How to Restore Samsung Galaxy S3 to Stock Firmware (Jelly Bean or Ice Cream Sandwich)

John Clarkson June 8, 2013 Galaxy S3, Samsung

Jelly Bean update for Samsung Galaxy S3 have been released few month back and it’s available for most of the variant at this moment. Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean update on Galaxy S III indeed brings significant improvement on the device with latest Jelly Bean features including Page Buddy, Multi View, Notification Panel, Smart Rotation, Group Cast App and other.

Nevertheless, some of the Samsung Galaxy S3 users complaint on the laggy condition after upgraded to Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean. This laggy condition is not found in the previous Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich according to the users. Some might keep Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean with them while others tends to restore Samsung Galaxy S III back to ICS. In this case, we might provide a simple guide for you to restore back to ICS on your Galaxy S3. This tutorial can be used to restore Samsung Galaxy S3 if you have bricked your device or want to receive OTA update after rooting your device.

Samsung Galaxy S3 is Samsung flagship smartphone in 2012 with 4.8 inches 1280×720 Super AMOLED display, Samsung Cortex Quad-Core 1.4GHz processor, 1GB RAM, 16/32GB internal storage and 8MP rear camera. It is running Android 4.0.4 Ice cream sandwich out of the box. It have been upgraded to Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean.

How to Restore Samsung Galaxy S3 GT-I9300 to Stock Firmware

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.

Reminder: You do not need to wipe your device but we always suggest your backup before flashing. Perform wipe data only if you face problem after flashing. Ensure you meet the requirements before proceed. Contact us if you face problem.

Download

  1. Samsung Odin3.07 (Odin3.07.zip, 1.15MB).
  2. Stock Firmware for Samsung Galaxy S3 GT-I9300 – Proceed to SamMobile Firmware to download correct firmware for your device. If you in doubt which firmware to apply, simply leave us a message and we will provide the download link for you.

Instructions:

  1. Download and extract Odin3.07.zip to get Odin3 v1.85.exe Odin3.07.exe in a folder in computer.
  2. Download and extract **ROM***.zip to get *.tar or *tar.md5 in a folder in a 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 Odin3.07.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.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. Wait patiently for the first time boot up.

us or give us a if it works for you.

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By John Clarkson
A 17 years old young tech enthusiast who loves Android and smartphone. He love to learn and share Android latest technologies to public users. He likes to play around with custom ROM flashing, customize theme, system tweaking and discussion with other developers on Android development. Now, he owns Galaxy S3, LG Optimus L5, Sony Xperia Z and pre-owned Sony Xperia P, HTC One X, LG Optimus G.
  • Aidan Biet

    Hi there i upgraded to the 4.2.2 firmware and i really dont like it. it has alot of FC problems and battery is worse. May i get a link to download the 4.1.2 firmware for south africa, service provider: Cell C , and if i do this will i lose all my data

    • https://androidteen.com/ androidteen

      May I know what is the region code for Cell C? I manage to find three different firmware for South Africa (XFA, XFE, XFV).

      • Aidan Biet

        I see its xfc

  • Amr Essam Hassan

    I have upgraded to 4.2.2 but causing alot if problems how can i downgrade . Please help

    • https://androidteen.com/ androidteen

      Hi, you must first identify the correct Android 4.1.2 Firmware to download. Then follow the steps in this tutorial to flash the firmware into your S3 using Odin.

  • Pantelis

    how i dont know what to use i am in cyprus i bought it factory unlocked

  • kashif

    hi i upgrade my galaxy s3 to 4.2.2, now back and menu buttons not working and i do not no what was my original firmware please guide me how i go back to my original firmware

  • MA.Rawoof

    Hi. I have upgraded my S3 GT-19300, samsung mobile with 4.2.2 , I9300XXEMC2 and build no. JDQ39.I9300XXUFME3 using odin.But now i seriously need to roll back to the old version that originally came with the mobile. Would really appreciate if someone could clearly advise me how or is there any method to do so and kindly let me know if the procedure is completely safe and works perfectly as well.
    Thanks in advance..

    • https://androidteen.com/ androidteen

      Hi, just follow the steps in the post, you shall get your device restore to stock firmware.

  • lan

    pls help me…what i can remember is my version is i9300dxelk1 which one 1should download as my phone cannot turn on now

    • https://androidteen.com/ androidteen

      Try to search for your matching firmware and use the method in this tutorial.

  • https://androidteen.com/ androidteen

    What is the firmware running on your device?