N97 Firmware Updated To Version 21

by Mike Macias on February 1, 2010

Finally, we have version 21.0.045 firmware for the Nokia N97 available. We’ve been talking about this release for a few months now, and it came a month later than expected.

According to Vaibhav from The Symbian Blog, there are a few noticeable changes as shown below…

This update builds on the improvements brought by the previous v20 (PR 2.0) update and will improve call reliability and provide a better touch scrolling experience. The web browser and music player also get improvements; the new firmware also promises improved image and video stability.

A new theme is supposed to be included as well. If you have a screenshot of it send it our way!

My twitter pal @MickyFin posted this update about the new firmware today…

@sloanb Loving mine mate. Its transformed my N97 into what I always wanted from it. Watch vids on YT, Gravity, and more, nothing closing.

Right now the firmware update is only available via NSU, meaning you must update from the computer. Over the next week it’s supposed to be available over the air if you can wait. I’ll be updating tonight and letting you know my thoughts in the comments below.

Article by Mike Macias

Mike has written 84 articles for your enjoyment.

On The Web: http://twitter.com/mikemacias

About: Mike is the editor-in-chief of N97fanatics.com and a huge mobile fanatic. He also runs MaemoFanatics.com and the popular E71fanatics.com. Contact him via email at contact@n97fanatics.com or at his Twitter page.

Latest by Mike Macias

Tagged as: n97 firmware

payam

Im with swisscom ... there is no update atm >_> damn it ... waiting for about 3 months now and ve already changed my product code a long time ago ... but still nothing >_>

mikepap

im on vodaphone and they suck at getting firmware out in time.

does anybody know when or if we will get firmware 21

also if i changed the product code would the update work?

Rachet

Singapore finally got the v2.1 after months of waiting... Damn.... So long W.E.F. 03/03/2010.
So get it people!!!!

n1k

Hi,

Does anyone know if there are plans to role out the new symbian ^3 software on the Nokia N97?

I'm still waiting for the v21 firmware to be available on the '3' network. Can someone be so kind as to list all the new features and bug fixes on the v21.

Cheers.

rodrick

Nokia is responsible for making Symbian 3 available for N97.

That is the only way to fix the damaged reputation of Nokia (scamming users with false advertising for a product that was promised to be worth the cost, N97; which at its current state is a crap compared to iPhone and Android).

http://conversations.nokia.com/2010/02/15/symbian3-to-be-code-complete-by-end-of-q1/

rodrick

Question (need a symbian app):

I'm tired of keeping count of how many times I've had to take out the battery and restart my N97.

So, I wias thinking, there might be symbian program that kicks in whenever the phone freezes and open a wireless connection, and post a message in Twitter saying: N97 of rodrick just crashed for the N times.

N is a variable that should be replaced with whatever value is stored in N97's storage.

If you happen to know the availability of such program please let me know.

Thanks.

Mike Macias

Use the warranty people! I sent mine in for repairs last week and tomorrow I will get a replacement in the mail. Here are the problems I listed for them:

1) Does not charge, respond to usb.
2) Weak GPS signal.
3) Camera lens scratched (again).

I can't wait to get the new N97 tomorrow and try out this firmware. I've been using the E71 for a few weeks and dying over here with the tiny screen.

MajorDouble7

Hey Mike,

Let us know also if the lens cover issue is fully fixed, or just the same
cover...would like to know if it's worth me shipping out from Mexico!

Gracias,
MD 7

------- Original message -------

rhobe

Hi all! I'm a quit dissapointed N97 user. My phone hangs on me almost all day. I Unlock the screen but it doesn't respond. After a while, if i touch the screen 2 inches below my finger will respond but then doesn't do anything either. Only buttons that will function are the power and camera button. After let say, 20 minutes it starts working again. Phone is currently on 2.1 and been hard formatted a few times, noting works..
Does this sound familiar to anyone?? please let me know!

Necros87

have a read of this, if it is the same, its a hardware problem

http://discussions.europe.nokia.com/t5/Nseries-Devices-and-S60/N97-Touch-Screen-Problems/td-p/564476

NinjahhKittehh

Hey Guys.
So I've had my nokia N97 for roughly three weeks know.
and i've finally come accross a problem. not a huge one. mostly just annoying.
i have roughly 640 odd songs, but in my music library it only shows roughly 620. i have refreshed, both on the phone. and then connecting the phone to my computer and refresh it there.
i am unsure of what to do. if anyone could help that would be great!

MajorDouble7

NinjahhKittehh,

I have recently run into the same problem (after updating to v21). I swear I had 20 or so songs more than what is showing on the music player right now. Since my track count is closer to 1700, it's hard to determine whether songs are missing or are simply not being 'counted'. In any case, I plan on backing up my latest data and doing a hard reset on the device (which isn't a bad idea to do after a software update...I did it after I got v20 a while back).

It will most likely solve the problem. But remember, when you first access the music player, it takes quite a long time (I think at least an hour or more) for the music player to refresh all of the songs, so don't use it or interrupt it in any way (just in case it affects the music count again).

Hope that helps,
MD 7

NinjahhKittehh

Hey MD 7!

can always count on you for a reply!

i have recently added more songs to my beloved N97.
and from what i've gathered im missing 9 songs in total.
my music player is saying 714. my computer is saying 723. but its almost impossible to find out witch songs are "missing"

im going to do the hard reset as suggested. as soon as i figure out what that is and how. haha. im pretty sure its on this site somewhere.

thanks for the reply!

NinjahhKittehh.
xx

MajorDouble7

Forgot to mention! You can certainly find it on the site. There's an article by EverythingBlaxx titled "So You Want to Reset Your N97?" Search for that, you'll find it easily enough.

MD 7

Jan de Bruin

I am in South Africa and my Nokia N97 still have the v12 firmware. I've tried to update on the phone but no updates are available. I've also tried to update via the internet but the Nokia website indicates that there are no updates availbale for this product code: 0584965.

Is there any reason why the firmware updates are not available for South African Nokia N97 users or is there a way to obtain it?

Dewald

Hey Jan, I'm also in SA. I don't think the local operators can be bothered to make the updates available. Read back on the posts made regarding the previous (v.20) upgrade, and you will find instructions on how to change the product code. This worked for me, and I've now upgraded to v.21.

Good luck!

formulawork

Guys, I have sent in my N97 for repair 4 times in the last 2 months. Just bought it for 4 months. Changed mother board, battery but still had the same problem. Used firmware 20, 21 along the way. No difference. Phone refuses to switch on as it wishes.

Dont i deserve a new phone? How long Nokia Care Centre wishes to torture me???

dbanzon

when can branded phones get the update? can anyone with the update email it to me?

rohit

i hv got d new update..its good..speed s improved n touch input also. let c wat othr feature will imprve

Zham

I went to europe.nokia and entered my product code I got this message (I do not show my product code):

Latest available software for Nokia N97, product code XXXXXXX
Version: 12.0.026

Compare numbers
If this version is greater than your current software version, update now to get the latest features, applications and improvements. Go to Nokia Software Updater download

NinjahhKittehh

Hey guys. just wondering if anyone can tell me how well the internet is on the N97 (just using the standard browser) when connected to wifi. i have no wifi so i have no idea. and im really curious.

cjn52

It works extremely well & fast. Go somewhere where there's a hotspot to see for yourself

BT

Well just updated to 21.0.045. after i exited the software updater my phone will not turn on, all i get is the vibration notification then a black screen. anyone else with the same prob?

Zham

My phone in Sweden that is unbranded is still stuck on 12.0.026, I have only tried update from the phone after pressed *#0000# and got message: no updates available.

MajorDouble7

You should definitely try to update via Ovi Suite. Firmware updates aren't always released via Over The Air (OTA) from your phone. You have to connect your phone to your computer, run Ovi Suite, and select 'Nokia Software Updater'. There you will find any updates available.

MD 7

aidenskinner

my software is still at v 12.0.026 ive been on this since i got it in october! ive tried for ages to try update the softwarebut i can never find it on nokia software updater and pc suite never works either..wot can i do?

munster

the update is good. Bg improvement on ram management. I opened 25apps before i got an error. I was down to 4mb free ram. Then I closed all the apps and was back up to 45mb! not bad. not bad at all.

arangoman

i hate nokia ... nsu doesnt work with any of my home's pcs it just crashes everytime i try to update... and with the mac at the office.... well don't even get me started about that .. it doesnt even recognize the phone ... i think i'm going back to sony ericsson... when the xpreria x10 comes out i will just trash this horrible piece of junk... i hope android is better than symbian also, cause the people making the software at nokia are the worst programmers in the world...
by the way the webmasters of this page are the best.. thanx for everything, you honestly rule

NinjahhKittehh

Hey Guys!
just a quick question. i want to put all my photos and music onto my n97. but with three different places to put it (phone memory, mass memory and my memory card witch is 4gb) im really unsure where to put everything. is there a more sufficient way of putting it? and with my messages in my inbox also? or is it okay to put where ever?
thanks guys!

MajorDouble7

I think the general consensus is to put all of your media on the 32 GB Drive. Of course, I'm sure there can be some benefits of having it on the memory card as well...just depends on how you plan on using your media. I personally don't have a mem card (yet), so obviously all of my media goes on the E Drive (it is the E drive, right? Ha! I think it's 'E'!).

MD 7

NinjahhKittehh

Hey MD 7

=)
i decided to put all my music and photo's into the 32gig bit. and all my apps etc are on my memory card.
so far i've had No problems. i was concerned about the lock switch because i've seen alot of complaints about it. but mine works perfectly fine and is in there securly. witch im happy about.
i did do something that made me considerably upset. with in the first few hours of having it. i dropped it on the floor with out the cover on. =O !!!
it fell out of my pocket as i was getting out of my boyfriends car. i nearly cried! the damage is nothing more than a few tiny scratches but its still upsetting. haha. other than that. everything is working tip top. im super happy with my choice in getting this phone. i havent really been able to put it down since i bought it two days ago =)

Kayla.

MajorDouble7

Well I'm sorry to hear that it's already taken a fall! But I'm glad you are happy with your phone. As much flack as the N97 seems to catch, it really is a remarkable device. I am very satisfied and happy with mine. I haven't had nearly the amount of problems that everyone mentions. Half the time I think it's just operator error :D

By the way, I've dropped mine twice now from a significant height, causing the battery and cover to fly off and the keyboard to pop open...and everything's working fine. Nokia has always been known to make solid, durable phones. The N97 is no exception.

MD 7

formulawork

You have been lucky MD7. I have sent in my N97 for repair 4 times in the last to months. Just bought it for 4 months. Changed mother board, battery but still had the same problem. Used firmware 20, 21 along the way. No difference. Phone refuses to switch on. Its like it had gone dead. What a 'remarkable' phone by Nokia.

I used to use E71 and never had problem with it. Switch on and off does all the trick in a 'freezed' situation. Not in the case of N97. It doesnt switch on!!

MajorDouble7

That's a real bummer, mate. Sorry to hear the about the troubles you've had with the N97.

Hard resets don't work for you? If not, sounds like you got a lemon, and you need to have it replaced, not repaired.

MD 7

formulawork

Nope. Hard reset was too mild. I tried and Nokia shop did the same thing. It didnt work. Probably there are some hardware issues.

Tim N

updated mine using Ovi Suite on Win7 Ultimate, tried both NSU & NOS all day on WinXP but got nowhere -if that helps anyone

Considering the price we've all paid for this product, it's a huge let down having to wait months after months for new & more stable firmwares.
With that said, it's operating more efficiently after updating to v21 from v12. Kinetic scrolling is sweet & music player gets a facelift. Don't see any improvement with memory though. Screen froze on me once already (toggling in & out of Menu & Home screens). Installed 2010 theme by Pizero(3mb) and noticed the slight lag already. We'll see if it slows down anymore with more apps installed.

overall, love the new zip v21 provides

NinjahhKittehh

Hey Guys!
got some GREAT news. i just got my N97 about 4 hours ago. absalutely no problems already v.20 im sooo HAPPY!

i'll be fiddling around with it tonight setting everything up. i'll update you on my progress later!

MajorDouble7

Congrats! I hope you have fun with it...I know you've been picking around this site (and probably others), so don't forget to load it up with all sorts of cool apps/games!

MD 7

niallb

I'm having a lot of trouble trying to get the install happening. Went thru OVI suite, it said there was an update (currently on v11 or 12, willl update thru ovi to 20?), backs up ok, but fails about 30 secs into the install. Have tried numerous times now. Any suggestions?

erwiensamantha

mine too :) dunno why. But after remove the battery several times it's look to be fine now.

niallb

Still having the same issue - tried using NSU this time, and while it now reports that its got v20, the phone still says its on v12. (oh yeah, and the bl00dy install still seems to be failing)

fortisheart

didnt like 2.1, my phone hangs up more then what was in past. any suggestion

thime

The Nokia Tunes bug is still there, although it doesn't happen as often as before. Today I got my first freeze, had to restart the phone. The overall phone experience has improved, however; although I expected nothing short of perfection for the price and all the heartache since the first FWU, way back in July '09.

nobody

Meh, V21 broke my damn built-in SIP client. I had configured it with the addon sis after V20 came out, now it won't work at all. Dangit.

cjn52

I had to delete the profile and add it back..worked no problem

erwiensamantha

mine it's working fine with my previous built-in SIP setting. but sometime the screen locked and i have to replace the battery to recover :)

rodrick

What about the SIP phone?

Rich_C

Anyone happen to know if this update solves the white screen of death problem? So far, the charger trick is the only one I've found that will reliably get it to boot after a lockup (besides a reset, of course). I'd hate to be in a situation where I have a full battery and can't make a call simply because I'm not near a charger.

formulawork

In my freeze white screen case, even charger doesnt help. It goes on and on in turning white and goes blank, when the phone is put to charger

cjn52

Hey there...what is the "charger trick"? I've had 3 wsod's and had to do the 3 finger trick, which is a pain...

Rich_C

Here you go. Works for me 100% of the time (still haven't had to do it for 2.1 yet - fingers crossed):

1. Turn off your phone.
2. Insert charger.
3. Remove charger right after screen lights up.
4. Wait a couple of seconds till screen turns off and just after that
5. press power button.
5. After standart vibration notification just put your charger in.

cjn52

Thanks! I alsop hope I don't have to that again. I believe the problem is having certain apps on the mass mem that should be on the phone mem-such as google maps..free Isms..

Mike Macias

Crap! I'm on the E71 for now since I have to send my N97 in for repairs. Hopefully they just replace it instead!

formulawork

I have sent in my N97 for repair 4 times in the last to months. Just bought it for 4 months. Changed mother board, battery but still had the same problem. Phone refuses to switch on. Its like it had gone dead. What a 'remarkable' phone by Nokia

HookahGuru

That's what I was hoping when I sent mine in. I got my old one back. My screen "clicks", sort of like the BB Storm. They didn't repair that but did fix the scratching issue with the lens cover. and fixed my busted hold switch that had come clean off. Should I just buy a new N97?

NinjahhKittehh

Im finally getting mine tomorrow. im sooo excited! i've been waiting to get it for nearly 4 months! i hope the one i buy is already on firmware v.20 that would make things a whole lot easier. haha. does anyone know if the aussie ones are know being sold on v.20 i guess that would depend on the store and how many have been bought though.

ANYWAY! i just wanted to say thanks for all your hardwork n97 fanatics team! i go on this site all the time. always has the best info and everyones friendly and helpfull! keep up the good work guys. im diffinately a N97 fanatic. im inlove with this phone. have been since i first laid eyes on it! and i've been a nokia girl for as long as i can remember!

Andrew

im an aussie, and my firmware was 11.0
im currently updating it too 20.0

Mike Macias

Congrats! Welcome to the site. Keep the comments coming. Are you getting the N97 classic or Mini?

NinjahhKittehh

Classic! i've been on the site for about 3 months. i love it!
i'll leave another comment later letting you know how everything goes!
only another 6 or 7 hours to go. LOL.

dbanzon

can anyone post the update file as a torrent or sumthing?

MajorDouble7

Upgraded firmware today and I can see a few slight changes. I'll play around a bit tonight and report back anything significant.

MD 7

xello

Anyone any ideas where the n97 keeps your playlist files?

MajorDouble7

Unfortunately, it has been my experience that the playlists made in the music player get erased after a firmware update (and hard resets of course). I suppose the best thing to do is to find a desktop program that syncs playlists with your device (I think MediaMonkey does this, but I'm not sure) and sync the playlist after update.

MD 7

Mike Macias

Yes! MediaMonkey does this well.

Dan Sharp

Hey, is anyone else having trouble installing the new ovi maps?? I get the update showing in 'SW update' but it keeps failing! I really want this cos its the version with free navigation (3.3)! Ive also tried on ovi suite but doesnt even show there! Ive already installed the FW update so cant be anything to do with that! HELP!!!

Titus1984

Try going to the nokia website and manually download the file and send it to your comp. Sometimes it could be the connection problem.

Dan Sharp

I think its downloaded the update but when it comes to installing it says update failed! Theres no direct file download on the maps site that i can find?? Has anyone got a direct file download link?? Is anyone else having this problem? Could it be to do with the fact ive unbranded my phone and changed the product code? ANY HELP GREATLY APPRECIATED!!!

handsi

Dan - I had exactly the same problem....go to the Nokia website, search for Nokia Maps (its changed its name) download the N97 MINI version to your PC (for some reason you cannot download the N97 version), connect your phone to your PC and shove it on the E: drive. When it has installed, it goes to your C: drive (you have no option) and it is LARGE (9MB)...it also adds a couple of other files that you can remove (sharing location, etc)...which are also a few MB. You can then also delete the original OVI maps (which is on your C: drive and is 5MB).

Once completed check your SW updater and it should delete from the list on uninstalled apps, though it will still be in your history as failed.

For info, I have had NO problems with the N97 MINI version.

baziljacobs

i have updated to ver 21 and see no real diference and no new theme... i'm i the only one ? plus i hope it solves the automatic reboot issue and the slow issue, well it cant be worse than ver 20 right ? do any of you know what the updates really does ? i have read some other blogs and they think it's just hipe...... what do you guys think ?

christian eichholz

look at my comment and this what i ve wrote is the true!

Titus1984

Hi Guys,

I tried using OVI Suite but can't find the update. I managed the update through Nokia PC Suite. You cant do it over the air. So to those still trying , you might wanna try using Nokia PC Suite.

The update didnt wipe my phone. Just change the default memory of my msg to C: instead of E:

Everything felt faster and feels more stable.

thewinchesterau

Anyone else discovered that the v21 update mucks with the phone's alarms? Found out that while the alarms I had set before the update were still there, none of them fired up at the scheduled time.

On the plus side, the update has fixed time zone issues for AWST where it was still configured and forcing daylight savings when it didn't apply to that time zone. There needs to be a better way of handling DST changes built into the phones architecture, either a update feed of places where DST is in effect, including the correct start/end dates and times for checking and automatic fixing.

Update also gave 2mb of space back to main memory, which isn't much but better than nothing. They just need to fix Ovi Maps and other apps so they don't require forced install in main memory to work.

j0hnq

Why not just use Network time (from your service provider)? Has the additional advantage for travellers that it always reflects your local timezone.

dbanzon

how come my nokia software updater cant find the new update?

niallb

Mine's an unbranded phone and while it says v21 is avail, NSU only updates it to v20. AND my GPS is now broken, so is the compass :(

thime

The update is only available for unbranded phones, having said that, try using Ovi Suite to update yours.

Mike Macias

Crap! My usb port seems to be broken. It won't charge or connect to PC. Of course this happens BEFORE I update the firmware. Looks like I'm gonna have to send it in to Nokia Care.

btw... N97 Mini firmware has been updated as well. Same changelog.

V21 Update Problem

Mike, I updated my N97 last week to V21. but now when i start the phone it gives a "system error" message and the clock got set 2 hour before the time that i had in my phone before the update and I cannot access neither the clock (or alarms) nor the calendar... also with a "system error" message every time i try to open these applications. I tried reinstalling the update, however the problem persists. I would greatly appreciate your help, advice or guidance.

Best, Federico

MajorDouble7

It sounds to me like you should give the hard reset a shot. Search this site for EverythingBlaxx's article titled, "So you want to reset your N97?" or something thereabouts.

Hope your problem gets fixed.

MD 7

thime

Mike, I usually have to connect, disconnect, then connect again to make my usb port charge my phone. Go figure!

christian eichholz

hey! i like this update! scrolling is a little bit smoother, web browser is a bit faster, music open faster (but only why they make the pictures worse) pictures can be switched faster from one to another. and you have 5 MB more ram!!!

jonjuk

LOL, the new update doesn't come with the latest version of Ovi Store!

Aside from that things seem nice so far. Haven't had any dropped calls and things are currently running smoothly. Mind you, after a few weeks we'll see how things run with all my apps re-installed...

bigbrovar

any idea if the update would be coming to the N97 mini? I have my eyes on that one

HookahGuru

The update really does seem to have made my N97 a bit more snappy. What I hate though is that it wiped out my playlists. I didn't notice anything different about the stock themes. Then again, I never use them. My memory on C: did not change. My applications have not been freezing like they used to or shutting down. I've got music, Mail For Exchange and FB running.

xello

I love my playlists, does anyone know where they are stored on the n97. I lost my playlists last time i updated and it took me 5 hours to remake them.

Izeman

Playlists are stored on the E drive in the Playlists Folder

xello

That's the first place i looked, however i have no files in there, though i have several playlists.

josefulander

They changed the background of the already existing black/grey theme to be more black. The buttons are the same greyish colour though.

Debra

UGH here's hoping Vodafone UK get their finger out I'm still stuck on bloody V12....

Barry

Debra, somethings wrong then i'm also on vodafone uk and have been running the v20.0.019 software for a good few months now.

handsi

Debra - I am on Vodafone (UK) and I got V20 back late November...have you tried connecting to SW upgrade in the OviSuite? Or you can try the following link:

http://www.nokia.co.in/get-support-and-software/download-software/device-software-update/can-i-update

Looking forward to V21...maybe it will sort out some of the battery issues too!

Amir B

Why don't you unbrand yours? I've posted a complete How-to a few months back. You can check it here: bit.ly/3Ss4JX .
Let me know if you need need help!

Svein

I've always thought I have an unbranded n97. Now I get the message in NSU that no update is available, which must mean it's branded after all. How do I tell? It's an RM-505 with code 0586707.