The Samsung Galaxy S4 Gets Lollipop OTA Update On Several Carriers

Everyone seems to be clamoring for Lollipop, but not everyone will have it. Android 5.1.1 Lollipop, that is.

Users who have upgraded to the latest version of Lollipop for their devices have reported a faster, better experience using their Androids, even with a few reports of bugs and crashes. Is it worth your while to update? If you value the capacity to run the latest apps, and the benefits of Google’s latest fixes and its ongoing efforts to speed up your device, then it is.

Since its developer release on March 9, 2015, carriers across the US have adopted the Lollipop update for their newest models. For those using devices a generation or two older, such as the Samsung Galaxy S4, the updates were slower in rolling out.

Here are the carriers and build numbers for the Samsung Galaxy S4 Lollipop Updates:

• Verizon Wireless: LRX22C.I545VRUGOC1

• AT&T Mobility: LRX22C.1337UCUGOC3

• Sprint Corporation: Update for the Samsung Galaxy S4 Spark LTE models: L720TVPUCOD1; and the update for the regular Samsung Galaxy S4 Models: L720VPUGOD2

• T-Mobile US: Unfortunately, T-Mobile US has not yet rolled out an update for its S4 devices.

• U.S. Cellular: U.S. Cellular now has an update for the Samsung Galaxy S4, with the Base Band Version R970TYUGOE2.

In order to use your carrier’s Over The Air (OTA) update, these are the required steps:

• You have to be logged on to the Internet, either via WiFi, LTE, 4G, or 3G.

• Go to: Settings > About Device > Software Update > Choose “OK.”

• Follow the directions from there.

This is a very straightforward process, and if you see an update available for your particular device, then you should be able to update your Samsung Galaxy S4 without a hitch. If your device does not have an OTA Update available, and you would like to attempt a custom ROM install, there is a complete how-to from International Business Times UK.

Follow those directions to the letter, and you should be good to go. Warning: Only attempt to install a custom ROM when you know what you’re doing, or you’re willing to risk bricking your device.

With Android M on the horizon, it almost seems as if upgrading to Lollipop isn’t going to make much of a difference. But if you’re using a Samsung Galaxy S4, practically two generations behind, it’s probably a worthwhile undertaking.