Samsung S8 - Update to Android Pie?

[cyfanatic]

I have a Samsung Galaxy S8 thru US Cellular and I see that Samsung has released a version of Android 9 (Pie) to its Galaxy S8 phones. Sounds like Sprint, T-Mobile and AT&T are already updating their S8s to Android 9 (Pie). I have not been able to learn whether or not US Cellular will release an update to their S8s...therefore I am guessing they won't. That said...is it possible for me to update my S8 to Android 9 on my own using a guide or the files found through various websites? If I followed the instructions correctly would my phone still function as normal? Or would I lose my service with US Cellular?

I have no problems with my phone right now...but I just like to get new technology when I can. I am locked into US Cellular for awhile...so thought this might be a fun thing to do if it was even possible!

 

[Cyclones_R_GR8]

I have a Samsung Galaxy S8 thru US Cellular and I see that Samsung has released a version of Android 9 (Pie) to its Galaxy S8 phones. Sounds like Sprint, T-Mobile and AT&T are already updating their S8s to Android 9 (Pie). I have not been able to learn whether or not US Cellular will release an update to their S8s...therefore I am guessing they won't. That said...is it possible for me to update my S8 to Android 9 on my own using a guide or the files found through various websites? If I followed the instructions correctly would my phone still function as normal? Or would I lose my service with US Cellular?

I have no problems with my phone right now...but I just like to get new technology when I can. I am locked into US Cellular for awhile...so thought this might be a fun thing to do if it was even possible!

My S8 just updated to Android version 9 two days ago. The icons look a bit different and I can't get my lock screen back the way it was. Outside of that I don't notice anything different.
My text icon is now blue instead of orange.

 

[cyfanatic]

My S8 just updated to Android version 9 two days ago. The icons look a bit different and I can't get my lock screen back the way it was. Outside of that I don't notice anything different.
My text icon is now blue instead of orange.

I use Android Messages instead of the Samsung stock app...which carrier do you use? I really have the urge to try to do this myself but don't want to break the phone/contract/service with US Cellular if it isn't possible.

 

[Cyclones_R_GR8]

I use Android Messages instead of the Samsung stock app...which carrier do you use? I really have the urge to try to do this myself but don't want to break the phone/contract/service with US Cellular if it isn't possible.

Still use Sprint for some reason. I really think I should try Google Fi

 

[cyfanatic]

Still use Sprint for some reason. I really think I should try Google Fi

I wanted to go to Google Fi but the wife wanted an iPhone and I gave in and lost that decision...ended up leaving Sprint for US Cellular. Happy with it so far...but really wanted Fi!

 

[cyfanatic]

Still fishing for help...any ideas if I can "side load" this onto my phone without any issues? Even possible? I have read online at a few different sites how to do it...but I just feel nervous about doing it! But I still want to do it!

 

[Cyclones_R_GR8]

Have you gone to the US Cellular website? It looks like there is an option to download Pie. I just googled US Cellular Android 9 upgrade and it was the first hit.

 

[aeroclone]

Still fishing for help...any ideas if I can "side load" this onto my phone without any issues? Even possible? I have read online at a few different sites how to do it...but I just feel nervous about doing it! But I still want to do it!

I've reflashed many Samsung phones over the years. It is typically a pretty painless process. I typically do it using a program on the PC called Odin. You connect the phone to the PC via USB and go from there. The phone software files are usually in a TAR format or something like that.

The XDA developers forum site is usually a great resource for this. Go check out the sub forum over there for your device and carrier. They will probably have what you need for files and step by step instructions. Of course functionality with unofficial software is never a sure thing, as long as you are just messing with the Android software and not the modem firmware you should.be fine. And flashing back to an official software build is always an option if things get wonky.

 

[cyfanatic]

I've reflashed many Samsung phones over the years. It is typically a pretty painless process. I typically do it using a program on the PC called Odin. You connect the phone to the PC via USB and go from there. The phone software files are usually in a TAR format or something like that.

The XDA developers forum site is usually a great resource for this. Go check out the sub forum over there for your device and carrier. They will probably have what you need for files and step by step instructions. Of course functionality with unofficial software is never a sure thing, as long as you are just messing with the Android software and not the modem firmware you should.be fine. And flashing back to an official software build is always an option if things get wonky.

Very cool! I appreciate the info! I believe the version I would use would be official as it comes from Samsung and is designed for the S8. My concern was whether or not it would impact my service with US Cellular?

 

[RunninMan]

My Verizon Note 8 updated to Pie last night. I'm still getting used to the gestures for the navigation buttons but other than that it seems pretty neat so far. I wouldn't imagine US Cellular would be too far behind but you never know.

 

[cyfanatic]

My Verizon Note 8 updated to Pie last night. I'm still getting used to the gestures for the navigation buttons but other than that it seems pretty neat so far. I wouldn't imagine US Cellular would be too far behind but you never know.

Like hearing that...I was just reading thru instructions about how to manually update Android on phones...and while I can be a bit savvy when it comes to technology...I found myself thinking "no way am I doing this"!

 

[cyfanatic]

Update: US Cellular pushed Android Pie (9) and Samsung's new skin thru to my S8 yesterday. If only I could learn to be a bit patient! I just love to get the new stuff...even when it may or may not improve performance! So far though...I like the update!