| Odin | |
|---|---|
 Odin 3.14 running on aWindows 11 machine, with a device ready for flashing plugged in | |
| Developer | Samsung |
| Stable release | |
| Operating system | (v3) Windows(v4) Linux |
| Available in | English |
Odin is a utility software program developed and used bySamsung internally which is used to communicate with Samsung devices inOdin mode (also calleddownload mode) through the thor protocol[2]. It can be used toflash a custom recovery firmware image (as opposed to the stock recovery firmware image) to a SamsungAndroid device. Odin is also used forunbricking certain Android devices.[3] Odin is the Samsung proprietary alternative toFastboot.
There is no account of Samsung ever having officially openly released Odin,[4] though it is mentioned in the developer documents forSamsung KnoxSDK[5] and some documents even instruct users to use Odin.[6] Some other docs onKnoxSDK reference "engineering firmware",[7][8] which presumably can be a part of theKnoxSDK along with Odin. Publicly available binaries are believed to be the result of leaks. The tool is not intended for end-users, but forSamsung's own personnel and approved repair centers.[9]
Although none of the publicly available downloads are authorized bySamsung itself,XDA-Developers consider the files offered on their Forum (Patched Odin v3 3.14.1 for windows) (Odin v4 1.2.1 for linux) the safest option. There is now a3.14.4 but it is not stable release.
For the usage of Odin, the phone needs to be in Download mode. For this, some key combination need to be pressed, such asPower +Volume Down +Home, orPower +Volume Down +Bixby, or connect to a computer while performing theVolume Up +Volume Down key combination.[10]
The thor protocol that Odin implements is used in many Samsung devices, including in some devices co-developed by Google and Samsung like theGalaxy Nexus.[11] There is also an implementation of the thor protocol inDas U-Boot[2].
Heimdall is afree/libre/open-source,cross-platform replacement for Odin which is based onlibusb.[4] Heimdall can be used on Windows, Linux, and Mac.[12] The nameHeimdall, likeOdin, is an allusion toNorse mythology; both Odin and Heimdall are among the deities of theNorse pantheon[13][non-primary source needed]. It can be used either through the command line[14] or with its graphical user interface.
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