Unlocked Galaxy Note 20 gets the February 2023 update in the USA

The Galaxy Note 20 series is the first in Samsung’s device portfolio to receive the February 2023 security patch. And among all the Note 20 variants, the international one was the first to break the ice. Now, carrier-unlocked Note 20 models in the USA are joining in.

It’s quite a surprise seeing the US-bound carrier-unlocked models getting the update at roughly the same time as the international variants in Europe. But the update is here, and it’s rolling out for both the Galaxy Note 20 (SM-N981U1) and the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra (SM-N986U1).

The update carries firmware version N89xU1UES3GWA3, and as you can probably tell from the firmware number, it doesn’t include any extra One UI features. It’s all about improving the security level of the last S Pen flagship phones.

Samsung has yet to reveal what’s new in the February 2023 security patch, but if history is any indication, a full changelog should crop up in the coming days. We’ll keep you posted.

Until more details emerge, carrier-unlocked Galaxy Note 20 users in the USA should be able to download the new update via the Settings app on their phones after accessing “Software update” and tapping “Download and install.” We also offer official Samsung firmware on our website in case you prefer manual updates via your PC.