Galaxy S3 I9300: Update XXEMG4 Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean Official Firmware

Guys, new firmware for Galaxy S3 is now available and rolling out on Samsung Kies or OTA (Over-The-Air). However, a bit disappointing on the new firmware release as it is not Android 4.2.2 or Android 4.3. It is still Android 4.1.2. Many rumors expecting Samsung Galaxy S3 and Note 2 will skip Android 4.2.2 and direct update to Android 4.3 which could be possible. Anyhow, Samsung brought us a little upgrade on your Galaxy S3 before the official Android 4.2.2 or Android 4.3 update.

The firmware update is coded as XXEMG4 and start rolling out in United Kingdom on Samsung Kies as well as OTA. As of now, change log regarding this firmware update is remain unknown but it should help to fix some bugs and improve your S3’s performance. In this post, we will guide you how to update your Galaxy S3 to latest firmware via Kies, OTA and manual update with Odin.

How To Update Samsung Galaxy S3 to XXEMG4 Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean Official Firmware

We have total 3 ways to update your devices officially. They are update via OTA (Over-The-Air), update via Samsung Kies and manual update via Samsung Odin. Update via OTA and Samsung Kies are the easiest ways for update yet you have to wait the release from Samsung (It could takes up to a month of waiting). Manual update with Odin is the fastest way to get latest update yet need some additional manual installation steps. We will cover all 3 update methods in our tutorial.

Disclaimer: It’s always a risk to modify your device. We, Android Teen are not responsible for any damage or bricks on your device. Your device warranty may void with any mod. Check your devices warranty’s term & conditions before start. (HTC, Samsung, LG, Sony, Motorola). Use this guide on your own risk, contact us for help if you face problem.

Pre-requisites & Requirements

1. Samsung Galaxy S3 I9300 (Ensure correct device model and firmware; Check device model – Go to Settings -> About Device -> Model Number)
2. Windows-based computer or laptop
3. Download Samsung Galaxy S3 USB driver for Windows and install in your computer. Connect device to computer with USB cable to complete installation. Skip this step if you have installed the USB driver.
4. Enable USB Debugging on your device. How to Enable USB Debugging Mode on Android Devices.
5. Make sure your phone is charged to 60% 80% to avoid battery blackout and interruption during this tutorial.
6. We recommend you make a backup on your data and media files before the tutorial. You may restore the data and files if necessary.

• How to Completely Backup Android Without Root
• How to Backup Personal Data on Android Device (Contact, Application Data, Wifi Password, APN Settings)
• Backup SMS and Restore on Android Devices
• How to Backup WhatsApp Messages
• (Complete back up for rooted Android Devices)

Reminder: Firmware upgrade should not delete your device data yet you may experience inconsistent performance after upgrade. Optionally, we recommend you to make a backup and do a clean upgrade. Ensure you meet the requirements before proceed. Contact us if you face problem.

Choose Your Update Methods:

• Update via OTA (Over-The-Air) – Choose to install manually if OTA still not available for you
• Update via Samsung Kies – Choose to install manually if Samsung Kies update still not available for you
• Manual update via Samsung Odin

Instructions: How To Update Samsung Galaxy S3 via OTA

1. Ensure you have stable internet connection (Wifi or data network) on your devices.
2. Power up your device, go to android apps drawer, select Settings.
3. Under Settings menu, select About device under System.
4. Select Software update under About device.
5. Select Update (Check for updates).
6. You should see an update available, press OK to download and install. (Caution: Download with 3G will incur additional charges to your phone bill!)
7. Your device will reboot automatically and complete installation.
8. If you see “The latest updates have already been installed”, you have to wait for Samsung to release the OTA update.
9. Check out manual updates which give you the fastest and latest firmware update.

Instructions: How To Update Samsung Galaxy S3 via Samsung Kies

1. Ensure you have stable internet connection on your computer.
2. Download and install Samsung Kies on your computer.
3. Power up your device and connect it to computer with USB cable.
4. Open up Samsung Kies on your computer.
5. Wait for Samsung Kies to detect your device.
6. You should able to see New Firmware Upgrade is available at the home of Samsung Kies.
7. Press on Firmware Upgrade button to proceed.
8. Check the box to agree all the T&C about the upgrade and Press Start Upgrade to proceed.
9. Wait download and installation to run. Do not disconnect your device at this moment.
10. You should see your device running upgrade and reboot automatically.
11. Upgrade is complete. (Check device firmware – Go to Settings -> About Device –> Android & Baseband version)
12. If you see “This is the latest firmware” in Samsung Kies, you have to wait for Samsung to release the update via Samsung Kies.
13. Check out manual updates which give you the fastest and latest firmware update.

Instructions: How To Manual Update Samsung Galaxy S3 via Odin

If both OTA and Samsung Kies updates do not work for you, follow tutorial below to manual update your device with Samsung Odin. The firmware information is listed as below:

Firmware details:
PDA: I9300XXEMG4
CSC: I9300OXAEMG4
MODEM: I9300XXEMG4
Download: XXEMG4 firmware for Galaxy S3 I9300 (I9300XXEMG4_I9300OXAEMG4_BTU.zip | 850.9 MB)

1. Download and extract Odin3.07.zip in a folder in computer.
2. Download and extract I9300XXEMG4_I9300OXAEMG4_BTU.zip to get *.tar or *tar.md5 in a folder in computer.
3. Power off your device.
4. Enter Download Mode by pressing and hold the Volume Down key, Home button, and Power button.
5. You should see a warning triangle sign, press Volume Up to continue.
6. You should see Odin Mode at the top and Downloading… , Do not turn off target!!
7. Launch Odin executable file by double-clicking on Odin3 v3.07 exe.
8. Connect your device to your computer with USB cable.
9. Wait until Odin to show an “Added” message at the lower-left message box.
10. After your device is detected by Odin, click on the PDA button and select the *.tar or *.tar.md5.
11. Make sure the Repartition option is not checked under Options & checked on Auto Reboot.
12. Click Start button to flash *.tar or *.tar.md5 to your device. Monitor the flash progress on Odin.
13. A green “PASS” message should show for a success flashing.
14. Your device shall reboot automatically.
15. Upgrade is complete. (Check device firmware – Go to Settings -> About Device –> Android & Baseband version)
16. If you fail to flash *.tar.md5 firmware, remove the extension of *.md5 with only *.tar and try to re-flash again.

us or give us a if it works for you.