Nokia N97 Firmware Updated To Version 11.2.021

by Mike Macias on July 1, 2009

n97-firmware-update

I’m amazed. Simply shocked. The Nokia N97 has just received a firmware update today and guess what. The update is available for North America – on the first day. This is extremely rare – if it has ever happened at all. Normally the update first comes out for EURO versions of Nokia devices then days, weeks, sometimes MONTHS later North American versions get some love. Thankfully Nokia decided to included NAM versions of the N97 in today’s firmware update. Maybe this marks a new turning point for Nokia and North American customers.

As you can see in the screenshot my Nokia N97 firmware has been updated to v. 11.2.021. Some think this firmware update is not significant, but I think it brings a lot of stability fixes that are needed. Yesterday Vaibhav from The Symbian Blog got his hands on a changelog that seems to be correct. Check it out below:

N97 Firmware CHANGELOG

USB detection error fix
-PC does not detect N97 or USB charging connection not detected.

Widget
-Home screen online/offline widget crash fix
-Fix for “Alphabetical and Number input are mixed in facebook until end key is pressed.
-Widget UI improvement – New facebook widget fixes a problem of Home Screen background visible on soft-key area.
-Browser fixes to improve widgets stability.

MfE related fixes
-Partial fix for Messaging/calendar entry lost.
-Mail for exchange calendar entry synchronization error fix.

UI transition error fixes

-(Portrait <-> landscape transition, there is a home screen corruption.)
-UI transition (Slowness and bad effects)
-Slow Touch UI response
-Picture of the device lock appears half of the screen when transitioning the UI sometimes
-Landscape: in some cases the soft buttons on touch (right hand) show the Home Screen in background (install maps.google.com)

Photos thumbnail performance and stability improvements

-Device performance deteriorates when lots of content in the device – especially photos
-Partial fix no display backlight illumination when unlocking lock-key – CAP Genius reported already
-New version of Accueweather to improve the “Connection error” situation
-Device reset when browsing with high speed packet access (for Malaysia)
-“Browser soft key UI doesn’t work after putting Chinese character with qwerty keyboard”
-Java fixes (TCK, Pre-install app disappearing, *#7370#*)
-Operator fixes (CMCC, Hutchson and Telefonica, Vodafone)
-Ovi store client now embedded in the core image

And just this morning Nokia posted this news…

This software release includes significant improvements in the software stability, especially email, imaging, USB detection, widget stability and display transitions. To enable you to get the most out of your Nokia N97, the release also includes an Ovi store client. Further application updates will become available soon. To get this software through your device, select applications > SW Updates and choose the software you want to update. Additionally this software release is available through the Nokia Software Updater at www.nokia.com/softwareupdates.

So go ahead and try to update your firmware.

How To Update Firmware On The N97

There are 2 ways, one being easy and the other being a little hard. I’ll show you the easy way first. The N97 supports User Data Preservation so all of your contacts, data, applications, etc should be left intact just the like it is right now. It’s still a good idea to back up the entire device in case something goes wrong.

Easy Way: Type *#0000# from the N97 homescreen. The Device Updates screen should pop up. Go to Options > Check for updates and pray that an update is found. Keep in mind you’re gonna need a data connection for this. For me I got the “No Updates Found” error. So if that’s the case you need to go to the next step. If you’re lucky, then just continue following the instructions on the screen. This method should not take more than a few minutes.

Slightly Harder Way: Go to your PC and connect your N97 to it in PC Suite mode. Launch PC Suite and open the Software Updater. You might need to update that software so allow it to do so. Make sure to have a nearly full battery or the software will make you charge your phone longer. Keep in mind your computer will need to download around 143mb so sit tight. Be sure to have your N97 securely connected and don’t let anybody disconnect it during the update. Follow the on screen instructions and all should go well. You might noticed the N97 will turn dark or blink a few times – that is OK. Do not disconnect or try to use the device until it has been fully restarted and is showing you the homescreen or asking you for the security code.

Have you updated your N97 firmware? If so let us know what you think about it. If you have any questions feel free to ask.

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

arturoferrercampo

Agree. N97 is a real shit. I went to the NOKIA center 6 times (10$ each time fucking bustards). It hangs, the prg from OVI store doesn't work, memory in Calendar full, the mssg-email doesn't work but they offer others additional. It is the worst tlf I ever had. The last is the calendar giving a mssg that is full and noway to remove it except if I do a hard format again.

oscar123

Right where to start on this piece of crap fone!!! The nokia n97 has got to be the worst handset they have released...It would be a great fone if it actually worked!! This is the 4th handset i have had and im still not happy!! The weather app does not work, the emails do not work, it keeps freezin me callin anybody, it wipes my fonebook, there are endless problems including a "Software Update" promise that i keep getting from vodafone!!! There are still no updates!!! One person tells u that it will all be resolved with a software update and now im told the problem wont be solved at all!!!!! This post is advice.....DO NOT BE TEMPTED BY THE NOKIA N97!!!!

MajorDouble7

Thought I should inform everybody...I haven't had time to investigate this further as I am at work, but my Software Updater says it's loading Firmware Update version 12.2.024. Surprised not to see anything about it from the N97 Fanatics, but a thread on it may be on its way.

In any case, like I said, I'm at work, so I haven't had a chance to look anywhere else about news on this new Firmware Update.

twcroy

Gents,

Any idea if the update software works on an iMac running Parallels Desktop or can I do it direct via Apple's software? I've tried it several times, in Silent profile, registered phone, don't think I have any encryption or phone passwords set, and still it detects phone and current version (10.2.012), locates updated version (11.2.021), begins update, but always comes back with "Software update failed Please check that your device is switched on and connected to your PC and try locating the device again". Any help greatly appreciated. Tim

Sitati

I updated the firmware on my UK unlocked black N97 a couple of weeks ago. After some of the scary stories of people's n97 being completely ruined during updates, I was quite nervous when I ran into a problem of my own - after the update, I could not get to my sms inbox. Every attempt produced a 'Memory full - delete some data' error message, even though no apps were open in the background.

Just in case anyone gets the same issue, the fix was to open the web browser, clear the cache, exit and restart the phone.

Can't wait for the Q3 software update that's supposed to bring us skype. It's supposed to be a fully-featured version, complete with sms and skype-to-skype and skype-out over 3g. iPhone's skype client is a joke (no running in background, no calls over 3g), but Windows Mobile have quite a nice one, hope ours is as good.

ctmitchell1976

Hi - I'm in the uk and am not able to upgrade either. However I spoke to the 3 approved repair centre at a Carphone Warehouse (!) in Nottingham and they insist they can do it for me. Should I risk it? I'm thinking - yes. After all if they are an approved supplier it should be fine?

Anyone know about this?

fabx360

i am receiving an error 1706 while i am trying to instal nokia software updater to my pc. what can i do?

Name

"another thing i notices is that whenever i connect the device with the usb, the theme changes to default one till i disconnect it, this also happens when ur syncing and also when u do the content backup in the file manager."

Aha, annoying - yes - but if you're connecting via mass storage mode (i.e. using the N97 as a data stick) the message that pops up tells you "unable to access drive during connection". If you've installed your theme on the 32gb memory (sensibly) rather than the somewhat limited phone memory, I'm guessing it won't be able to access it whilst you're in mass storage mode. Bit crappy that it happens during sync and content backup when you're (presumably) connected via PC Suite (sic) mode. SORT IT OUT NOKIA!!!

On that note, bit shambolic that the phone tells you you can connect in PC Suite mode, when the phone comes with OVI SUITE and you cannot download PC Suite from the Nokia website (at least here in the UK) for the N97 - it tells you the software isn't available for that phone. Smacks of reverse engineering and trying to use a sh1tty piece of software that was already pretty slow for phones with little if any storage for one with 32Gb. Totally off-topic, but I would advise anyone experiencing massive slow-downs transfering files to/from their N97 using OviSuite to connect via mass storage mode instead. On Windows XP it works a dream! [as fast as any USB stick I've ever had, anyway...]

Anyhow, back on topic. Have unbranded white UK N97. No firmware update either over the air or via NSU. 11 days and counting...

Naomi Maltby

Hi there, I am having a problem with my widgets since upgrading firmware and I can't find a solution.

I followed all the instructions I had read online. I did a backup through PC Suite, then did the upgrade through Software Updater on my PC and everything looked fine. The widgets were there and working. I then restored the data from the backup (in hindsight there may have been no need to do this, but I wanted to make sure everything would work ok) and since then my widgets have changed into grey boxes that say "loading content" and nothing else happens. I have tried changing from online mode to offline & back again, restarted the phone a few times, played with application settings and connection settings and nothing I do is working. Everything else on the phone is working fine.

Any suggestions welcome, I am very frustrated with this.

Thanks!

oz

i think i found a bug in the new firmware.
since the update, whenever i connect the phone to the computer using the usb cord or even bluetooth, the settings for sms ( storage) changes from mass memory to phone memory, same thing for camera...

another thing i notices is that whenever i connect the device with the usb, the theme changes to default one till i disconnect it, this also happens when ur syncing and also when u do the content backup in the file manager.

and yes, i downloaded the update again and did a factory restore, and also did a hard reset.

Sam

"since the update, whenever i connect the phone to the computer using the usb cord or even bluetooth, the settings for sms ( storage) changes from mass memory to phone memory, same thing for camera..."

I've had the same problem. Any known fixes? My N97 locks up almost every time I connect using PC Suite and I have to take the battery out to shut the thing down! Annoying!

Jeff

And it has an Arabic keyboard.

Jeff

New code out for Product code 0576410: RM-505_EMEA_CIS_QW Black.

A little weird, this is the Russian version of the phone, but it was bought in Middle East.

Matt

I'm not sure what a Nokia service centre is...

I know of a couple of Nokia shops. Do you think they would do it?

Patrick Saw (Malaysia)

Hi Alan and the rest of frustrated fellas with glitchy 97s. Do what I did, bring it to your NOKIA service centre.. they will somehow update your firmware for you. Make sure you do your own back up first at home. Like you i was also having this issue of being unable to update my firmware and I am using a RM-505. Apparently it only took the service centre 45 mins and my phone now is 95% glitch free..

Good luck!

Jacob

Yeah i have the same product code on orange UK. Also got mine from phones4u. Im hoping its gonna be out soon.

Or maybe the NAM people were beta testers for the new update lol.

Alan

I just rang Nokia UK to see if there was a date for when the update is due here, they had no clue what I was talking about or that there was any update available in America for it.

I love my phone to bits, but its pretty buggy and I need to switch it off at least once a day cause it has crashed due to one of the above issues. As I am using it so much more now for everything I guess errors would be more obvious, but its pretty naff that they havent rolled this out to everyone with a 97.

Matt

I have the product code 0585162. I'm in the UK on contract with Orange (through Phones4u).

Still no firmware update for me =[ Anyone got any idea when it'll come through for that product code?

darren

i think the update is dependant on product code, not the RM -505 number

jeffk

This was one real cute update. For the first time I was able to update the firmware on a Nokia phone within 10 minutes and not need to re-install any of the additional software I had installed.... and amazingly all is working fine after the update. Did not even need to restore things from backup - it just worked :-) ... good job on the update process for sure! ... Things work better too as others have already mentioned.

Jacob

I still haven't received the update mines RM-505 :(

Its gotta come soon surely!

Jeff

Latest update for global RM-505 is 11.0.021. However it has removed the FM transmitter application. I think it might be country specific issue.

Stephen Procter

I am on Vodaphone UK and it says NO UPDATE - will leave it a couple of weeks for Vodaphone to rebrand the firmware - usually took a few weeks extra on my N95!

Lets hope they do it soon, as the not charging through USB is a pain in the arse!

Mike Macias

Let us know if they update it for you!

Patrick

Hi all just wanna update all. I just managed to update my firmware at the Nokia service centre, and I must say there are significant improvements.. some of which are notable are

1. Toggle and handling connectivity with your "destinations" seems more stable and smarter now and will connect to any available WLAN first if you have got them registered and not straight to data.

2. Vertical and horizontal Screen transition is faster and smoother

3. Picture viewing is definitely faster and smoother

4. Widgets are working better so far no issues :P

5. USB detect issue so far resolved.

thats all for now.. i need to update my wife's one this coming weekend she's gonna B*tch about having to re-install all her contacts and re-do the profiles and ring tone to me :P... at least its for the better :)

Patrick

Not here yet in Malaysia though.. gotta wait :P

Edwin

Finally, the update is coming to Indonesia. Whats weird, the UDP preserved my images, songs, clips, etc. but lost my contacts, notes, etc.

Mike Macias

That is odd. Everything was saved on my phone.

Septyan

My N97 now finally updated. I go to Nokia Care Center and they got the new firmware and install it for free.. Some datas were erased but others being kept... Very weird though N97 has UDP capability
My phone is RM-505 non-branded, and I live in Indonesia

hector

i have an usa version with the latest firware an yesterday i can use it because the unlock botton dont response, i got it yesterday morning from amazon and make the update via pc suite. I can unlock the phone, i try all reset, without sim and noting works until i dial 911 them the phone unlock but not signal appear an i make a factory settings. Its workiing know good but if happends again i will return to amazon

darren

further to my comments above i have just been into the store and exchanged my handset for a gsm variant and returned the Vodafone one.

still have a problem though with updating. I have product code 0585162 and its still saying that i have the latest software with 10.0.012

very annoying

Edwin

Hi, Mike...

I'm just curious, is it possible for such an open source like Android to be installed on Nokia N97 or Nokia 5800XM???

Mike Macias

As of right now, no you can't.

darren

well i have told the store i got it from that unless they will give me a gsm handset with no other networks branding i.e the vodafone that i have at the moment, then the handset is going back to them and i will look at another phone completley. I am in the UK and have to say that as a network Vodafone are very good here, its just a shame that they always insisit on adding there little bit to the phones software abd it always seems to mess them up. The branding that appears on the phone does seem to be minimal but somewhere somehow something is causing the phone to be really buggy.

AngryFran

I'm in Australia and did it and now my phone is bricked!
Hooray!
Nokia are awesome.
Now i've got a $1000 paperweight!
And its happened to other people too so dear me Nokia, thanks for ruining everything.
Into the bin it goes

Mike Macias

Did you give up? Can you explain to us what happened? Did you try reinstalling the firmware?

Patrick

Yeah guys.. wait for it i guess.. I've read that the firmware update is only for NAM. most of us in the uK or Asia.. therefore may have another firmware for it..

charliebrown

Be careful: it seems that after unbranding N97 with Nemesis and upgrading the firmware, phones hang.

No problem if you unbrand with other softwares…

Jacob

See im thinking that .... Theyve released this firmware and everyones having problems etc. So theyve pulled it to do some checks?? Could be a reason. Im UK and i have an Unbranded GSM Black N97 and im still awaiting the new firmware. Although ive read a lot of people changing their Product codes then installing the new update and its Bricking their phone. So i recommend NOT doing that and just wait a little while!

Mike Macias

I don't see any people having problems with the new firmware. But I agree, I don't recommend changing your product code. Just be patient. Good advice.

Patrick

Hi Mike, Me same as Edwin.. site says i am fully updated at 10.0.012.. did the 2 version or ways of requesting updates.. same.. it just says "no updates available" and that 10.0.012 is the latest.. anyone else experiencing this?

Rohan

I'm in England and it's saying no update available. Must only be in North America so far...

Mike Macias

Guys I think they might have released the firmware for North America first. You might want to wait a few days to see what happens.

geek in white

I'm here in Brunei and when I try to update both via the phone and PC Suite, it says no updates available too..

tim

Got a buddy thats exp. the same. He has a white N97.

Edwin

Right now I'm trying to download it via PC, but Nokia Software Updater told me that there is no update found....
Hmmm what should I do???

Adam Asmar

How do I do that? Does at the erase the preloaded applications?

Mike Macias

Yes, it erases all the preloaded applications and settings, EVERYTHING! You must do a backup. To get your old preloaded applications back you need to do a hard reset then reinstall the firmware via Nokia PC Suite. That should do the trick. I have no clue why your homescreen is broken.

DO THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK! Back up all your data.

Adam Asmar

I just updated it, and I am still having problems with the widgets not loading...what's going on?

Mike Macias

At this point i would do a hard reset.

Jacob

Regarding the post above ...

I got my N97 from Phones 4 U but i went with the Orange deal .... and mines a gsm device, no crappy orange firmware which is miles better!! Id recommend taking it back and getting it out on Orange as i can imagine the Voda firmwares bad!

darren

hmm, just read the post above and it mentions that the update is for all unlocked devices. By this i guess you mean gsm devices with no branding etc. Mine is on Vodafone and is full of very anoying bugs. I wonder if i can get them to give me a gsm handset so i can over the problems i have...if not they will be getting it back and i will look at another handset.

I purchased the handset from Phones 4 u and not Vodafone direct

darren

i have version 10.0.012 on my hanset and tried the update. it says no update available for my handset :(

I also went onto the nokia site where you can enter your product code and it tells you if an update is available. My product code is 0585062..it says no update still.

very anoying

Timi

Performed it this morning without a hitch. Too bad NGage wasnt included in the firmware :(

Mike Macias

I really wish they included N-gage in this firmware, pretty much the only game I'm missing is Reset Generation.

Edwin

What will happen if during my "download" session via PC, the internet connection went off??
Also, is the firmware also appropriate for Indonesian user of N97??

Mike Macias

I'm not sure what would happen, I suppose you'd have to do it all over again. If you can I recommend doing it over the air like the first method.

Yes, the firmware update is for all N97 devices that are unlocked. However it may take some time to reach every region.