This is also been useful in some other purposes like for fixing soft-bricks if somehow you messed up somewhere and end up with a soft bricked Galaxy S3, this guide might also help you to recover your Galaxy S3 and bring it back to life in no time as long as you can still access the download mode.
Step by step procedure on how to manually install or restore back the original stock firmware ROM on Samsung Galaxy S3.
A Very Important Things you need to do before Flashing Galaxy S3 Stock ROM
- Make sure that your Galaxy S3′s battery is fully charge.- Stock ROM packages comes in two formats the ‘Full-Wipe’ (delete your stored data after flashing) and the ‘Non-Wipe’ (it doesn’t delete your phone’s stored data) but it is highly recommended to make a back up all important files stored from your phone’s internal memory – contacts, messages, etc. before flashing no-matter if it is Full-WIpe or Non-Wipe, just to be safe and ensure that your stored data are in safe if something went wrong during the flashing process.
- Remember or back up the APN settings of your device. ( This only done if you try to install other regions stock ROM.
- Use a PC or laptop that runs in Windows OS, with a good and perfectly working USB serial port. Odin will not work on MAC OS.
- Use the supplied USB cable for your Galaxy S3.
- Enable USB debugging from your phone’s settings. Go to Settings > Applications > Development, and tick the box that says ‘Enable USB Debugging’.
- Do a “Hard Reset” if you have a lot of 3rd party applications installed from your phone, this is useful to gain a smooth flashing. (Just make sure that you already back up all your important files before resetting your device.
- Ensure that KIES is closed and not running in the system tray! Kies will interrupt and doesn’t like Odin, it will block you from flashing.
What is a Stock ROM?
Stock ROMs are the firmware that has been released from Samsung Kies official firmware server. These are being pulled from Kies by an Android firmware experts and carefully re-bundled it to make it flashable by using Odin flasher tool, via CWM and some prepared tool like chainfires’ Mobile Odin. This guide here tackles an Odin flashable stock ROM only, you might also see other methods like flashing via CWM and Mobile Odin (which is to be added soon).Stock ROMs contains the binary and image files of the whole software packaged, like these:
* Sbl.bin
* cache.img
* factoryfs.img
* hidden.img
* modem.bin
* param.lfs
* zImage
Inside the stock ROM bundled, those binary and images files are packed in three different formats.
The PDA, CSC and PHONE.
Some full packaged stock ROM comes in multiple package this includes with BOOTLOADER image and PIT files, but in flashing it’s been safe not to use these files.
PDA – This the software/firmware build number version and consists to a code of numbers and letters
CSC – (Consumer Software Customization) Refers to the specific country or carriers for that said firmware is being build.
This where it contains the default settings of each specific geographical region, carrier network providers and network data connections.
Phone – This renders the specific Baseband or device modem data (GSM/HSPDA).
PIT – the PIT file refers as ‘Partition Information Table’. This is only useful for fixing bricked devices if somehow something changed with the partition table layout of the phone’s system memory. But in normal flashing, you should not use this file, or you may screw up your phone if handed carelessly.
FAQ about flashing stock ROM
Q: Does it safe to flash stock ROM?
A: There is a risk danger in flashing firmware either original stock ROM and or custom ROMs on the device. Any unwanted interruption occurred will cause your device into softbricks. If it is your first time heard about this method, it is highly recommended to search more and learn about flashing stock ROM before you proceed.
A: There is a risk danger in flashing firmware either original stock ROM and or custom ROMs on the device. Any unwanted interruption occurred will cause your device into softbricks. If it is your first time heard about this method, it is highly recommended to search more and learn about flashing stock ROM before you proceed.
Q: Does Flashing will remove all my data stored on the device.
A: Yes and NO. There are two types of stock ROM, the wiped and non-wiped version. It is highly recommended that you should back-up all your important data stored in the phone’s memory like contacts, messages before flashing.
A: Yes and NO. There are two types of stock ROM, the wiped and non-wiped version. It is highly recommended that you should back-up all your important data stored in the phone’s memory like contacts, messages before flashing.
Q: Do I Need to ROOT or UNROOT my phone before flashing stock ROM?
A: NO need to root or unroot yor device, but you will loose root once flashing is made. So, you need to re-root your device again.
A: NO need to root or unroot yor device, but you will loose root once flashing is made. So, you need to re-root your device again.
Q: Does Flashing stock ROM to my phone will erase the network lock?
A: NO. Your network (or SIM) lock will still remain active.
A: NO. Your network (or SIM) lock will still remain active.
Q: Does Flashing stock ROM will remove root on my phone?
A: Yes. If you currently have rooted, your phone will return back to original factory settings after flashing. You need to re-root again to install any 3rd party applications.
A: Yes. If you currently have rooted, your phone will return back to original factory settings after flashing. You need to re-root again to install any 3rd party applications.
Q: Does flashing an operator specific firmware will restrict my open phone to that operator’s network?
A: NO. Your phone still remain open for any Operator SIM. Operator specific builds usually containing “only specific country or carrier provider” logo, bloatwares, wallpapers and/or browser settings, etc.
A: NO. Your phone still remain open for any Operator SIM. Operator specific builds usually containing “only specific country or carrier provider” logo, bloatwares, wallpapers and/or browser settings, etc.
Disclaimer: We shall not be held responsible if anything happens to your device by following this guide. You may proceed at your own risk, your phone is not a toy for us, it is your own personal property, it is up on you to decide on what and how to do about it.
Step 1: Download the needed tools for flashing
Odin Flasher Tool
(choose one)
Odin3_v3.04 w/ PIT
Odin3_v3.06
Odin3_v3.07
Samsung Galaxy S3 USB Driver
(only needed if you haven’t installed Kies on your PC)
GT-I9300 GSIII USB Driver
SGH-I747/M_GSIII_USB_Driver
SPH-L710_GSIII_USB_Driver
SGH-T999/V_GSIII_USB_Driver
SCH-I535_GSIII_USB_Driver
Grab your Samsung Galaxy S3 Original Firmware or Stock ROM according to your phone's Country/Carrier of origin. I can't put it all up here, so you may find the most latest build, Google is your friend.(choose one)
Odin3_v3.04 w/ PIT
Odin3_v3.06
Odin3_v3.07
Samsung Galaxy S3 USB Driver
(only needed if you haven’t installed Kies on your PC)
GT-I9300 GSIII USB Driver
SGH-I747/M_GSIII_USB_Driver
SPH-L710_GSIII_USB_Driver
SGH-T999/V_GSIII_USB_Driver
SCH-I535_GSIII_USB_Driver
GT-I9300 (Europe/Australia/New Zealand/Asia/Middle East/Latin America) Start your search here for the GT-I9300
SGH-1747 (U.S AT&T)
December 2012 Jelly Bean 4.1.1 Update: SGH-I747_ATT_I747UCDLK3_I747ATTDLK3
July 2012 ICS 4.0.4 Update: SGH-I747_ATT_I747UCALG1_I747ATTALG1
May 2012, Factory Stock: SGH-I747_ATT_I747UCALEM_I747ATTALEM
SGH-I747M (Canada)
Bell (also works on Virgin Mobile)
December 2012 Jelly Bean 4.1.1 Update: SGH-I747M_BMC_I747MVLDLK4_I747MOYCDLK4
August 2012 ICS 4.0.4 Update: SGH-I747M_BMC_I747MVLALH1_I747MOYCALH1
May 2012 Factory Stock: SGH-I747M_BMC_I747MVLALE8_I747MOYCALE8
Rogers
December 2012 Jelly Bean 4.1.1 Update: SGH-I747M_RWC_I747MVLDLK4_I747MOYADLK4
August 2012 ICS 4.0.4 Update: SGH-I747M_RWC_I747MVLALH1_I747MOYAALH1
May 2012 Factory Stock: SGH-I747M_RWC_I747MVLALE8_I747MOYAALE8
Telus
December 2012 Jelly Bean 4.1.1 Update: SGH-I747M_TLS_I747MVLDLK4_I747MOYBDLK4
August 2012 ICS 4.0.4 Update: SGH-I747M_TLS_I747MVLALH1_I747MOYBALH1
May 2012 Factory Stock: SGH-I747M_TLS_I747MVLALE8_I747MOYBALE8
Sasktel
December 2012 Jelly Bean 4.1.1 Update: SGH-I747M_BWA_I747MVLDLK4_I747MOYCDLK4
August 2012 ICS 4.0.4 Update: SGH-I747M_BWA_I747MVLALH1_I747MOYCALH1
May 2012 Factory Stock: SGH-I747M_BWA_I747MVLALE8_I747MOYCALE8
SGH-T999 (U.S T-Mobile)
December 2012 Jelly Bean Update: SGH-T999_TMB_T999UVDLJA_T999TMBDLJA
November 2012 ICS 4.0.4 Update: SGH-T999_TMB_T999UVALJ4_T999TMBALJ4
August 2012 ICS 4.0.4 Update: SGH-T999_TMB_T999UVALH2_T999TMBALH2
May 2012 Factory Stock: SGH-T999_TMB_T999UVALEM_T999TMBALEM
SGH-T999V (Canada)
Wind
May 2012 Factory Stock: SGH-T999V_GLW_T999VVLALE6_T999VYVLALE6
Mobilicity
May 2012 Factory Stock: SGH-T999V_MCT_T999VVLALE6_T999VYVLALE6
Videotron
May 2012 Factory Stock: SGH-T999V_VTR_T999VVLALE6_T999VYVLALE6
SCH-I535 (U.S Verizon) (You also need to re-lock the bootloader if you want completely restore back to stock)
December 2012 Jelly Bean 4.1.1 OTA update: SCH-I535_VZW_535VRBLK3_I535VZWBLK3
August 2012 ICS 4.0.4 Update: SCH-I535_VZW_I535VRALG1_I535VZWALG1
May 2012 Factory Stock: SCH-I535_VZW_I535VRALF2_I535VZWALF2
SPH-L710 (U.S Sprint)
December 2012 Jelly Bean 4.1.1 Update: SPH-L710_SPR_L710VPBLJ7_L710SPRLJ7
November 2012 ICS 4.0.4 Update: SPH-L710_SPR_L710VPALI3_L710SPRALI3
May 2012 Factory Stock: SPH-L710_SPR_L710VPALEN_L710SPRALEN
Step 2: Extract the downloaded stock ROM
You need to extract the downloaded file which is packed in zip or rar files, so that you’ll get the tar.md5 file.
Step 3: Run and Configure Odin
Run Odin downloader Odin3_v3.04 on your PC desktop. Watch out the check-boxes options on the right top of Odin, ensure that the ‘RE-PARTITION’ is unchecked, only the ‘AUTO-REBOOT and ‘F.RESET TIME’ checkboxes are both remained checked.
Step 6: Reboot your Galaxy S3 into Download Mode
To reboot the Galaxy S3 into download mode , you need to turn the power off. After it completely shut off, just press and hold the Volume Down key, Home button and the Power ON/OFF button simultaneously.
You should then prompted into a warning screen and asking you to press volume up if you want to continue or volume down to cancel, just simply press volume up to get into download mode. The download mode then displays an Android robot and say’s “Downloading.. Do not turn off target!!”
Step 5: Connect your Phone to PC or Laptop
Once you already reboot the phone in download mode, simply connect the phone to your PC or laptop USB.In Odin window – the ID:COM box will turn to blue color and indicates the COM port number and a word “Added” on a log box will prompt you that the device is already detected or recognized by Odin.
Your COM port number might be different from mine. If you do not see a COM port number then there’s something missing or wrong. You may read again from the top of this post.
Step 6: Load the binary .tar.md5 file
Single Packaged Stock ROMIf the stock ROM is pack in One .tar.md5 file only the PDA, CSC and Phone modem are already included to it. Now, you need to just simply click on the PDA button, then browse to the folder where the .tar or .tar.md5 you have previously extracted and then select and load it.
Just like this image below, I used United Kingdom unbranded Galaxy S3 stock ROM on this guide, so it came as I9300XXLE8_I9300OXAALE8_I9300XXLE8_HOME.tar.md5. Build numbers varies on each specific country and carrier providers, geographical region and network CSC (Consumer Software Customization) codes.
Note: Do not put a ‘PIT’ file.
Stock ROM with Multiple Files with PDA, CSC and PHONE files
If the files came with three individual .tar like PDA, CSC and PHONE
packages, you’ll need to load each specific file formats on each designated buttons.
PDA button – select the .tar file associated with a name CODE after the build number like – CODE_I9300xxxxx_xxxxx_.tar
CSC button – .tar file associated with a name ‘CSC’ after the build number like – CSC_XXX_I9300xxxxx_xxxxx_.tar
PHONE button – .tar file associated with a name ‘MODEM’ after the build number like – MODEM_I9300xxxxx_xxxxx_.tar
Note: Again, DO NOT load or put a ‘PIT’ file.
Step 7: Start Flashing or Installing the stock ROM
Once if all set and ready to fire-up, hit the “START” button in Odin to begin flashing the stock ROM.Do not ever interrupt the phone while already in flashing progress, like disconnecting the cable or turning off the device. Just wait until it completely finish.
Step 8: Watch out for the word PASS!!
When the Stock ROM installation successfully completes, you will then see a word “PASS” in Odin. This indicates that the flashing was already finish, and on the log box it says “All threads completed. (succeed 1 / failed 0)”. The phone will just then automatically reboot, then it’s time to remove it from PC or laptop USB connection.
Go to Settings>About Phone>Firmware info.
You can also do factory reset by dialing *2767*3855#.
Check and reconfigure your APN settings when data networks connection issues encountered. This only happens if you installed other regions/provider stock ROM.
Possible errors that you may encountered, this is based on my own experience while flashing stock ROM on Samsung Android devices. These are just a few hints on how to resolved it.
Q: I got an error message that says “Set-up connection Failed” ?A: 1. Check your USB connection from the phone to PC,
2. Connect to another PC USB port
3. Check and try to another USB cable
4. Re-install the USB driver.
Q: Odin just suddenly stuck in the middle of nowhere while in flashing progress, It isn’t responding at all?
A: Check for possible program that might interrupt the process, like disabling the anti-virus and closing any running programs.
Try to use another PC or laptop,
Q: I experienced bootloop or the phone just stuck on Welcome Logo (phone always stop at bootanimation) and it won’t boot normally?
A: You can fix it via recovery mode option, do this:
Boot in recovery mode
1. Press and hold Volume Up, Home and Power button.
2. Use volume keys to select, Up and Down and Power or Home key to select the option
3. Select "Wipe Data/Factory Reset" using the Home button.
4. Next select the "Wipe Cache Partition"
5. Lastly, select "Reboot System Now" to reboot your Galaxy S3 in Normal mode.
That's it!
Anymore questions? leave it on the comment form below...
