Hot topics

How to downgrade Galaxy S3 back to Android 4.1.2: tutorial [Update]

androidpit samsung galaxy s3 software downgrade
© nextpit

With all the problems that S3 owners are facing with the official Android 4.3 update from Samsung, many of you are not holding out hope for a rapid fix to your problems. Neither are we. So here's how to downgrade your Galaxy S3 back to Android 4.1.2, the last firmware update prior to the current bungle. Downgrading your OS version probably never sounded so exciting. [Update: S3 owners on the AT&T network are advised NOT to try downgrading. There have been reports of this process bricking devices.]

androidpit samsung galaxy s3 software downgrade

How to downgrade Galaxy S3. / © NextPit

What you need

Downgrading your firmware is exactly the same as upgrading, you simply use an older firmware version than the one you currently have. So if you've found yourself stuck with an unworkable 4.3 update, follow the same process you normally would to manually install the new firmware, but instead use the firmware you started with before the OTA update. First of all make sure you have a full backup of your S3 because the flash procedure will wipe your data.

You'll need Odin v3.09 and the necessary USB drivers for your S3. Make sure you also have USB Debugging enabled in Developer Options.

AndroidPIT Odin3 v309
Odin is very simple to use and self-explanatory. / © NextPit/ © NextPit/Odin

Then, you'll need the relevant firmware for your device. You can find the relevant firmware for your particular model number S3 at Sam Mobile's firmware page.

What you need to do

  1. Download the appropriate firmware .zip file for your S3 (link above) and extract it on your PC. You'll see a few .tar.md5 files inside.
  2. From being powered off, start your S3 in Download Mode by pressing Volume Down + Power and Home button simultaneously.
  3. Open Odin and connect your S3 to your PC with a USB cable. Wait until Odin recognizes the device (a blue box appears in Odin). 
  4. In Odin's Files [Download] section, navigate to the relevant tar.md5 file/s in the downloaded S3 firmware. If you only have one file in the extracted firmware it goes in AP (in older versions of Odin, the AP box is called PDA). If you have multiple files, just plug them into the appropriate boxes in Odin.
  5. Make sure the repartition box is not checked
  6. Click Start and wait. Once the procedure is complete your S3 will restart and you'll be back to where you started from before your update nightmare began.
androidpit galaxy s3 jelly bean
You probably haven't been this happy to see Android 4.1.2 in a year. / © NextPit

If your S3 doesn't reboot on its own, enter Recovery Mode by pressing Volume Up + Power + Home button simultaneously and then performing a Data Wipe/Factory Reset and wipe any cache partition. Then select Reboot System Now and you should be good to go.

[Update: 8:30 PM Berlin time 26.11.13]

S3 owners on the AT&T network have reported that attempts to downgrade to 4.1.x have resulted in a bricked device. If you are on this network, please play it safe and DO NOT attempt to downgrade, just in case. At least until you've read more and are aware of the risks involved. You can read more about these bricking cases and the current status of attempts on the following XDA Developers thread. S3 owners on any other networks would be advised to search XDA for any other bricking cases before proceeding. My thanks to AndroidPIT reader Amir Y for bringing this to my attention!

Have you been suffering from the Android 4.3 update? Has it prompted you to start flashing your own firmware?

Top Samsung Galaxy Watches: Choosing Your Best Fit

  2023 models 2023 models 2022 models 2022 models 2021 models 2021 models
Product
Image Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Product Image Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic Product Image Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Product Image Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro Product Image Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Product Image Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic Product Image
Review
Review: Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
Not yet tested
Not yet tested
Review: Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro
Review: Samsung Galaxy Watch 4
Not yet tested
Offers*
Go to comment (106)
Kris Carlon

Kris Carlon
Senior Editor

Kris is a former AndroidPIT Editor who came to the team via a lengthy period spent traveling and relying on technology to keep him in touch with the outside world. He can usually be found juggling three phones at once and poring over G+ posts, Reddit and RSS feeds.

View all articles
Liked this article? Share now!
Recommended articles
Latest articles
Push notification Next article
106 comments
Write new comment:
All changes will be saved. No drafts are saved when editing
Write new comment:
All changes will be saved. No drafts are saved when editing

  • 1
    Abdullah Jr Feb 11, 2015 Link to comment

    Hi cris karlon
    I hv a galaxy s3 I updates it to 4.3 before it was on 4.1.2.
    I upgraded it automatically from the software update
    but I want to go back to 4.1.2
    can I downgrade it by using odin since I dint update it manually through odin
    pls help thx:)


  • 1
    Aimen Hassen Jan 4, 2015 Link to comment

    hello there..I was trying to downgrade my i9300 from 4.3 to 4.1.2 and I did every thing right but it keeps saying fail. if it helps my s3 in download mode it says..
    odin mode
    product name sgh i747
    custom binary download: yes(8 counts)
    current binary : custom
    system status:cus
    Qualcomm secure boot: enable
    warranty bit: 1
    boot loader rp swrev: 2


  • 1
    nikhil goel Sep 17, 2014 Link to comment

    Hi,

    I have Samsung galaxy S3 purchased in December 2012 from Australia. I am not able to update the android version and it is struck on version 4.1.2. Whenever I try to update the s/w it says latest version has already been installed on your phone. I also tried updating the firmware using Kies but there also the same message :(

    Can any android czars pls help.

    Thanks


    • Kris Carlon 35
      Kris Carlon Sep 17, 2014 Link to comment

      Hi @Nikhil, what is the model number? If you have the standard I9300 model then you should be able to upgrade to 4.3 at least. KitKat will not be available for S3's with only 1 GB of RAM, but if you have the LTE version with 1.5 GB of RAM then you can get KitKat. I'm not sure why Kies would be telling you that you have the latest version at 4.1.2? Visit SamMobile's firmware page and enter your specific model number to see what the latest firmware is.


      • 1
        nikhil goel Sep 17, 2014 Link to comment

        Hi Kris, Thanks for your quick response.

        The model number is GT-I9300. Yes I understand I can't have the Kitkat 4.4 for my phone but atleast 4.3 should be upgraded.

        I checked the samMobile's firmware page and as expected it is out of date.

        http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/1/?model=GT-I9300&pcode=0#firmware

        How to update the firmware now ? Tried all the steps using kies.

        Thanks
        NG


      • Kris Carlon 35
        Kris Carlon Sep 17, 2014 Link to comment

        You can also use Odin to push the firmware. Here's a guide I wrote a while back (it was for downgrading though, so just make the appropriate changes): http://www.androidpit.com/how-to-downgrade-galaxy-s3
        Best of luck!


  • 1
    Tammy Jul 9, 2014 Link to comment

    Hello. I did everything like it`s written, but on my phone it says firmware not supported or something like that, when in download mode. Why is that? Does it have to be same version as 4.3 when downloading 4.1.2? Like if you have H3G version of 4.3. Than you.


  • 2
    Joseph DiDario Jun 24, 2014 Link to comment

    I'm actually looking to get CyanogenMod 11 onto my Samsung Galaxy S3 (SCH-535) Verizon. I've gotten ODIN up and running. it connects and begins transfer, but I keep getting Secure Check Fail : Recovery or Auth Fail on ODIN
    I also just read some information saying that its not possible to install CyanogenMod if you are running Android 4.3 ... the whole reason I wanted CyanogenMod was to get to 4.4.2 because the OTA update doesn't want to install, it keeps failing. So I tried to do a factory reset, but even that fails. Luckily I can still boot back up into the existing software.
    I'm now doing a software repair through the Verizon Software Repair Assistant, hoping to at least be able to take the OTA to 4.4.2 if this manages to fix everything.


    • Kris Carlon 35
      Kris Carlon Jun 24, 2014 Link to comment

      @Joseph, what was the reason your read why you can't flash CyanogenMod on Android 4.3? It shouldn't make any difference what version you're on, you simply root and ROM and that's it. Perhaps what you read was talking about Knox?


  • 32
    Deactivated Account Jun 12, 2014 Link to comment

    Downgrading from 4.3 to 4.1 will damage the EFS folder which holds the IMEI number
    you can only downgrade if you have an EFS backup of 4.1 .
    Here EFSv1 changes To EFSv2 while upgrading to 4.3.
    IF you have accidentally downgraded you can upgrade back to 4.3 to solve the problem


    • 1
      Per Nordentoft Nov 30, 2015 Link to comment

      How can i get a new EFS folder. I don't have a backup of this... Can i use one from another phone?


  • 1
    gsn May 6, 2014 Link to comment

    Hi Kris I am From India My Mobile Samsung galaxy s3 Andriod 4.3 i downgrade to 4.1.2 but my imei number crash if i upgrade again 4.3 can i get my orginal imei number plz help me how to slove the problem Thanks


    • 32
      Deactivated Account Jun 12, 2014 Link to comment

      IF you have accidentally downgraded you can upgrade to solve the problem


  • 2
    Jeferson Arante Apr 15, 2014 Link to comment

    502 Bad Gateway , onde conseguir firmware 4.1 para s3 ??? aparece esse erro na pagina que está postado. 502 Bad Gateway


  • 2
    PointyEared BowTwanger Mar 31, 2014 Link to comment

    I'm with many others here. Against my better judgement I upgraded to 4.3 and now wish I hadn't. The ONE thing I actually wanted it to do doesn't work, and I'm finding the lack of customisation and the changes to the visuals extremely annoying. I tried to follow your steps to downgrade, but I stumbled at the first hurdle - your link to the Odin program went to a notice about the site being taken down by the US courts. I have no idea where else to go to find this program or information. I keep hearing talk of rooting and ROMs but I don't actually know what these are (I'm not stupid, I was just happy with my phone as it was and obviously hadn't looked enough into customisation for it), so I really don't know what to do.


  • 1
    Timber14 Mar 25, 2014 Link to comment

    HELP! i have recently updated my samsung s3 to the latest version 4.3 but i hate it! i tried to downgrade using your steps above but it didnt downgrade. But has reset everything please help me!


  • 1
    Ge Ge Mar 16, 2014 Link to comment

    HELP!! I have S3 on T-mobile UK (factory unlocked) done step by step downgrade from 4.3 to 4.1.2 and whats happened- lost my imei its starts now 0049.... and i cant make calls. its showing signal bars but emergency call only cant register to any network. i have download software I9300XXELLA_I9300TMUELL1_TMU. please anyone can help me what can i do now to get my phone back working. ( dont have backup) :(:(:(:(:((:!!!HELP!!!!


  • 1
    viraghg Mar 5, 2014 Link to comment

    Hi there! I've read your article and i need some help. I want to downgrade my i747m (s3 canada) from 4.3 to 4.1.1 and i've done everything exactly like you said, but no matter which firmware i try (yes they are exactly for my phone and carrier) i get the failed message from odin half a minute after clicking the start button. what am i doing wrong? i'm using an original samsung cable and i tried multiple usb ports


    • My1 37
      My1 Mar 10, 2014 Link to comment

      maybe they have locked it.
      but I dont know...


  • 2
    sunny61 Mar 4, 2014 Link to comment

    Philipp I have the US version for T-Mobile model SHG-M919. thank you.


    • 2
      sunny61 Mar 6, 2014 Link to comment

      Please ignore my question to downgrade or re-flash the same f/w. I performed a factory reset 2 times and its seems to have resolved the dial-pad / contacts problem I was having.


    • 2
      sunny61 Mar 6, 2014 Link to comment

      Please ignore my question to downgrade or re-flash the same f/w. I performed a factory reset 2 times and its seems to have resolved the dial-pad / contacts problem I was having.


  • 2
    sunny61 Mar 4, 2014 Link to comment

    Hi, I have S4 that has become pretty much useless after upgrading to 4.3. Major problem is I cannot get to the dial pad or launch the contacts/ call history screen... I have to resort to viewing text msgs from saved contacts to be able to call someone, there is other issues too but this one is critical for me.

    Help me here... from what i have been reading I understand it is impossible to downgrade to the previous version due to KNOX and KIES? So what I want to know is, can I force the phone to download and reload 4.3 again after I have wiped it too factory defaults? Can I RE-INSTALL update 4.3 again? Is there a way to re-flash of the current firmware and how can I accomplish this?


    • My1 37
      My1 Mar 4, 2014 Link to comment

      well, for starters give this is for S3. so please give us an info WHICH S4 you have (international Exynos/Snapdragon, Verizon etc.)


  • 1
    Iluvgirlsfeet Yumm Feb 28, 2014 Link to comment

    I once "flashed my firmware" down at the local train station. ..and was promptly "assholed" out of the place!am suffering as a result of aforementioned flash of firmware. .


    • My1 37
      My1 Feb 28, 2014 Link to comment

      that's why you do that at home when you have plenty of Time and a fast and reliable internet connection


  • younus 3
    younus Feb 26, 2014 Link to comment

    once you upgrade you cannot degrade. so its better you should go to samsung repair they'll do something if its still under warranty. i have done the samething lost my contacts and dialer wont open and contacts too. @Mark C


    • 1
      Mark C Feb 27, 2014 Link to comment

      Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately I'm out of warranty. But I did see some post where people successfully downgraded to 4.1.2 from a 4.3. Not sure if swapping different modem file for other country will help.

      Any ideas?


  • 1
    Mark C Feb 26, 2014 Link to comment

    Hi Guys! I have a Galaxy S3 which was upgraded via OTA to 4.3 (I9300XXUGML3) official firmware for XME (non-rooted) phone. After the upgrade, the phone gets hot with the WiFi switched ON. It cools down when WiFi is OFF. The phone also becomes sluggish, man it was frustrating.

    Decided to downgrade back to 4.1.2 XME (I9300XXEMF6) from Sam's. This was done using Odin, followed the following steps:
    1. Factory reset and wipe Cache
    2. Flashed using Odin to I9300XXEMF6
    3. Wipe Cache and Factory Reset
    4. Let phone boot normally.

    All was fast and fine except: the phone was no longer able to register on the network.

    It shows the signal strength but cannot register hence cannot make phone calls. Tried to re-flash again and also tried a version before this but all attempts failed. Finally I took the modem.bin file from the 4.3 firmware and flashed into the 4.1.2 and the mobile is registered.

    The remaining problem is it's mobile data is not working. It can make calls but its data is not there. It does not show the "data" symbol like the "E" or "H+" or "3G".

    Can anyone kindly point me the right direction to this problem?
    Thanks in advance!


  • 1
    Hiba Issa Feb 22, 2014 Link to comment

    Hello, I did the above and my phone is back to working properly but there's this problem. I can only make emergency calls. I can't seem to use my SIM eventhough the bars do show. I tried using a different SIM, cleaning the SIM, rebooting a lot and even factory resetting it.. no use. Can you please help?


  • 1
    Maryrose Matanza Feb 21, 2014 Link to comment

    Ive been reading all these comments and it looks like ive joined in on the "4.3 issues" bandwagon. I have an ATT provider and like you mentioned, it is not recommended to downgrade back to 4.1.2! I guess im stuck with 4.3 (to play it safe) i will have to wait for a better software update..


    • Kris Carlon 35
      Kris Carlon Feb 21, 2014 Link to comment

      Hi MaryRose, well apparently a couple of American carriers have started pushing the Android 4.4.2 update to the S4, so hopefully the S3 will be next on the list and you won't have to wait too long.


  • 1
    Kevin Apana-Korley Feb 15, 2014 Link to comment

    Hi @Kris. I just wanted to know if I'll be able to unlock the bootloader and re-root my phone if I downgrade. Also, how long does the site usually take to finish construction, since it has been down since yesterday. Or are there other sites where I can get the firmware? Thanks!


    • My1 37
      My1 Feb 17, 2014 Link to comment

      S3 has no locked bootloader, so...


    • Kris Carlon 35
      Kris Carlon Feb 17, 2014 Link to comment

      Hi @Kevin, I see no reason you wouldn't be able to unlock the bootloader once you downgrade seeing it is still Samsung firmware you're flashing. Same goes for rooting (but you should keep root anyway). I know there's some S3's with bootloader issues, but that would be country and carrier specific. The Sam Mobile firmware page is back up already.


  • 1
    Maria Herrera Feb 15, 2014 Link to comment

    The link for the firmware download is down.. how can I download it PLEASE help. I hate the new update.


    • Kris Carlon 35
      Kris Carlon Feb 15, 2014 Link to comment

      Hi @Maria, I wouldn't worry too much, the site will undoubtedly be back up soon enough. It says under construction so Sam Mobile are probably just upgrading their servers or something. Keep an eye on it.


  • 1
    Hannah Ruiz Feb 8, 2014 Link to comment

    Here's what happened to me. I did my research re: the downgrade, and called my carrier. They not only gave me the go ahead, but gave me the address for this article also. I followed the intructions word for word and now my phone is rooted. Called tech support through carrier, we could not get the phone to hard reset no matter how many times we tried. They sent me to the store (a radio shack as there are no retail stores within 50 miles of where I live) where I got the device from, only to find out that they had gotten rid of their tech support 2 weeks earlier. The next morning I called tech support back and was then told that I can't downgrade the OS and that I should call Samsung as my device was within the one year warranty. Well I called Samsung, told them my issue and they tried a few things and then told me that what I had done (rooted the phone) had voided my warranty. They then proceeded to tell me to call my carrier back and get a replacement as they should not have given me permission to do this process. After a couple of dropped calls I finally got to the correct person and they did their claims investigation and found I was telling the truth and they are now sending me a new device.

    To those of you that have permission from your carrier and think you know what your doing, don't. It's nothing but trouble and not worth the stress. I can only imagine what would be happening if I hadn't called and that customer rep had not given me the go ahead. I'd be stuck in a new 2 yr contract with no way to replace my device. I was lucky.


  • 1
    Chris Herrera Jan 24, 2014 Link to comment

    Hello @Kris

    Im having a really scary problem. I did the step and followed every-single step and it work. Thank you for that. But the problem is that my play store is not working. I tryed a factory reset, but still. My Play store is not working, everytime i open it, it closes at the same time.

    Please help... :(


  • 1
    P Sandhu Jan 22, 2014 Link to comment

    Hello, I (stupidly) updated OTA to 4.3 the other day, and now desperately want to go back to what it was!!! what I just wanted to check before going through the steps above, if there are any known problems with doing this in the UK on the T mobile (EE) network. If it helps, the model number is GT-I9305. I've read a few bits on XDA developers forum which says that due to the KNOX thing that's been added to 4.3 trying to downgrade could result in a bricked phone which I obviously want to avoid!!! However your above steps seem too simple not to try it!

    Appreciate your comments

    P


    • Kris Carlon 35
      Kris Carlon Jan 23, 2014 Link to comment

      I haven't heard about any issues downgrading a UK international S3, but you've done the right thing by reading XDA. The only brick problems I'm aware of are the carrier-locked US versions. But unfortunately I can't guarantee it'll be smooth sailing as i don't have a UK S3 to try it out on.


  • 1
    Chris Cowgill Jan 18, 2014 Link to comment

    I have been trying to follow the above steps as well, without any luck. at first I was trying Odin 3.09, it doesnt have a pda option, so I found a version 3.04 and started that. it has the pda option, but when I add the version for the SCH-I535 I downloaded from sammobile.com. when it tries to load it it tells me the checksum is invalid. I have no idea what this means, but I cant get the firmware to downgrade. Any direction you can provide would be greatly appreciated.


    • My1 37
      My1 Jan 19, 2014 Link to comment

      on the newer versions I think it was the AP button since they renamed a bit there...

      @Kris Carlon, you could mention that as well...


    • Kris Carlon 35
      Kris Carlon Jan 20, 2014 Link to comment

      Hi @Chris, @Philipp is absolutely correct, PDA is called AP in newer versions of Odin (v3.09). I've changed it in the article to avoid any further confusion.


  • 1
    Cris Robbins Jan 12, 2014 Link to comment

    So, I upgraded to 4.3 and really wish I hadn't now. I was running CleanROM 7 and was quite happy with it. Anyhow, I have the US Verizon SCH-i535 currently with Android 4.3 and it is not rooted yet. (I bought it last year when it had Android 4.0.4). I've been trying to downgrade back to 4.1.2 without success following the steps you outlined above. ODIN fails and the ODIN screen on the phone adds a new line "SW REV CHECK FAIL : Fused 1 > Binary 0". I can use ODIN to put 4.3 back on it without any issues.

    I have read a few articles that have said that once you have 4.3, you're stuck with it. At least on the VZW variant. I'm wondering if the KNOX program is preventing ODIN from performing the downgrade. I can successfully root the phone using Saferoot, which disables KNOX and installs SuperSU, but I didn't think root would be required if I'm installing an official ROM.

    Any insight you could provide would be appreciated.

    Thanks


  • 1
    Ej I Jan 11, 2014 Link to comment

    Thanks! Don't know if you know the answer to this question but if I am able to unlock the phone, will I be able to still use my previous SIM card since they did nothing to the SIM itself. I read on how to enter in the unlock code and it said I would need to put in a different SIM to enter in the unlock code. Thanks for helping


  • 1
    Ej I Jan 10, 2014 Link to comment

    Okay good. I had bought the phone used it for months and the last night tmobile locks the phone. The previous owner had a bill on their account so tmobile won't unlock it. Had to do research on how to unlock myself.


    • Kris Carlon 35
      Kris Carlon Jan 10, 2014 Link to comment

      Yeah, generally speaking you don't need to be rooted to flash custom ROMs or downgrade. Downgrading is still using an official firmware version so an unlocked bootloader shouldn't even be necessary, especially if you do it using Odin. But i know some carriers have locked S3's so... Good luck.


  • 1
    Ej I Jan 10, 2014 Link to comment

    Does your S3 have to be rooted in order to downgrade the version?


    • My1 37
      My1 Jan 10, 2014 Link to comment

      I dont think so...


  • 1
    Beavis Yaj Dec 20, 2013 Link to comment

    can someone tell me if this works for a Note 2 t889 from tmobile?


  • 1
    Tee Dec 19, 2013 Link to comment

    Hey Kris,
    Just wanted to notify you about my situation....I was running JB 4.3 and I got really frustrated with its performance, lag, and everything else that came with the OTA update. Hence I went about looking for ways to improve my phone's performance. I must admit I'm rather new to rooting so I am not too well-versed in this topic. So here's what I did....I managed to root my phone (Sprint Samsung Galaxy S3) with no issues at all and I installed a custom recovery into my phone (CWM recovery), which also went smoothly. So I had a rooted Sprint Galaxy S3 running Jelly Bean 4.3 with a custom recovery so I could flash custom ROMs.
    Then I saw numerous threads about trying to flash ROMs with 4.3 and bricked devices etc so I thought I'd revert back to my good old 4.1.2 using your aforementioned method. However, when I followed your steps, I got a bricked phone. Is there something wrong I did previous to following your method? I have read somewhere else that 4.3 came with a new bootloader or something so if anyone tries to downgrade to a lower version of Android, they probably will have a big problem to deal with.
    Please clarify! Thank you!


  • 1
    Jody B Dec 18, 2013 Link to comment

    I have never been able to get this to work, what providers are the phones on your are using. I have tried Bell Canada, Rogers Canada and could not get S3 i747m from either provider to downgrade from 4.3 to anything lower. Every time I try the process fails very soon after starting Odin and then the phone will not load, just says connect to kies to recover, which does not work. The only way I can get the phones working again is to go back to 4.3. I am able to get it into download mode after removing the battery for a while and then holding the keys down as usual. Once I do reload 4.3 I notice that all of the data is still there (contacts, ext) so it seems that nothing is happening except messing up the booting of the phone. Has anyone had any luck with Canadian providers or are the successes only with U.S. providers ?


    • Kris Carlon 35
      Kris Carlon Dec 18, 2013 Link to comment

      Hi @Jody, I'm not sure which carrier handsets are ok with downgrading, just that it's a bad move if you have an AT&T S3. I'm in Europe so I can't check either, but hopefully some of our readers can give you some feedback - I know the downgrade process works for a lot of people but not everyone. Guys?


  • 1
    Syuqri Rosli Dec 18, 2013 Link to comment

    im also downgraded from 4.3 to 4.1.2 but my phone cant access to my network, emergency calls only, how can i fix it?


  • 1
    Drew Taylor Dec 15, 2013 Link to comment

    I'm downgrading my ATT gs3 and I've done all the steps bit every time I try to flash it in Odin it says "failed"


  • 1
    Shenango Dec 9, 2013 Link to comment

    I appreciate your warning to AT&T OTA upgraders to 4.3, Kris, you probably saved me from bricking my phone. The only problem now is that I'm stuck with the 4.3 graphical interface, which I absolutely hate. I seriously use the phone much less now I hate the changes so much. Unlike other users I haven't had any technical problems with the updgrade, but I still miss the old look and want to downgrade very badly.

    The forum threads on xda-developers are drying up about this. Any word on a possible downgrade solution from Samsung? Do you think it's even possible that they will offer one, given that we are on Anroid 4.3, and it doesn't seem like they've ever offered the option to downgrade any OS update?


    • Kris Carlon 35
      Kris Carlon Dec 11, 2013 Link to comment

      Hey @Shenango, I seriously doubt there would be a downgrade option. Onwards and upwards seems to be the attitude, even if upwards is more like downwards. But the fixes will come, Samsung can't ignore their customers forever. As for the interface, you could flash a custom ROM and get any interface you like, or you could install an alternative launcher to get a different feel on top of TouchWiz - there's plenty of great free ones to choose from.


      • 1
        Shenango Dec 13, 2013 Link to comment

        So downgrading the OS is not the same as flashing an alternative ROM? I won't be affected by the locked bootloader problem that bricked the phones of those who tried to downgrade the OS?

        I'm good with computers, but relatively new to the smartphone business. Could you recommend any links with step-by-step instructions on how to flash a new ROM?


      • Kris Carlon 35
        Kris Carlon Dec 13, 2013 Link to comment

        Hi @Shenango, you need to have the bootloader unlocked to flash a custom ROM, but flashing Samsung firmware, new or old, is official so it shouldn't be a problem as you'd be doing it via Kies. I'm no expert on American carrier protections though, so read up on XDA first on the locked bootloader issue! If you want to flash an alternative ROM, like CyanogenMod or Paranoid Android, OmniROM or MIUI etc, you'd need to have the bootloader unlocked so you can replace the ROM the phone boots from. If you have the AT&T S3 you can trawl through ages of Android development threads on XDA here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s3-att/development


  • 1
    Doug hansen Dec 5, 2013 Link to comment

    When i try to download the files from http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/1/, i get a message saying that the site could not be found! Where else can i get this file from. I have looked all day and no luck!


  • Koestline S 2
    Koestline S Dec 3, 2013 Link to comment

    Please can anyone answer me, on this question from week ago??? @Kris

    //www.androidpit.com/how-to-downgrade-galaxy-s3#comment664243


    • Kris Carlon 35
      Kris Carlon Dec 4, 2013 Link to comment

      Hi @Koestline S, I answered your question above. Sorry I missed it.


  • 1
    dinca dragos Nov 29, 2013 Link to comment

    I have s3 int version and dowgradeing bricked my phone. to be more specific dwngrd erased my imei and another one was written, one with 049... nothing worked for me, nor reinstaling 4.3, not even stock rom. reseting made nithing. so I went to someone with a tool box and rewrite my imei so I can use my phone again and downgrade also to 4.1.2. couple of my friends haf exactly my problem so be awere of downgrade will ruin your phone.


    • Kris Carlon 35
      Kris Carlon Dec 4, 2013 Link to comment

      Hey @Dinca, glad you got your IMEI back. I hadn't heard about this problem before but the toolbox tip to rewrite your IMEI is a good one for anyone else who might have the same issue. Did you add it to the forum thread? Just search for ''Samsung's botched Android 4.3 update fiasco'' - it'd be good to share the tip.


  • 1
    Chris Holmes Nov 27, 2013 Link to comment

    I got the samsung galaxy s4 on the 14th of last month and loved the phone. About 2 weeks ago i got the new 4.3 update and now I am starting to see alot of the things I dont like about the phone. Can someone help me get it back to the previous system?


    • Kris Carlon 35
      Kris Carlon Nov 29, 2013 Link to comment

      Hey @Chris, you have half of the modding world on your side, but as yet there's no exploit I know of to get rid of Knox and downgrade. Unfortunately you're just stuck with 4.3 unless you want to root and ROM your S4, but thanks to Knox this will void your warranty. So I guess you need to decide if you want to take things into your own hands or put them back in Samsung's until they come up with a fix.


  • 1
    Vali Nov 27, 2013 Link to comment

    Hello Kris I a have a Samsung GS3 on Vodafone and I manage to do the downgrade before seeing that it will brick my phone. What can I do now as I cannot innitiate or receive any calls. Help....


    • Kris Carlon 35
      Kris Carlon Nov 29, 2013 Link to comment

      Hi @Vali, so you're in the UK? Did you make sure you had the correct firmware? Have you tried a factory reset or custom recovery? You can always re-update to 4.3 via Kies or Odin.


  • 3
    Kannan Nov 26, 2013 Link to comment

    Is that any idea 4.3 jellybean in Note 2.im using O2 carrier and im living in Germany. everyday im checking in my OTA updates:-( but nothing, im little scare to do by unofficial ( like from downloading from Sam mobile, bcz im not tht much aware of these installation) as you mentioned above. if anyone knows plx help me.


    • Kris Carlon 35
      Kris Carlon Nov 29, 2013 Link to comment

      Hey @Kannan, taking your time and playing it safe is perfectly fine, especially if it gives you time to assess how good the update is before you put it on your phone. I would suggest checking out O2's website and any support forums and making sure those on the network who have received the update are reporting it is working well before you go ahead and install it on your phone. While being an early adopter can be a great thing, sometimes it can simply make you an example for others to avoid.


  • 1
    mumin aslam Nov 26, 2013 Link to comment

    my note 2 is branded phone by samsung and I installed jelly bean 4.3 also official update by samsung to india. but I can't downgrade to 4.1.2 knox security is blocking. does your at&t firmware will work?


  • 1
    Amir Y Nov 26, 2013 Link to comment

    Hi Chris,

    Trying to downgrade from OTA 4.3 to 4.1.2 for AT&T customers will result in a bricked phone.
    http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2537910

    You may want to update your post so people don't brick their phones...
    If someone finds a way to downgrade AT&T S3s that would be great!


    • Kris Carlon 35
      Kris Carlon Nov 26, 2013 Link to comment

      Many thanks @Amir for the tip. Article amended and kudos given. Cheers!


      • My1 37
        My1 Nov 26, 2013 Link to comment

        that's why I hate americans getting whole new phones? cant they just stick with the International variant and do some software branding like all others do???


  • 1
    mumin aslam Nov 26, 2013 Link to comment

    I am using a samsung galaxy note 2 with jelly bean 4.3. Now fully dissapointed on that. so I tried to downgrade the os, but knox security is blocking. please help me


  • 1
    Seth Nov 24, 2013 Link to comment

    So this is supposed to work for any Samsung device? I'm pretty sure that the MI1 build on the S4 made it impossible to roll back to previous builds.


    • Kris Carlon 35
      Kris Carlon Nov 25, 2013 Link to comment

      Actually, you are right @Seth. The S4 bootloader is still locked with no exploit I'm aware of yet (not that I've really looked because I don't own one!). But there's various Knox disablers either in the Play Store (we also have an article with a few methods) or on XDA Developers. As far as I'm aware there's still no hack for resetting the flash counter with Knox though, so while you may be able to disable Knox and reflash older firmware you will void your warranty until the Knox hack appears. But I haven't tried this on an S4 so I can't say for sure and much of what I've read about attempts on XDA have not produced any downgrade love.


  • 1
    Davy Garrett Nov 22, 2013 Link to comment

    cheers for doing this tutorial... My S3 is sim locked to t-mobile UK, will I still be able to perform this downgrade back to 4.1.2 using the tutorial?, willl i lose the IMEI number and will the downgrade affect the EFS folder? and modem?, and there is a few 4.1.2 firmwares over at Sams, how am i know which one is the correct one?, as you may have already guessed I am a complete noob at all this...


  • 2
    lorna walsh Nov 21, 2013 Link to comment

    Can they do a down grade so all we have to do is just do it like the software update


  • 1
    Saipul Nurhan Nov 21, 2013 Link to comment

    Hello...im upgrade my s3 to 4.3 ireland version..i want to downgrade to 4.1.2 back...but when i connect my phone to laptop what happen is odin cannot detect my phone..usb debuging cannot use...why???


    • Kris Carlon 35
      Kris Carlon Nov 21, 2013 Link to comment

      Hi @Saipul, do you have USB Debugging enabled on your S3? You access it through Developer Options in Settings. If you don't already see that option, go to your About Device settings and tap the build number until the option appears. Then you should be good to go.


      • 1
        Saipul Nurhan Nov 21, 2013 Link to comment

        I already do as what you say...but odin still cannot detect...im confuse...please help me


  • 2
    lorna walsh Nov 21, 2013 Link to comment

    not impressed what you have to go through all this do your job and make it correct the wrong you done


    • Kris Carlon 35
      Kris Carlon Nov 21, 2013 Link to comment

      Agreed @Lorna, Samsung really needs to fix this quickly and make amends to their customers, although how I don't know. With many people simply having an unusable device until they get the update fixed, I don't really see how a gift card is going to cut it (if they even offer that - they may very well offer nothing). At the very least an apology and timeline for the fix should be forthcoming.


      • My1 37
        My1 Nov 21, 2013 Link to comment

        and show a way to downgrade without problems...


  • 1
    Chitrang Nov 21, 2013 Link to comment

    Thankyouu sooo sooo sooo much finnaly im back to 4.1.2 with all my imei nd everything in proper place :D you are best :D :D


    • Kris Carlon 35
      Kris Carlon Nov 21, 2013 Link to comment

      You're welcome @Chitrang, glad to help.


  • 2
    Daniel Stan Nov 21, 2013 Link to comment

    I am impressed with OPPO, who send their customers new software once every week or fortnight. I wonder, how do they manage to do it?!? And they are realy sending OTA some of the best features anybody would think of.


  • 2
    Daniel Stan Nov 21, 2013 Link to comment

    I am really disappointed with Samsung now!!! That's really disrespect towards us, their customers. I am now seriously going to consider another android producer for my next purchase. Probably Moto or LG or HTC. (Still never thinking to go that far to buy an iPhone because iPhones aren't worth their price )


  • 2
    Daniel Stan Nov 20, 2013 Link to comment

    Plus, I do have installed quite few mobile banking apps which wouldn't work any longer if I flash software and would at least need me to call the banks to cancel my registered accounts on that device and re-register again after the new soft is installed. While when upgrading OTA or via Kies won't need any re-set and other stress. Samsung shoul really consider properly before giving us rubbish. I've only had this device for les than a year and it behaves like a four years old device after receiving this 4.3 shite!!!


  • 1
    Apchus Afsu Nov 20, 2013 Link to comment

    i downloaded irland vdfne verson and when i instld 4.1 i am getting emergency calls only :(


    • Kris Carlon 35
      Kris Carlon Nov 21, 2013 Link to comment

      Hi @Apchus, so you're sure you got the correct firmware for your device/carrier?


      • 1
        Apchus Afsu Nov 21, 2013 Link to comment

        yes .sir xsg im frm uae


      • Kris Carlon 35
        Kris Carlon Nov 21, 2013 Link to comment

        Hold on, I'm confused. You're from UAE but you installed the Irish firmware for Vodafone? Is your S3 from Ireland on the Vodafone network or from the UAE? Could you clarify for me so I can help.


      • 1
        Ahmed Mekawy Nov 24, 2013 Link to comment

        yes and same problem here and my phone from KSA but i was wanna to try 4.3 firmware now im stock in emegency calls only when i'm back to 4.1.2 firmware


  • Kris Carlon 35
    Kris Carlon Nov 20, 2013 Link to comment

    Hey @Daniel, as I mentioned, the flash procedure will wipe your device, so you always need to backup first if you want your apps and data back. But you are right, Samsung should do an official OTA/Kies rollback, but I can't see them doing it quickly. After all, it took over two weeks to even get a statement from them acknowledging that there was a problem. Drastic times call for drastic measures


    • My1 37
      My1 Nov 21, 2013 Link to comment

      hey cris, not wanting to rant or alike, but why not use the new reply function???
      I mean, you're an admin so you should know about it...


    • Koestline S 2
      Koestline S Nov 23, 2013 Link to comment

      Hello, i have strange problem with my s3, well i flash 4.3 update trough CM. I backup first, but when my phone started all my data was deleted, Wi-Fi doesn't work, mobile data also , I couldn't go to settings it crashes every time I try to go to settings. So decide to try to restore my settings and it worked, my data was restored and JB 4.1.2.. But now I have issues: every few day my phone changes language to Russian by itself, than every time when I have incoming call first few seconds on my display shows as it is still 4.3 update (that blue display with rising answering circle) after 5-7 seconds it gets back to normal 4.1.2. answering screen; than applications chrashes all the time,; all sistem is very much slower; sometimes battery won't charge.
      I would really really need some help.
      Im kinda scared to try to flash something in it again or unroot the device, couse it may whipped my data again for real.
      Pleaase any suggestion is welcomed. As tutorial.
      Thank you very much.


      • Kris Carlon 35
        Kris Carlon Dec 4, 2013 Link to comment

        Hi @Koestline S, sorry I missed your question. Let me get this straight: you were on 4.1.2 previously, manually flashed the official 4.3 update with ClockworkMod and had issues, so you reverted back to (official?) Samsung 4.1.2 and now have the issues you mentioned? Have you tried to reflash 4.1.2 again? Don't be afraid of flashing something else if you've already done a full backup before you started - you'll always have that safe! I would suggest doing a factory reset/cache and data wipe (twice, just to be sure) and then flash either 4.1.2 or 4.3 (whichever one you want to try, just make sure it's the right firmware for your model/carrier) and then factory reset/data wipe again immediately after flashing, reboot and see how you go. There's also a stable version of the 4.3 firmware coming out for Samsung devices. You could check Sam Mobile's firmware page for your country/carrier.


      • Koestline S 2
        Koestline S Dec 4, 2013 Link to comment

        Thank you, for your answer. As I have mention it before, yes I reverted back to official. My phone is still rooted, and it's on 4.1.2., but have those issues. So how can I get 4.3 and my data if I have backup (both normal one and titanium backup also)?


      • Kris Carlon 35
        Kris Carlon Dec 4, 2013 Link to comment

        Well I've just been reading comments on the ''stable'' update that's rolling out now and it doesn't seem to be any better (at least those people commenting are not happy). To get back to 4.3 (if you want to) just get the firmware from Sam Mobile's page and flash with Kies, or you can wait for the OTA update and hold your breath.


      • Koestline S 2
        Koestline S Dec 5, 2013 Link to comment

        Yes, I have been reading that also, crapy updat :\
        No I don't want to get back to 4.3, is just I want to fix this mixing firmares , and don't know how?


  • 2
    Daniel Stan Nov 20, 2013 Link to comment

    Yeah... but what happens to all the apps I have installed on my phone and all the Data of those apps?! Shouldn't Samsung push 4.1.2 via Kies or OTA again and replace this 4.3 rubbish?


    • 2
      Nicholas Peter PS Nov 25, 2013 Link to comment

      if u rooted your phone then make a titanium backup of your apps n data.
      since you are about to flash a stock rom u wil be able to update it to the upcoming updates from samsung :)

Write new comment:
All changes will be saved. No drafts are saved when editing