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Samsung Galaxy S3 Android update news

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The Samsung Galaxy S3 was originally offered with the Android Ice Cream operating system, and then received both the Jelly Bean and KitKat updates up to Android 4.4.4. The latter included an update to guard against the Stagefright exploit. Android Lollipop, Marshmallow and Nougat were not officially rolled out to the S3 but custom ROMs are available. A word of caution though: using custom ROMs will void any warranty you may have so make sure you've backed everything up before your flash your phone. Read on to find how to get the latest Android OS on your Galaxy S3 device.

Samsung Galaxy S3 Android update history 

  Android Ice Cream Android Jelly Bean Android 4.4.4 KitKat Android Lollipop Android Marshmallow Android Nougat
Samsung Galaxy S3 Yes Yes Yes No No No

Android Nougat on the Samsung Galaxy S3

The Galaxy S3 will most likely not be getting the Android 7.0 Nougat update (as it didn't receive Marshmallow or Lollipop either) but fear not, you can still get Nougat on your device using a custom ROM. 

There are several guides available for how to get Nougat on your Galaxy S3 (7.0, 7.0.1. and 7.1.1) and Lineage OS (formerly CyanogenMod) has also released CyanogenMod 14, which you can install on your Galaxy S3 to get Nougat. It should be noted though that the CyanogenMod 14 ROM is an early build and still contains bugs.

Android Marshmallow on the Samsung Galaxy S3

The Galaxy S3 did not receive an official update to Android 6.0 Marshmallow. However, the XDA Developers forum has an AOSP custom ROM to get Android Marshmallow on your Samsung Galaxy S3. 

CyanogenMod also released its CyanogenMod 13 update (based on Android Marshmallow) to the i9300 model of the Samsung Galaxy S3. 

20141105 IMGL8348
The Samsung Galaxy S3 won't be getting an official Marshmallow update. / © NextPit

Android Lollipop on the Samsung Galaxy S3

In summer 2015, it was unfortunately announced that the Samsung Galaxy S3 would not be getting the Android Lollipop update. 

While the Samsung Galaxy S3 remains stuck on Android KitKat across the board, an update for bearing a security path for the Stagefright exploit should have been received by all Galaxy S3 handsets. 

However, there is a custom version of Android 5.0 Lollipop available for the Galaxy S3 (GT-I9300) through XDA Developers, which you can download now. Android developers created a CyanogenMod 12.1 build based on Android 5.1.1 Lollipop for rooted Galaxy S3 (GT-I9300) owners. It includes Lollipop additions such as the Material Design aesthetic and lock screen notifications.

Have you tried flashing a custom ROM on your Samsung Galaxy S3? What problems did you encounter? Let us know in the comments below. 

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74 comments
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  • 1
    Judi Norville 10 months ago Link to comment

    i used Samsung Galaxy S3 with Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich OS. I used Mod's android software with many utilities


  • 2
    Aamir Ayaz Feb 26, 2016 Link to comment

    I want lollipop version for samsung galaxy s3
    Please. give send me version 5.1

    Matthew Brown


    • 24
      Deactivated Account Mar 20, 2017 Link to comment

      your best bet it so check out XDA forums and install a custom rom


  • COD GHOSTS 2 1
    COD GHOSTS 2 Jan 20, 2016 Link to comment

    i have Samsung galaxy s3 AT&T and have android version 4.4.2 2015 and i want to lollipop version 5.0.2 for galaxy s3


  • 2
    matumarip Jan 3, 2016 Link to comment

    i want to lollipop version for galaxy s3


  • Ameet Kumar 1
    Ameet Kumar Jan 1, 2016 Link to comment

    I have GT-I9300 device . I am using jellybean 4.3 how can i get lollipop 5.1 can you please advice me :) ???


  • 3
    niaz ahmed Dec 10, 2015 Link to comment

    Where have to find updating file ?😕


  • 2
    matumarip Dec 9, 2015 Link to comment

    I want lollipop version for samsung galaxy s3
    Please. give send me


  • 1
    Pete Painter Dec 8, 2015 Link to comment

    Hi,

    I am new to Android platform - have been given an old S3 which I have managed to "soft brick" and fix thanks to lots of reading and you tube videos.
    I have 4.3 on phone .
    My problem is i cant get jbed to work - i get it installed but it stops working. I need to get a working version of Java and any working alternatives would be great.
    Also should i change to 4.4 and if so where is the best place to start. Could i still install java
    All help much appreciated from this android newbie - who is seriously considering replacing the iphone 5 with a android device!!!


  • 5
    George Mifsud Nov 24, 2015 Link to comment

    Hi is there any updates for S3 I9301L?


  • PHILIP CRAWFORD 1
    PHILIP CRAWFORD Nov 18, 2015 Link to comment

    I notice Android Phones will not up date on the OS like iPhone does on the iOS when it is just iPod for I still have my Samsung Galaxy S3 which don't up date no more since it just iPod like it did on my iPhone 4 after it was iPod since 2013


    • 1
      zahid1974 Sep 22, 2019 Link to comment

      zhd1891@gmail.com


  • 2
    Hasaan Khan Oct 3, 2015 Link to comment

    hey guys is it necessary to root my S3 before upgrading jelly bean to kitkat ??


    • 1
      Ron Takhan Feb 21, 2016 Link to comment

      Yup,you have to,,root 1st


  • 2
    Hasaan Khan Oct 3, 2015 Link to comment

    hey guys is it necessary to root my S3 before upgrading jelly bean to kitkat ??


  • 1
    Alan Rouse Sep 12, 2015 Link to comment

    I have upgraded my Galaxy S3 to CM12.1 Android 5.1.1. Everything seems to work correctly but I can't connect to a PC (Windows 10) through a USB lead. The PC recognises that the phone is connected and tries loading the driver, but Device Manager reports it under Universal Serial Bus Controllers as "Unknown USB Device (Set Address Failed)". Any ideas?


    • 1
      Kernel Sanders Sep 18, 2015 Link to comment

      Download Samsung keys on your computer it should have all the necessary drivers. Try changing to a different USB cable, the stock one works best if it is in good repair. Are you connected to a USB 2.0? Try to connect to a different port with USB 2.0 support.


    • 1
      Ron Takhan Feb 21, 2016 Link to comment

      Right via Kies app.,,goodluvk


  • 3
    Nuno Marques Aug 17, 2015 Link to comment

    Hi, I have installed android on my S3 i9300 and everything was working fine but bluetooth. Didnt worked. So I have to reinstall the original rom. It connected to my car but the sound was horrible. Anyone with the same problem?


    • 1
      Digi Tair Sep 1, 2015 Link to comment

      I do have the same problem on my Galaxy S3 with the CM 11 Rom installed. To solve this, I need to switch my network from 3G to 2G.
      Hope this will do the trick for you also.


      • 3
        Nuno Marques Sep 2, 2015 Link to comment

        So, you have installed android 4.4 kitkat and to solve the problem with bluetooth not working you switch the network from 3G to 2G?
        So you will get less speed on internet but bluetooth working properly?
        Thanks


  • 1
    Tod Gumtau Aug 15, 2015 Link to comment

    i have it installed with galaxy s3 running 5.1 for the last month it works good!


    • 3
      Nuno Marques Aug 17, 2015 Link to comment

      IS your bluetooth working properly?


    • Junaid Butt 1
      Junaid Butt Jun 30, 2016 Link to comment

      h


  • 1
    Shameej Sha Aug 14, 2015 Link to comment

    I have s3 (19300) with version 4.3.when I update then told me "you have the last version".what can I do. .can I update to lollipop version


    • 2
      matumarip Jan 3, 2016 Link to comment

      i want to update lollipop version for galaxy s3


  • Hongvando 2
    Hongvando Jul 7, 2015 Link to comment

    Sao Samsung galaxy note2 Việt Nam chưa có bản 5.1 vẫn 4.4.2


  • 1
    Amr Elbatal Jun 27, 2015 Link to comment

    i have s3 I9300 with old version 4.1.2 when i update they told me " you have the last version " sos


  • 2
    Dr.jacky Mar 25, 2015 Link to comment

    My phone is Glaaxy S3 I9300 International, and when restore backup from my sdcard, it show a error :
    "error while flashing boot image"

    Deactivated Account


    • 1
      Deactivated Account Apr 24, 2015 Link to comment

      Just make a backup of your current setup, and copy the Android 5.0 files over your backup. The final step of flashing the kernel writes over the current boot image anyway.


  • 1
    Isuru Rajitha Feb 19, 2015 Link to comment

    i have s4 gti9515 lollipop not available my device


    • 1
      Artan Mehmeti Apr 14, 2015 Link to comment

      go to sammobile.com, write your phones model, and you will get the latest firmware !


  • 1
    Rashid Younus Feb 12, 2015 Link to comment

    Hello, I have Samsung Galaxy S3 SHG-i747 (AT&A) now i have to updated my Kitkat 4.4.2 to Lollipop updated. what should i do ? is there any chance damage my phone?


  • 1
    Junior Martinez Feb 3, 2015 Link to comment

    this rom works for sprint s3 L710


  • 1
    guri Jan 27, 2015 Link to comment

    Hi i have samsungS3 GT I9300 i want to update my phone now i have Android Version (4.3.), Based Band:- I9300DDUGNB1 so pls. help how to update my phone.


  • 1
    Asif Mitul Jan 6, 2015 Link to comment

    I am using S3 GT-19300T. I have installed "CYANOGENMOD" 4.4.4 rom. But I am it made my mobile useless. It removed my video call feature which was included with my dialer, removed my double screen feature, and also I cant store anything directly to micro sd card.

    Now I am downloading your rom. Can I get back all those my features?


  • 2
    AndrewK Jan 2, 2015 Link to comment

    So I have run into a unique problem. For some reason my Galaxy S3(sgh i747) will not connect to my computer through USB. I've tried a bunch of steps and I'm pretty much at the conclusion that it's the port BUT, my question is, can I root my phone through either SD or some other method to be able to install this ROM? I know this is mainly about the ROM and I do apologize for being somewhat off-topic, but I really want the Lollipop update and it seems that the Galaxy S3 as a whole might not even officially get it


    • 1
      Derecia Allen Jan 4, 2015 Link to comment

      Okay i have to same fone type as u and my problem with it is dat when someone tries to call my fone it doesn't ring the person just hears silence and half my messages dont come through some what i would like to know is if this lollipop version would fix it cause the technician here said its a glitch in the software


      • 4
        Ana Guerrinha Jul 7, 2015 Link to comment

        I had that before when did 4.3 update, and when I installed the cm11 it was solved :) so lollipop should fix that


  • 1
    Tayben Laveau Jan 1, 2015 Link to comment

    So I have a Samsung Galaxy s3 SPH-L710T on Boost Mobile. And it's the Tri band Enhanced 3G/4G LTE Version. So I'm wondering seeing as how that specific model was released May of 2014, is it expected that it may just get Android 5.0 Lollipop? ;-;


  • 2
    Michael Bjørnlund Dec 14, 2014 Link to comment

    The 5.0 Lollipop doesnt work, at least not on my gt-i9300, and i did exactly what the guide said :-(


  • 1
    Abiishiek Vijaykumar Dec 13, 2014 Link to comment

    I know I should not be asking this question coz its downright dumb and I am a computer programmer too.. But is it safe to shift the S3 to 5.0 ?? I once upgraded my iPhone 3GS and it took the firmware to iPad version screwing the phone up permanently. Someone please do let me know !!


    • 2
      Michael Bjørnlund Dec 14, 2014 Link to comment

      Just tried on my S3, and i didnt work, so i think ill wait a month or two before i try again....


      • 1
        Abiishiek Vijaykumar Dec 15, 2014 Link to comment

        Yea.. I read reviews from multiple websites and decided to go for kit kat 4.4 and wait till a stable bug free version of lollipop is available


  • 2
    buzz lightyear Dec 8, 2014 Link to comment

    Actually, it is being widely touted that XDA Dev "arter97" has the only method to introduce Galaxy SIII to Andoid 5.0, or the "easiest method", which in both cases are factually not true. It has been stated that the International version of the SIII, the GT-I9300, is the only model which has the ability to run Android 5.0. Also not true. I personally have been using a Cyanogenmod-flavored Android 5.0 Lollipop on a U.S. Sprint CDMA LTE variant of Samsung's Galaxy SIII, model SPH-L710 for almost 3 weeks now. And I didn't even have to flash a new kernel either. A developer Isaiah PEz, nicknamed "Fallingravity" produced a working product almost 3 weeks ago, and has updated twice already. It could be worth noting that it (MAY) also be possible to install this version on other U.S. "unified" SIII LTE models ie. AT&T, Verizon, T-Mo etc. I flashed my CM11 nightly build back to the old stock ROM, and flashed his new Lollipop build (cm-12-20141205-UNOFFICIAL-d2spr.zip) in Philz (CWM) recovery, flashed Google Apps.and it's working well. As to be expected there are a few glitches and by most people, not to be considered a "daily driver".


    • 2
      Ido Maman Dec 8, 2014 Link to comment

      you answer to me?


      • 2
        buzz lightyear Dec 8, 2014 Link to comment

        Yeah, read up where I said "I guess you are stuck in a "boot loop""


      • 2
        Ido Maman Dec 9, 2014 Link to comment

        so what i do now? i can fix it?


      • 2
        Michael Bjørnlund Dec 14, 2014 Link to comment

        Can you start it in recovery ??


  • 2
    Ido Maman Dec 8, 2014 Link to comment

    hey can you help me i tried to do that and my phon dont open this is show samsung galaxy S3 GT-I9300 and stuk like that help me!!


    • 2
      Ido Maman Dec 8, 2014 Link to comment

      somone help please


    • 2
      buzz lightyear Dec 8, 2014 Link to comment

      I guess you are stuck in a "boot loop". Did you let it boot up after install for 10-15 minutes? It takes a long time to first boot now, especially with ART runtime, as everything is pre-compiled, not "on-the-fly" as with Dalvik. I suggest going into the recovery system (push volume up-power key-and home button at same time) and then "wipe cache and/or data partition. Reboot for over 10 minutes, and should start. if not, go recovery again and "factory reset and reboot. Just my suggestion.


      • 2
        Ido Maman Dec 9, 2014 Link to comment

        that stil not work you have skype or somthing to talk?


  • 1
    Karim Raiss Dec 7, 2014 Link to comment

    When i installed lollipop in my S3 everything worked fine and smooth . But as soon as i activated wifi and started enjoying , i was shocked with how much power was drained from the battery and when when i plug it in the charger it starts bugging and restarting just restarting . whats the problem my battery now is 14 % and im afraid if I want to downgrade to kitkat the battery will not help , what should I do plz Help in the next few hours I need to take a decision .


    • 2
      buzz lightyear Dec 8, 2014 Link to comment

      You may have to tweak your power settings and apps to cut down on power consumption, I doubt if it's a kernel issue, but you can have positive battery life. I flashed an old fix on my rooted SPH-L710 known as "ComaDose 3.5". I also run "Battery Doctor/Saver" by another XDA-Developer, that seems to keep my power consumption to a minimum. I get a full day out of my oem battery on this old phone.


  • 4
    Lauri Forsman Nov 29, 2014 Link to comment

    what about S4?


  • Greg1100 24
    Greg1100 Nov 24, 2014 Link to comment

    I rooted my S3 with Kingo. Nandroid Backup with latest TWRP. I put OMNI ROM v5 on the phone which is KitKat 4.4.4. Very pleased with results. No more samsung bloat, battery lasts longer between charge, picks up wifi instantly. Excellent.
    One question though--why doesn't google design a keyboard with a number row above letter grid- so much easier to enter a password. I downloaded A1 type keyboard for this- don't like swiftkey. They had one on sammy S4 with 4.2.2.
    Hope this helps someone,
    Greg


  • 2
    Imàd Rhb Nov 23, 2014 Link to comment

    What is the best rom of s3 lte advice me


  • 2
    Imàd Rhb Nov 23, 2014 Link to comment

    Hello
    i have a s3 Lte gt-i9305 Android 4.3 how i can go to lollipop plz help me


  • 2
    samuel asare Nov 11, 2014 Link to comment

    I have T-Mobile galaxy S3 rooted does is it going to get 5.0. roms like the international ones


    • Scott Adam Gordon 31
      Scott Adam Gordon Nov 21, 2014 Link to comment

      @samuel asare: I'm sure it will before long, keep checking the XDA thread to see which firmware versions the ROM is available for


  • 4
    kasri aziz Nov 10, 2014 Link to comment

    is there any ROMs that have android 5.0 for Galaxy S3 i9300


    • Scott Adam Gordon 31
      Scott Adam Gordon Nov 10, 2014 Link to comment

      Not yet, Kasri, but I think they will be on their way soon :)


  • 10
    Douglas Nolan Nov 10, 2014 Link to comment

    ...think that I will just keep Liquidsmooth 4.4.4 on my S3..was using CM11, just fancied a change..!!!


  • 4
    Susan Schneider Nov 10, 2014 Link to comment

    amazing a phone that is 2 generations old and the most current phones have to wait. Load of Crap.

    Michael BjørnlundScott Adam Gordon


    • Scott Adam Gordon 31
      Scott Adam Gordon Nov 10, 2014 Link to comment

      Ahahah yes true! If I'm correct, arter97 is just a kid in high-school and he keeps bringing out these awesome updates faster than any major manufacturer can, and for older devices!


  • 5
    Richard Robinson Nov 7, 2014 Link to comment

    I have been running 4.4.4 on my GS3 for some months now using CayanogenMod version 11.0-installer XNPQ32P works fine .

    KalpeshScott Adam Gordon


    • Scott Adam Gordon 31
      Scott Adam Gordon Nov 7, 2014 Link to comment

      Great! Thanks for the tip, Richard!


  • 11
    pedro amaral Nov 6, 2014 Link to comment

    😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂


  • 3
    Enes Nov 6, 2014 Link to comment

    thanks admin but samsung galaxy s4 i9500 no room update 5.0 ?


  • 3
    Sandun Kannangara Oct 8, 2014 Link to comment

    i have samsung galaxy s4 gt-I9515 with built in android kitkat 4.4.2 , i need to upgrade my os to latest 4.4.4 , is there any update out yet or any rumor about that update?? thank you.
    (sorry for my bad English)

    Isuru RajithaJunaid Q.pedro amaral


    • Junaid Q. 17
      Junaid Q. Nov 7, 2014 Link to comment

      even I use the same version of s4 and I also want android 4.4.4 in my device


  • 10
    Deactivated Account Oct 5, 2014 Link to comment

    i have s3 too. but 3g. which rom do you advice me

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