell if this can be flashed on N986U since so many people have flashed Unlocked firmware on the U devices using Odin (One confirmed guy flashed unlocked firmware on Verizon locked device and got the Beta banner) hence i think this will work for all Snapdragon devices. Give it a try and see. Just that before you try this make sure you are on ATID firmware.

 

[warriorvibhu]

I get "adb: failed to read command: No error"

Use a different USB Cable. A good quality one preferably. Also try changing USB port.

 

[1gorelo]

Can i install this on sm n 9860 version and does google pay and samsung pay beta work?

 

[d_ganggreen]

Use a different USB Cable. A good quality one preferably. Also try changing USB port.

Hmm, still getting same. Tried 3 cables including the one that came with the phone and both usb ports on my computer.

 

[warriorvibhu]

Hmm, still getting same. Tried 3 cables including the one that came with the phone and both usb ports on my computer.

Are you on ATID Firmware?

 

[d_ganggreen]

Are you on ATID Firmware?

I am, I odin flashed it a few weeks ago.

 

[warriorvibhu]

Can i install this on sm n 9860 version and does google pay and samsung pay beta work?

Too early in the morning to go out and test that. This is Beta and i have already encountered some bugs. So you have to be up for that.
Good Lock wont work, gesture navigation is buggy, you can not even apply wallpapers from the Galaxy Themes app.
Wallpaper Service on the other hand is greatly improved. Fingerprint sensor is much faster.

 

[warriorvibhu]

I am, I odin flashed it a few weeks ago.

My friend there are so many reasons why that error can happen. Sometimes you might have to change the ADB version. I am attaching the platform-tools i used. Extract this zip inside folder on desktop and try. If that doesnt work you might need to update ADb/Samsung drivers. Let us know if this works.

 

[d_ganggreen]

My friend there are so many reasons why that error can happen. Sometimes you might have to change the ADB version. I am attaching the platform-tools i used. Extract this zip inside folder on desktop and try. If that doesnt work you might need to update ADb/Samsung drivers. Let us know if this works.

Thank you! Whatever it was, that worked. I am able to get it running with your tools. I am running it now.

 

[warriorvibhu]

CHANGELOG - Android 11_OneUI 3 Beta

************ Notice: This changelog is compiled from various different resources online, verification of these features rests with the users **********

[COLOR="SeaGreen"][CENTER]BETA CHANGELOG[/CENTER][/COLOR]
[B]Home screen[/B]
– Touch and hold an app to add an associated widget
– Turn the screen off by double-tapping on an empty are of the Home screen. You can turn this on in Settings > Advanced features > Motion and gestures.
Lock screen
– Dynamic Lock screen now has more categories, and you can select more than one.
– Lock screen widgets are improved.

[B]Contacts, Phone and Call Background[/B]
– Added the ability to edit multiple linked contacts at one time.
– Added an option to help you quickly delete duplicate contacts.
– Enhanced the search experience.
– Extended the storage period of the Trash bin from 15 to 30 days.
– Added the ability to customize the call screen with your own pictures and videos.

[B]Messages[/B]
– Created a Trash bin to store recently deleted messages.
– Call & Text on other devices
– Added the ability to turn Call & text on other devices on or off with Bixby Routines.

[B]Calendar[/B]
– Events with the same start time are now shown together in month and agenda view.
– Reorganized options for adding and editing events.
– Improved layout for full screen alerts.
[B]Reminder[/B]
– Improved layout for full screen alerts

[B]Camera[/B]
– Improved auto-focus and auto exposure functionality and usability.
– Improved stabilization when taking pictures of the moon at high zoom levels.
[B]Photo editor[/B]
– Added the ability to revert edited pictures back to their original versions.

[B]Bixby Routine[/B]
– Grouped preset routines help you get started quickly and learn how to build your own routines easily.
– You can now see what actions are reversed when a routine ends.
– New conditions have been added, such as a specific start time, the disconnection of a Bluetooth device or Wi-Fi network, a call from a specific number, and more.
– New actions have been added, including talking to Bixby and accessibility actions.
– You can add a customized icon for each routine and add routines to the Lock screen for quick access.

[B]Digital wellbeing and Parental controls[/B]
– Added trends to your weekly report. You can see how your usage has changed since the previous week and check your usage time for each feature.
– Added phone usage time while driving to the weekly report.
– Added a lock screen widget so you can check your screen time without unlocking your phone.
– Added separate profiles for personal and work modes so you can track your screen time separately.

[B]Internet[/B]
– Added ability to block websites from redirecting you when you tap the Back button.
– Added warnings and blocking options for websites that shot too many pop-ups or notifications.
– Rearranged menus to make things easier to find.
– Added several new add-ons, including one that translates websites.
– Added option hide the status bar for a more immersive browsing experience.
– Increased maximum number of open tabs to 99.
– Added ability to lock and reorder tabs.
– Improved design for tab bar which is now supported on all devices.
– Ended support for Samsung Internet edge panel.

[B]Quick panel[/B]
– See your conversations and media more conveniently in their own sections when you swipe down from the top of the screen.
[B]AOD[/B]
– Always On Display widgets are improved.

[B]Accessibility[/B]
– Get quick access to the most important accessibility settings during device setup.
– Get recommended accessibility features based on what you use.
– Set the Accessibility shortcut more easily in settings.
– Sound detectors now work with your SmartThings devices such as TVs and lights to give you more visible alerts when the doorbell rings or a baby is crying.

[B]Samsung Keyboard[/B]
– You can find the keyboard in settings more easily under General management in Settings, and the settings have been reorganized to put the most important ones first.
Samsung DeX
– You can now connect to supported TVs wirelessly.
– New touchpad multi-gestures let you change screen zoom and font size more easily.

Feel free to add anything else that you observe.

 

[d_ganggreen]

Wohooo Fingers Crossed. Did it finish ?

Yes it did, running 3.0 beta now!

 

[ekerbuddyeker]

I flashed on an Unlocked one so there is no way for me to tell if this can be flashed on N986U since so many people have flashed Unlocked firmware on the U devices using Odin (One confirmed guy flashed unlocked firmware on Verizon locked device and got the Beta banner) hence i think this will work for all Snapdragon devices. Give it a try and see. Just that before you try this make sure you are on ATID firmware.

I'm on n9860 which is a snapdragon. I'm not sure if it's the same. Anyone want to try?

 

[jianansong]

My US unlocked stuck at 16% when sideloading? Is it normal?

 

[warriorvibhu]

My US unlocked stuck at 16% when sideloading? Is it normal?

Since how long ?
Which step are you at?

 

[jianansong]

Since how long ?
Which step are you at? (See Pics)

On my phone, it shows "Verifying updte package..."
On the adb, it shows serving update.zip 16%.

It has been there for at least 20 minutes... Do I need to cancel and restart?

I used the uploaded adb and the first link for update.zip.

 

[warriorvibhu]

On my phone, it shows "Verifying updte package..."
On the adb, it shows serving update.zip 16%.
It has been there for at least 20 minutes... Do I need to cancel and restart?
I used the uploaded adb and the first link for update.zip.

Yes thats too long Cancel and restart, It took me 97.5 seconds to verify the package.
Your ADB is fine dont change that. For firmware you can try using the second link from google drive. do you meet the criteria Unlocked and on ATID ?

 

[jianansong]

Yes thats too long. do you meet the criteria Unlocked and on ATID ?

Yes, mine is us unlocked and it's on ATID. Do you know how I could cancel it?

---------- Post added at 03:45 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:43 PM ----------

Yes, mine is us unlocked and it's on ATID. Do you know how I could cancel it?

At the command line, I clicked "control + C" and surprisingly the progress number starts moving again, and now I am at 53% and it's still going...