The best firmware for Samsung Galaxy S3. Installing official firmware on Samsung Galaxy S3 Official firmware galaxy s3

The Galaxy S3 GT-I9300 has just received an OTA update again and currently the firmware number is XXUGNA7 - UAE version. Alas, the firmware is still based on Android 4.3. If you are expecting to get Android 4.4. KitKat, there is still no exact date for this. It's likely that the KitKat update for the Galaxy S3 won't be released until next month.

In any case, we already have the opportunity to install the new update XXUGNA7 Android 4.3 Jelly Bean, so if you haven’t received any notification via OTA yet, you can look into Kies or install the firmware manually using our instructions.

This instruction is intended for official firmware, which you will install manually. The same firmware version will be used, which will soon appear via OTA. This is not custom firmware, so installation should not be difficult. If you are new to this, then don't worry. However, don't do anything without preparation. Read the instructions first, otherwise you may make a basic mistake and end up with a broken brick from your smartphone.

You will need the Odin program to flash your smartphone. This instruction assumes that you already have this utility installed, and you have already downloaded the Android XXUGNA7 Jelly Bean firmware. You shouldn’t be afraid – the update is official and the installation procedure is simple. It will only take a few minutes.

Now a few words about the firmware itself. Android 4.3 Jelly Bean XXUGNA7 update is a version with only minor improvements for your Galaxy S3. In fact, the S3 already received the Android 4.3 XXUGNA5 update a few weeks ago and, in fact, not much has changed since then. We may only get a few changes and improvements in stability. In other words, the Galaxy S3 will work a little faster and better. The operating system works stably and is specially optimized specifically for this smartphone model. All features and applications will work properly.

Be sure to note that the Android 4.3 XXUGNA7 firmware is official and therefore, after installing it, the Galaxy S3 will lose root rights if you previously received them. But don’t be disappointed, as the old methods of rooting will probably work as they should. And your Galaxy S3 must be running on the official firmware, otherwise you will encounter problems when updating.

Still, we do not give any guarantees that nothing will happen to your smartphone during the installation of the update. Please be aware that device warranties will be void immediately. You alone are responsible for your actions.

Warning:

  • This firmware is designed to be installed using Odin.
  • Reflashing your smartphone will void its warranty.
  • Charge your smartphone battery to at least 50% in advance.
  • USB debugging must be enabled – Menu/Settings/Developer Options.
  • Disable any antivirus software on your computer in advance.
  • Save all your data in advance to a MicroSD card or other external storage device.
  • You are solely responsible for your actions. We are not responsible for the consequences of your use of these instructions.

But let's repeat it again so that you are not tempted to install the firmware on the wrong Galaxy S3 model! This manual is intended exclusively for the Galaxy S3 GT-I9300 model. If you try to install Android 4.3 firmware on the Galaxy S3 GT-I9305, you will immediately get a brick.

Instructions for installing Android 4.3Jelly Bean firmware for Galaxy S3 GT-I9300:

  • 1. Start by downloading the appropriate Android 4.3 firmware version for the Galaxy S3 GT-I9300: download.
  • 2. Next, unzip the archive so that the individual files are in the folder.
  • 3. Now run Odin v3.09 and in the AP item add the XXUGNA7 file from the archive.
  • 4. Make sure that the Re-Partition checkbox is not selected.
  • 5. You must have Samsung drivers installed on your computer, which are easier to obtain along with installing the branded Samsung Kies software.
  • 6. Now let's get back to the phone. Start by launching it in download mode. To do this, you need to turn off the Galaxy S3 and then press the power button, volume down button and home button simultaneously for two to three seconds.
  • 7. Now connect the Galaxy S3 to the computer using a USB cable (we repeat that all the necessary drivers must be installed on the PC). In the Odin window, the ID: COM indicator should light up blue. This may take 10-15 seconds. After this, you can click on the Start button.
  • 10. Now do not touch anything and wait until the operation is completed. Once it completes, the Galaxy S3 should reboot itself.
  • 11. The first reboot will take longer than usual. Don't worry, this is completely normal. As soon as you wait for the loading animation to finish, the same Android 4.3 will appear on the screen in front of you.

Problem solving:

If you have problems working with Odin:

  • Close the program.
  • Just connect the USB cable from the computer and disconnect the phone.
  • Force reboot your smartphone.
  • Launch Odin on your computer.
  • Boot your Galaxy S3 into download mode again and follow the instructions again.

If your Galaxy S3 is stuck in reboot mode:

  • Boot your smartphone into recovery mode.
  • In recovery mode, select “wipe data factory reset”.
  • Go back a step and select “wipe cache partition”.
  • Return to the main recovery menu.
  • Select "reboot system now".

You can check the availability of updates using the following link.

Firmware images:

Instructions for installing the firmware:

Firmware rules:
- Follow the instructions carefully and clearly, all steps must be performed strictly as indicated and with the attached files or links
- If you have questions, please use the " " section by asking a question through " ")

continuation of the rules...

You can install the firmware only on the model indicated in the description, the model must match down to every number and letter
- Everything you do with your smartphone is done at your own peril and risk! Accordingly, the author is not responsible for a negative result!
- Charge your smartphone at least 50%
- During the firmware installation, your smartphone should lie still, it’s better not to even breathe!
- If in doubt, read it again!
- If it doesn’t work out for you, repeat the firmware again, reading the instructions again!
- The installation of the firmware was tested on the files listed below for download, you can use other files at your own peril and risk!

Required files:
1. Create a folder in the root of your hard drive with English letters or numbers (for example: C:\i9300)

2. Download everything needed for the firmware into the created folder using the links below (it is recommended to download the latest versions)

Firmware I9300XXUGMK6 (single-file, for Russia)

Preparing for firmware:
3. Disable unnecessary things on your computer:

If you have Kies installed, then you have 2 options:
- Remove Kies
- Go to the application manager (ctrl+alt+del) and end all processes where it says Kies

If you have an antivirus, disable it

4. Install the programs necessary for the firmware:

Install drivers Samsung USB Driver for Mobile Phones

Unzip Odin PC (Extract Here)

Unpack the Firmware (Extract Here)

5. Put Galaxy S3 into Download Mode:

Turn off the phone completely, everything should go out.

Press three keys at the same time " Power + Volume Down + Home"

A warning will appear, you need to click " Volume up"

6. Installing firmware via Odin:

Run Odin3 (.exe), it should be located in the folder of the same name

Click on the field PDA and find the firmware file in .md5 or .tar format, which was saved to the i9300 folder

Connect the phone with the original cable to the computer, first field ID:COM lights up blue

If all the previous steps are done, click "Start"

After successful completion you will see the message "PASS!"

Disconnect your phone from your computer

7. Booting the phone after flashing the firmware
- If everything is done correctly, you will see a boot animation and then the device itself will boot with the new firmware. Loading takes longer than usual!

8. Other firmware and goodies can be found on the blog, subscribe and participate.

For the current generation of people, the smartphone has become an indispensable assistant and an extremely useful device that combines hundreds of different functions. Taking a photo, counting the number of ingredients, setting reminders, checking the weather, reading the news, chatting with friends - this is not a complete list of everything that modern smartphones are capable of. Sometimes we simply forget that they do not last forever and are subject to gradual wear and tear.

The firmware process is quite interesting. QS has an installer where you can select installation and application options. The first time I did not install the firmware with the desired parameters (also, the phone froze when loading, on the Samsung logo). I had to choose more modest - stock parameters. After that everything worked.

QS-3.3 with stock parameters is very similar to the official Galaxa S3 firmware, except that several options have been added (for example, a grayscale screen mode, like on the Galaxy S5). So far there are no complaints about its performance. Of course, in this regard, the CyanogenMod interface is much nicer, but you can live with this familiar interface.

How to flash Galaxy S3?

Very often, owners of a Korean Samsung smartphone strive to increase the device’s performance and functionality by flashing it. Updating the software helps improve the technical characteristics of the gadget. In this article we will look at how to flash a mobile phone using the Samsung Galaxy S3 as an example.

How to flash a smartphone yourself

Before starting work, charge your phone (preferably to maximum) and make a backup copy of important information from it. To follow the instructions, you will need a computer or laptop with access to the global network, as well as a USB cable.

  1. The first thing you need to do is download a flashing program to your computer (this article involves using the special Odin program), the latest firmware version for the phone model you are interested in, and a set of drivers for your smartphone (for example). For convenience, place all downloaded files in one folder.
  2. To avoid unexpected situations during a software update, we recommend disabling Anti-Virus for the duration of the procedure.
  3. It is also worth disabling the Kies program (if it is installed).
  4. After downloading, install all the necessary programs on your computer. Unzip the firmware file.
  5. Next, you need to manipulate the smartphone, namely, switch the phone to download mode. To do this, turn off the device and simultaneously press the following buttons - Menu (Home), Power and Volume with the slider up. Wait for the information message to appear on the mobile phone screen and press the volume key (up slider) again.
  6. After these steps, connect your mobile device to your computer using a USB cable.
  7. Launch the Odin program, then click on the PDA button and select the firmware file.
  8. Next, click the "Start" button and wait for the software installation to complete. Typically the firmware process lasts about five minutes. During this time, it is important not to disconnect the phone from the computer.
  9. Once the operation is completed, a “Pass” or “Reset” message will appear on the smartphone screen, and then the phone will reboot.
  10. Disconnect your mobile phone from the computer, close the program and use the flashed smartphone.

It is worth noting that contacting to update the software will entail considerable costs.

Flashing a mobile phone yourself should not be difficult if you strictly follow these instructions. However, we warn you that if you are not confident in your abilities, then it is better to entrust the operation to professionals. Please note that the editors are not responsible for incorrect actions taken by the user.

You can find it in our section.

If your smartphone is several years old and you are already tired of it, is it possible to breathe new life into it? Make him please you again for some more time? Most users will most likely say that no, the smartphone is outdated, there is not enough RAM, the processor is no longer “cake”, there is not enough built-in memory, and the screen resolution has begun to hurt the eyes. I won’t even say anything about the lost battery capacity. But if you have a popular flagship from previous years, then you can still do something.

Battery replacement

In most cases, the battery starts to fail first. A year, a maximum of a year and a half, and we notice that our smartphone hardly “survives” not only until the evening, but even better until lunch. If the battery is removable, then the problem is minimized.For some smartphone models it is not difficult to find an original battery. True, the price will not be entirely humane. A good alternative would be Craftmann batteries. Finding such a battery will not be a problem.

Again, there are many alternative options, let's look at one of them. This is a monstrous battery, with a stated capacity of 6400 mAh. Comes with a back cover for the smartphone, replacing the original one. When installing all this, the smartphone is completely disfigured, but you get a guaranteed two days of work.

You can, of course, carry a portable battery with you everywhere, or constantly keep your smartphone on charge at your workplace, but you must admit, each of us wants more autonomy from our smartphone, therefore, replacing the battery cannot be avoided, in any case.

Bored or lagging firmware

Now we come to the most interesting part. Most users of Samsung's early flagships sooner or later encountered the problem of “brakes” on their smartphone. The desktops were scrolled through with noticeable slowdowns, the dialer opened for several seconds, the camera took a long time to start up... All this began to irritate, and some users decided to reflash their smartphone to custom firmware. In our case, there are very, very many different options. Perhaps the most stable and supported firmware is Cyanogen Mod. Samsung stopped updating its 2012 flagship SGS3 for a very long time. The latest official version of Android there seems to be 4.2.2. or 4.3.1. But the Cyanogen Mod firmware is already available on Android 6.0.1. Of course, there will most likely not be an Android 7 for this smartphone, but thanks to the developers for that too. But as of this year, to the great regret of fans of this firmware, the Cyanogen Mod project has been closed... Perhaps enthusiasts will release their modifications for some time, but officially, we will no longer receive Cyanogen Mod. But there is good news, instead of Cyanogen Mod, we got LineageOS, and thanks to it, our SGS3 still received Android 7.1.1!!!

A brief overview of LineageOS for the 3rd Galaxy.

Firstly, I want to say that interaction with the smartphone interface does not leave a depressing impression, as with stock firmware. But still, you shouldn’t expect much either, the hardware is old. The smartphone works quite quickly, but turns on with some delay. The dialer opens faster than on stock, desktops turn over smoothly. Applications open in different ways, some quickly, and some take 2-3 seconds to complete. But we have Android 7.1.1! True, the assembly is “nightly”, that is, some functions of the smartphone and programs may not work correctly. There were already stable builds on the Cyanogen Mod firmware, and in general, the operation of the smartphone was satisfactory. But enough about Cyanogen Mod, let's explore the features of the LineageOS firmware. In the smartphone settings, in the “About phone” section, we can see information about the phone’s status, device model, Android version and firmware:
This is what the main screen looks like:
A few words about applications from Google, after installing LineageOS, they simply do not exist, and we will have to install them ourselves. It's as simple as installing the firmware itself. When you have flashed LineageOS, without leaving recovery, install GApps (a package of programs and services from Google). You can download them. And after installing all this, we will see the following picture: all Google applications will appear on your smartphone!

Unlike, for example, MIUI, our firmware has an application menu:
The notification shade, as on all smartphones, is called up by swiping from the top of the screen down; if you make a short swipe, notifications will open; if you swipe long, then icons for various switches will open:

In general, the LineageOS firmware is close to “naked” Android, only there will be more settings. For example, you can change the color of the indicator for different events. In stock, there are only three colors, but on LineageOS you can mix these colors the way you want.

What else can you tell about this firmware? The camera interface is very primitive. The list of recently launched programs looks like on bare Android.

Here are some more screenshots of the battery menu:

This is what the settings menu looks like:

In general, everything is simple and functional, it doesn’t even have its own themes like the Cyanogen Mod, but over time, I hope the developers will fix this. It remains to solve the main question, how to install all this? Yes, so that the smartphone does not turn into a “brick”?

Install LineageOS firmware on SGS3

Now we come to the most important thing. If you already have custom recovery installed, for example TWRP, then everything is very simple. Let's do everything in order and without fuss:

1.Download and copy the firmware to the smartphone, to the memory card (Micro SD Card) in the root directory. Download the appropriate versions of Android Gapps and copy the Gapps to your smartphone, to a memory card (Micro SD Card) in the root directory.

2. Turn off the smartphone

3. Simultaneously press the “volume+”, “home” and “power” buttons, when the Samsung Galaxy S3 logo appears, release the buttons, and after a few seconds we get to the main recovery menu.

4.Select “cleaning”, then “selective cleaning”

5. Check the items Dalvik/ART Cache, Cache, Sistem, Data. Item “Int. The memory “can also be cleared, but not necessarily. IMPORTANTLY DO NOT CHECK THE “Micro SD Card” CHECK!

6. With a casual swipe to the right, we give the command to clean.

7.After successful cleaning, we return to the main menu and select the “Install” item, then the item (parent directory) and finally we reached the “external_sd” item. Click it and select the file with the firmware.

8. Swipe to the right again and wait for the firmware to finish. Upon completion of this operation, you will be prompted to clear Dalvik and Cache. This can be done, but it can also be ignored.

9.Select the “Install” item again, then the (parent directory) item and the “external_sd” item. Click it and select the file with Gapps.

10. Swipe to the right to confirm the installation.

11. After installing Gapps, you can agree to clear Dalvik and Cache one more time and then, in the main menu, select “Reboot” and click on the “System” button.

The download process will take quite a long time. When everything is installed, you will be asked to select a language, set the time and log in to your Google account. After that, you can familiarize yourself with and evaluate LineageOS.

Among the dozens of smartphone models produced annually by one of the market leaders - Samsung - the manufacturer's flagship devices attract special attention. As for the software part of Samsung flagships, here we can talk about the widest possibilities for its changeability. Let's consider the Samsung GT-I9300 Galaxy S III model in this aspect - the methods for flashing the device will be discussed in the material offered below.

A high level of performance and a large performance reserve, thanks to the use of the most advanced achievements in the industry, make it possible to easily use Samsung's flagship solutions for many years, without a critical drop in performance. Only the software part of the device requires some attention. However, for interacting with system software, up to its complete replacement, there are convenient tools and proven methods.

All manipulations according to the instructions below are carried out by the user at his own peril and risk. The author of the article and the Site Administration do not guarantee the achievement of positive results desired by the owner of the device, and are not responsible for possible damage to the smartphone as a result of incorrect actions!

To carry out the process of reinstalling system software in the Samsung GT-I9300 Galaxy S3 as quickly and efficiently as possible, it is necessary to carry out several preparatory procedures. This issue should be given due attention, because only after proper preparation can you count on a positive result of the firmware and quick elimination of errors that may appear when installing Android into the device.

Drivers

Almost all procedures that involve serious intervention in the system software of an Android smartphone require the use of a PC and specialized utilities as tools that allow manipulation. Therefore, the first thing you should take care of when you need to flash the Samsung GT-I9300 is the correct pairing of the device and computer, that is, installing drivers.


USB Debugging mode

In order for Windows applications to interact with the software components of the smartphone, a special mode must be activated on the device - "USB Debugging". This option will need to be enabled for almost any manipulation that involves accessing data in the phone’s memory. To enable the mode, do the following:


Root rights and BusyBox

Without obtaining Superuser rights, serious interference with the software of the Samsung GT-I9300 Galaxy S III is impossible. At the preparatory stage, root rights will make it possible to create a full-fledged backup, and in the future they will allow you to carry out almost any manipulation with the system software, up to its complete replacement.

To gain privileges on the model in question, one of the software tools is used: KingRoot or KingoRoot - these are the fastest and simplest tools that make it easy to root the device. The choice of a specific application is up to the user; in general, they work equally efficiently and are easy to use.


In addition to root rights, many operations with the Galaxy S3 GT-I9300 model require the device to have installed
BusyBox is a set of console utilities that allow you to perform manipulations that require connecting additional OS kernel modules. The installer that allows you to get BusyBox is available on Google Play Market.


Backup

Theoretically, after installing drivers to perform manipulations with the Samsung GT-I9300 Galaxy S III through programs for interacting with memory partitions, there are practically no obstacles left, you can begin installing Android, but, as you know, this process may not always be error-free and can lead to damage to individual software components of the device, not to mention the fact that all user data will be deleted as a result of the procedure and everything necessary will need to be restored - contacts, photos, applications, etc. In a word, it is highly not recommended to start reinstalling Android without a preliminary backup.

User data

To save information accumulated in the phone’s memory during operation, the easiest way is to use Samsung’s proprietary Smart Switch tool, which was mentioned above when describing the driver installation process. We follow just three simple steps and all information will be archived in a backup copy:


It should be noted that restoration from a backup created using Samsung proprietary software will only be possible on a smartphone running official firmware. If you plan to switch to a custom one or want to additionally insure yourself against data loss, you can use one of the instructions for creating backup copies offered in the material at the link below:

EFS partition

An extremely important system memory area of ​​smartphones is "EFS". This section contains the device serial number, IMEI, GPS identifier, MAC addresses of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules. Damage or removal "EFS" in the process of manipulating system partitions, for various reasons it will lead to inoperability of network interfaces, and in some cases to the inability to turn on the phone.

For the model in question, creating a backup "EFS" before reinstalling the system software is not just a recommendation, but a mandatory requirement! Ignoring the operation to create a dump greatly increases the risk of getting an inoperable smartphone!

In order to always be able to quickly restore the partition "EFS" in Samsung Galaxy S3, let's create an area dump using a specialized software tool - EFS Professional.


Recovery "EFS" tab is used "Restore" in EFS Professional. After connecting the smartphone in the same order as when creating a backup, and going to the recovery section of the program in the list "Select a backup archive to restore" you need to select a backup file, check for checkboxes in the field "Archive Backup Contents" and by pressing the button "Restore", wait for the procedure to complete.

Firmware

One of the notable features of Samsung flagship devices is the availability of simply a huge number of modified unofficial firmware for them. The use of such solutions makes it possible to completely transform the software shell and obtain new versions of Android. But before moving on to installing custom ones, you should study the methods for installing official versions of the system. In case of problems, this skill will allow you to restore the model software to its original state.

Method 1: Smart Switch

The manufacturer Samsung has a fairly strict policy regarding interference with the software of its own brand devices. The only thing it allows you to do officially regarding the Galaxy S3 firmware is updating the system version through the proprietary Smart Switch software, which we already used above when installing drivers and creating a backup copy of information from the smartphone.

  1. Install and launch Smart Switch. We connect the smartphone running Android to the USB port of the computer.

  2. After the model is determined in the application, the version of the system installed on the phone is automatically checked against the version available on Samsung servers, and if an update is possible, a corresponding notification is displayed. Click "Update".

  3. We confirm the need to start updating the phone system version - button "Continue" in the request window that appears with the revision numbers of the installed and available system software.

  4. After reviewing the conditions under which the update is successful, click "Everything is confirmed".

  5. Next, Smart Switch will carry out the necessary manipulations automatically, reporting what is happening in special windows with progress indicators:

  6. After receiving confirmation that the OS update has been successfully completed in the Smart Switch window

    Samsung GT-I9300 Galaxy S3 can be disconnected from the USB port - all system software components are already optimized.

Method 2: ODIN

Using the universal ODIN tool to replace system software and restore Android in Samsung devices is the most effective method of manipulation. The application allows you to install official firmware of two types - service and single-file, and installing the first version of the package is one of the few ways to “revive” a Galaxy S III that is not functional in terms of software.

Before using ONE to overwrite memory partitions of the Samsung GT-I9300, we recommend that you read the instructions for reinstalling the system software using the application in the general case from the material available at the link:

Service package

A special type of package with system software used in service centers and intended for installation in Samsung Android devices via ONE is called "multi-file firmware" due to the fact that it includes several system component files. You can download the archive containing the service solution for the model in question using the link:

  1. We transfer S3 to Odin mode. For this:
  2. We launch ONE and connect the phone to the USB port. We make sure that the device is identified in the program in the form of a blue field filled with the number of the COM port through which the connection is made.

  3. We add to the program the components of multi-file firmware from the folder obtained as a result of unpacking the archive downloaded from the link above.

    To do this, press the buttons one by one and specify the files in the Explorer window in accordance with the table:

    After loading all software components into the program, window ONE should look like this:

  4. If you plan to re-partition the device’s memory, specify the path to the PIT file on the tab "Pit".

    It is advisable to carry out re-partitioning only in critical situations and when errors occur during the work of ONE without a PIT file! Initially, you should try to reinstall Android by skipping this step!

    Press the button "PIT" on the tab of the same name in ODIN and add the file "mx.pit", present in the catalog with the proposed package.

    When using a PIT file during the process of reinstalling Android on a Samsung GT-I9300 in the tab "Options" ODIN must be checked "Re-Partition".

  5. After making sure that all files have been added to the appropriate fields and the parameters are set correctly, click the button "Start" to start transferring files to the device's memory.

  6. We are waiting for ONE to overwrite areas of the smartphone’s memory. Interrupting the process is unacceptable; all that remains is to watch the progress indicators in the flasher window and, at the same time,

    on the S3 screen.

  7. After the display of ongoing processes in ODIN displays "PASS",

    The device will reboot and the OS components will be initialized.

  8. The Android installation is complete, and in the end we get a device cleaned of the remnants of the previous operating system,

    which demonstrates the same level of performance as when first turned on after purchase.

Single-file firmware

If you need to simply reinstall Android, update or roll back the version of the official Samsung GT-I9300 OS, a single-file package is usually used. You can download the latest version of the official OS for Russia to install it via ONE using the link:

Installing such a solution is much easier than a service solution. It is enough to follow the same steps as in the instructions for working with a multi-file package, but instead of points 3 and 4, you need to do it using the button "AP" adding a single file *.tar, contained in the directory obtained as a result of unpacking the archive with single-file firmware.

Method 3: Mobile ODIN

Many users of Android devices are interested in the possibility of reinstalling the OS on the device without using a PC. For Samsung GT-I9300, this action can be carried out using the Mobile ODIN tool - an Android application that allows you to seamlessly install official single-file firmware.

You can get the tool on your device by downloading it from the Google Play Market.

Successful execution of Mobile One functions is only possible if the device is rooted!

The software package used in the example below can be downloaded from the link:

  1. Install Mobile One and place the package that will be installed in the internal memory of the Galaxy S3 or on a memory card installed in the device.

  2. We launch the application and provide Mobile ODIN with root rights.

  3. We download additional MobileOne components, which provide the ability to install packages with system software. You will be prompted to update the first time you run the tool. Confirm the need to download add-ons by tapping the button "Download" and wait for the installation of the modules to complete.

  4. Before installation, the firmware file must be uploaded to Mobile ODIN. Scrolling through the list of options on the main screen of the application, find and click "Open file...". Select the storage where the firmware was copied, then specify the file intended for installation.

  5. If you are rolling back the system version, you must first clear the device’s memory partitions. To do this, check the checkboxes "Wipe data and cache", and "Wipe Dalvik cache".

    In the case of an update, data cleaning may not be necessary, but performing the procedure is recommended, as it allows you to remove “software junk” from the system, and also prevents the appearance of many errors during the installation of Android and its further operation!

  6. Click "Flash" and confirm the application requests that appear.

  7. Mobile Odin carries out further manipulations without user intervention. The latter can only observe:

  8. After the welcome screen appears, we perform the initial configuration of the OS parameters.

  9. Everything is ready to use the Samsung GT-I9300 Galaxy S III running the reinstalled official Android.

Method 4: Custom firmware

The above-described methods for installing official versions of Android in the Samsung S3 allow you to restore the device to its factory state and solve a lot of problems that arise for various reasons while using the smartphone. If the purpose of firmware for a device is to completely transform the software part, introduce new functions into the device and turn the phone into a truly modern device, at least in terms of the OS version, you should pay attention to the possibility of installing one of the custom firmwares.

Since the level of popularity of the model in question is extremely high, a large number of different unofficial system software solutions have been created for it, based on Android versions of KitKat, Lollipop, Marshmallow and Nougat. The most popular modified shells for S3 are discussed below, and their installation can be divided into two stages - equipping the smartphone with a modified recovery, and then directly installing the unofficial Android.

Installation, launch, configuration of TWRP

In order for it to be possible to install a modified unofficial OS on the model in question, the device must be equipped with a special recovery environment - custom recovery. Several solutions are available for the device in question, including ClockworkMod Recovery (CWM) and its updated version Philz Touch, but the most functional and convenient product today is considered TeamWin Recovery (TWRP), and it should be installed to get results, as in the examples below.

For all Samsung flagship solutions, the TeamWin team has officially developed and released recovery packages, which are installed using several methods. Two of them have already been described in articles on our website.


In an effort to get the latest versions of Android on the Samsung GT-I9300, many device owners ignore the possibility of using one of the most beautiful and functional shells for the device in question - MIUI. Meanwhile, this particular product is considered one of the best solutions, despite the fact that it is based on Android 4.4, which is losing its relevance.

MIUI packages intended for installation in the model in question are also available on the websites of well-known development teams miui.su and xiaomi.eu.

After using a smartphone for a long time, in some cases it is necessary to update its software. This will help increase the speed of operation and significantly update the system, somewhat diversify the functions of the device (depending on the type of firmware used). Galaxy S3 is one of the most popular smartphones of its time. However, not all its owners know how to flash S3.

What should you consider before starting the firmware?

In order for the software changes to be beneficial, the following nuances of the process must be taken into account. Before flashing your Galaxy S3, you need to make sure that the battery is charged more than 50%. It is also worth considering that worn-out power supplies will not be able to keep the smartphone on for the required amount of time. Therefore, the firmware must be installed on a device with a good power supply.

Before you start making changes to the software, you should save all the necessary files from your phone memory. This is because they may be removed during the firmware installation. In addition, a certain amount of free virtual space will be required to copy the necessary new files. You should also not forget about the phone book in the phone memory, as there is a possibility of data loss.

Firmware for the Galaxy S3 can be carried out by almost any smartphone owner who has the skills to work on a laptop computer. But at the same time, you must follow all the rules of the procedure.


Required Software

You will need the following programs:
1. Odin PC.
2. Recovery clockwork.
3. Firmware for S3.
4. Samsung drivers.
5. A set of Google applications.

After all the software has been downloaded and installed, you can proceed directly to


What can interfere with your work?

Before starting work, you need to disable your antivirus program. This is due to the fact that some files that will be used by programs when installing firmware may be identified by the antivirus as malicious information. In this case, it will block the programs from running. Many users know how to flash a Samsung Galaxy S3 with antivirus on a computer: temporarily suspend protection or add used folders and programs to an exception - there are many ways to limit the operation of such software.

After fulfilling the above not so complicated, but mandatory and extremely important conditions, you can continue preparing to install the firmware on your Galaxy S3 phone.


Installing programs

To carry out the work, you will need Samsung drivers, which will allow you to recognize your smartphone, as well as the Odin PC program. The process of installing them is no different from installing conventional utilities and software: you need to follow all the recommendations and select the necessary items. These programs are necessary and mandatory to complete the intended work. In order to figure out how to flash a Samsung Galaxy S3 without them, you need to have more in-depth knowledge of programming, and also have a good understanding of the phone system itself.


Preparing your phone

To start flashing the software, you need to put your phone in Download Mode:
1. Turn off your phone completely.
2. Simultaneously press and hold the “Power”, “Volume Down” and “Home” keys for a while. This will load a special menu.
3. After this, a warning will appear, at which you should press the “Volume Up” key.
4. An image of a green robot should appear in the center of the screen, which will indicate the activation of the required mode.

Compliance with this item is mandatory. Only in this case is it possible to make changes to the phone software and prepare it for installing new firmware. A similar menu should appear when you hold down the above keys on all original devices of this model.


Installing root rights to make changes

In order to install root rights, you need to run the previously installed Odin program. In the window that appears, click “PDA”, then find the file called “CF-Auto-Root”, after which you can connect the phone to a personal computer. When connected, the ID: COM field should light up blue. If everything went well, you can press the virtual “Start” key. The rooting process is usually quick. After its completion, the message “RESET” should appear, and the phone will automatically reboot in the mode for changing root rights. Next, the smartphone needs to be rebooted in normal mode, after which it can be disconnected from the computer. Rooting is necessary to be able to change the software, which is prohibited by the manufacturer.


Installing "recovery"

In order to complete this step, you need to enter the smartphone into Download Mode, for which we perform the above process. Next, launch the Odin program. We connect the phone again to the computer via the original cable, press the “Start” key. Once the process is complete, the phone should reboot.

Firmware installation

At this point, you can directly find out how to flash a Samsung Galaxy S3, since the previous steps were only a preparatory stage.

We will divide the whole process into the following main points:
1. Turn on the phone.
2. Connect it to the computer in storage disk mode for data exchange.
3. Copy the firmware and set from Google to the internal memory. It is worth remembering that you need to copy all files.
4. Turn off the phone.
5. After turning off completely, press and hold the “Power”, “Volume” and “Home” keys at the same time.
6. After the downloaded recovery, you need to do wipes.
7. Install the firmware as follows: type Install zip from sdcard and find the firmware, type Install zip from sdcard and find the set from Google.
8. Reboot the phone.

If the entire process was completed correctly, a loading animation should appear on the screen. In this mode, the device will boot along with the new firmware. It is impossible to flash a Chinese Samsung Galaxy S3 without a set of standard software from the phone manufacturer, but for similar devices you can find other firmware and methods for installing them.

If some of the above recommendations for installing new software were not followed, then there is a possibility of losing the old software. Therefore, during the work you need to be careful, since if the installation of the firmware has been started, then it must be completed without fail. Otherwise, the smartphone will not work.

Fifth generation

If you are the proud owner of a Galaxy S5, we note that the process of flashing its firmware is not much different from that described above. It is worth saying that during the firmware installation, user information (settings, as well as programs) is not deleted - everything that was on the smartphone will remain there even after the device’s firmware process is completed. Remember that if the firmware is unsuccessful, the device cannot be restored without the help of specialists. To avoid such problems, a number of conditions must be observed. First of all, you need to make sure that the smartphone is fully charged. After that, we check the wire through which the firmware will be installed for functionality. Let's make sure that the personal computer with which the firmware process will be carried out is functioning correctly and does not display Blue Screens, does not turn off, or reboot. We carefully study the instructions, only then proceed to the firmware process. The computer will be supplemented with a UPS, which can operate for at least twenty minutes during a blackout.