Unbrcik Your US Samsung Galaxy S3 [How-To]
Sometime during rooting, installation of custom recovery or custom room, etc your Android device get bricked, there’re two kinds of bricks first is soft and another hard brick, the hard brick is almost can’t be fixed without OEM support but on the other hand you can unbrick the soft brick easily, if you own US variant Samsung Galaxy S3, a fix is available for you, thanks to senior XDA developer mskip who released a fix for those who has soft bricked their during the flashing of GSM boot image, usually the GSM boot image isn’t work.
You’ll simple install the stock boot image and it will fix the issue and you’ll be revert back to working status. Do note that the files aren’t factory tarballs wherein this won’t work if you need to restore to a stock, unrooted ROM. This fix is just for GSM boot image bricked device, see below guide to install the stock image, also bear in mind that this is for US variant of Galaxy S3. Use windows PC and USB drivers of device should be installed on the computer.
DISCLAIMER: Please proceed the below guide at your own risk, Android Egis will not be held responsible if your device lost data or get damaged following this guide.
Instructions
Step #1: Download the Odin3 from here and stock image accruing to your variant but don’t unzip the boot tar file:
- T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S3 Stock Image
- AT&T Samsung Galaxy S3 Stock Image
- Sprint Samsung Galaxy S3 Stock Imag
- Verizon users try this guide.
Step #2: Make sure the device isn’t connected with computer, then unzip the Odin file and run the .exe file. In Odin check ‘Auto Reboot’ and ‘F. Reset Time’, don’t make any other changes in Odin.
Step #3: Turn the device off.
Step #4: Reboot the device into download mode by holding down ‘HOME’ + ‘VOLUME DOWN’ buttons and press the ‘POWER’ button for about 2 seconds until a WARNING! Screen appears, then press ‘VOLUME UP’ and it will take you to downloading mode.
Step #5: Once you’re in download mode plug the device to PC using USB cable. Odin will detect the device, ID:COM will turn yellow and a message saying ADDED will appear (Note: Don’t make any change, just make sure that re-partition is unchecked).
Step #6: Click on PDA Button and locate the .tar file that you downloaded in first step.
Step #7: Click on Start button to start installation, once the installation done, your device will reboot itself and you’ll see message saying PASS.
Step #8: Unplug the device from PC.
Your device is unbricked now, comment below for queries.
Related posts:


jimmy
July 5th, 2012
will it also work on non US variant ?
Abdur Rehman
July 6th, 2012
No dear i mentioned it will work on just US variant..dont try on non-us device
mjs1231
July 13th, 2012
I have the sprint version of the galaxy s 3, phone was rooted with recovery ect, stock rom.
I tried the lcd density app and it killed the phone.
will these steps resolve this specific issue ?
Abdur Rehman
July 13th, 2012
yes try this, it will install stock firmware and will void the root access but dont worry about root just unbrick and get your device in work
mjs1231
July 13th, 2012
Negative, flashed the boot, it said reset, same issue, wont boot.
mjs1231
July 13th, 2012
ok I used the galaxy 3 toolkit to root and install recovery, I did a full backup from recovery before i tried the density app.
how do I get back to the recovery and do a restore ?
Abdur Rehman
July 13th, 2012
turn off phone and reboot the device into recovery mode by holding down volume up, home and power buttons, in recovery mode use volume keys to navigate and power button to select, then select “Backup and Restore”, and then select “Restore” again………you can ask anything again…
mjs1231
July 13th, 2012
ok I got into recovery but when i go to do anything i get the black hat and none of the menu options work.
Can I use oden to flash the newest recovery ?
mjs1231
July 13th, 2012
ok, fix permissions, rebooted recovery, now the menus work and i can see my backups. i have two backups, is the newest on top or bottom ?
mjs1231
July 13th, 2012
ok, restore failed, error restoring system, i noticed my recovery is the old version, i downloaded the new recover to my pc, should i flash the new recovery or is there something else not right ?
Abdur Rehman
July 14th, 2012
Dear…simply flash above firmware..after installation, if your odin get stuck during installation, unplug phone, close odin, remove battery from device for a few seconds, reinsert battery and install firmware again, once the installation is done but device can’t be boot, of if you already has installed the firmware and didnt do anything else, simply turn the phone off and reboot into recovery mode, thier Perform full wipe, first select the wipe data/factory reset, and confirm on the next screen then select wipe cache and confirm on the next screen. Lastly also select “advanced” and clear the Dalvik cache too if you are on the custom ROM. and then select go back and reboot system now…it’ll surly work…ready my instructions carefully..
Tberg
July 16th, 2012
My phone has been hung up at the Samsung logo. I have tried to do flash both stock root and regular stock via Odin several times. It always says it passed but it always hangs at the same place on the Samsung logo. I have tried removing the sd card and flashing but nothing seems to work. The phone will not reboot into recovery either.
Abdur Rehman
July 17th, 2012
nothing to worry, just turn off device and put it into recovery mode by holding down volume up, home and power buttons, once you’re in recovery mode, perform full wipe, first select the wipe data/factory reset, and confirm on the next screen then select wipe cache and confirm on the next screen. Lastly also select “advanced” and clear the Dalvik cache too….then select reboot system now and you device will reboot in normal mode…
Neo
September 3rd, 2012
Man you’re a lifesaver. I tried to root my phone and did it wrong.
kb126
October 29th, 2012
ive tried this several times and phone gets to samasung galaxy s3 screen and freezes
Abdur Rehman
October 30th, 2012
try once again….when screen gets stuck at bootscreen, then turn off device and put it into recovery mode by holding down volume up, home and power buttons, once you’re in recovery mode, perform full wipe, first select the wipe data/factory reset, and confirm on the next screen then select wipe cache and confirm on the next screen. Lastly also select “advanced” and clear the Dalvik cache too….then select reboot system now and you device will reboot in normal mode
kyle
November 7th, 2012
i need the fix for the metropcs version
Abdur Rehman
November 8th, 2012
Dear, you need to install any official firmware to unbrick your metroPCS Galaxy S3 that is not available yet, hopefully Samsung will release it soon in near future.
robert
December 28th, 2012
CAN you pls post a stock sch-r530m rom for metropcs. thx
Abdur Rehman
December 28th, 2012
sadly the Galaxy S3 metro PCS stock ROM isn’t available yet, however you’ll get it as soon as Samsung roll out any official OTA update to the phone….
Jayjeet
November 25th, 2012
I update My samsung infuse 4g in slim bean and now my phone is not on it show only samsung logo. please say How to repair it.
Abdur Rehman
November 26th, 2012
install any official firmware and after installation try the ROM again, you may try official firmware according to your country however i recommend UCLB3 Android 2.3 official firmware – http://www.androidegis.com/how-to/android-2-3-6-firmware-uclb3-for-your-samsung-infuse-4g-how-to/
Jayjeet
November 27th, 2012
Abdur rahman bro i flashing with heimdall but it show error tar header contained an invalid file size please say proper solution
Abdur Rehman
November 27th, 2012
try Odin because it’s easy to use…..
Jayjeet
November 27th, 2012
Odin bhi nahi work kar raha hai
Abdur Rehman
November 27th, 2012
speak English please….
Jayjeet
November 27th, 2012
My samsung infuse 4g is not go in recovery mode how can i go in recovery mode
Abdur Rehman
November 27th, 2012
dear…post the comment on the Infuse 4G guide, however to get phone into recovery mode, turn the phone off, then reboot phone by holding down volume up, volume down and power buttons….
cj230k
December 2nd, 2012
What if you can’t get your phone to turn on at all? I was able to get into download mode before, but I rebooted while it was in download mode… now the phone won’t respond to anything at all. When I plug it into my computer, QHSUSB_DLOAD shows up, but no drivers download, so it remains “unrecognized”. Is my phone a complete loss? I have never rooted or flashed anything. It was 100% stock.
Abdur Rehman
December 3rd, 2012
use the Samsung KIES to install drivers, but during installation it must be disabled becuase it may disturb installation, then install the firmware via Odin and reboot. If after installation the phone refuse to turn on, turn the phone off and reboot into recovery mode, thier Perform full wipe, first select the wipe data/factory reset, and confirm on the next screen then select wipe cache and confirm on the next screen. Lastly also select “advanced” and clear the Dalvik cache too if you are on the custom ROM. and then select go back and reboot system now…it’ll surly work….
Michael
December 4th, 2012
I flashed a rom that didn’t work, it was called warm? ? Something but it also had no wipe in the title. I loaded the original stock rom then tried to flash the rom again but it was aborted. I the went back and selected reboot, from there my phone hasn’t turned on since. What should I do, plz help
Abdur Rehman
December 5th, 2012
install this firmware but choose a right firmware according to your Galaxy S3 model, you can check it from Setting>About phone……
Michael
December 5th, 2012
what firmware? I’m lost
Abdur Rehman
December 6th, 2012
what’s your device model number….?
Michael
December 11th, 2012
SPH-L70 (its the sprint model. I tried to connect to odin but the phone is not recognized or doesn’t show up. Still wont power on or anything
Abdur Rehman
December 12th, 2012
make sure your USB phone drivers are installed on your PC properly…….download the third firmware from step one (Sprint Samsung Galaxy S3 Stock Image) for installation……
adam
December 9th, 2012
Hi,
I followed these steps for my ATT S3, but in Odin, it gets to “recovery.img” and hangs there. If I reboot, it says there is a firmware error.
Kies doesn’t see the phone
Different USB ports dont work
My phone seems bricked.
Any ideas?
Thanks!
Abdur Rehman
December 10th, 2012
disable KIES and try to install firmware again using Odin….
parker
December 23rd, 2012
Ive done everything you said at lest 5 times, Ive been to all different websites and tried the same thing, its still not booting up and yes i wiped everything after i get the pass from odin. pleasee help its been 5 days without my phone.
Abdur Rehman
December 24th, 2012
tell the phone variant please….
alex
December 24th, 2012
ok so i have the at&t version, my issue is that i rooted my phone fine even flashed cm10 fine. After realizing that i need to get things off of my backup i created i went to restore my phone to its backup. All looked fine until the reboot, it is hanging at the samsung screen. It will not allow me to boot into recovery holding teh volume up/power/home keys. It appears to be a soft brick and the method above confirmed through odin but my phone is still hanging at that same samsung screen. Any thoughts? Please
Abdur Rehman
December 25th, 2012
you need to perform wipe that is possible in recovery mode….install the firmware again…then simply turn the phone off and reboot into recovery mode by holding down volume up, home and power buttons, thier perform full wipe, first select the wipe data/factory reset, and confirm on the next screen then select wipe cache and confirm on the next screen. Lastly also select “advanced” and clear the Dalvik cache too if you are on the custom ROM. and then select go back and reboot system now……..
Rakesh
December 27th, 2012
I update My samsung galaxy s2 tmobile to slim bean and now my phone is not on. please say How to repair it
Abdur Rehman
December 27th, 2012
simply install the stock firmware, head over to sammobile.come, there download the stock ICS firmware according to your country, then follow this guide to install the firmware…all you need to do is the installation of .tar.md5 file of downloaded firmware using ODin…. keep in mind that it fix just soft brick……your name suggest that you’re Indian…this is the reason, i gave Indian firmware link…if you’re Indian…avoid SamMobile.com and follow this guide to install the firmware….and hopefull it will bring your Galaxy S2 life back….http://www.androidegis.com/how-to/galaxy-s2-gets-android-4-0-4-xwlpw-firmware-update-in-india-installation-guide/
Rakesh
December 27th, 2012
My galaxy s2 tmobile is not go in download mode and recovery mode plz tell solution.
Abdur Rehman
December 27th, 2012
oppssss, you own a t-mobile Galaxy S2 but i gave link for intentional galaxy s2, check this guide to unbrick the phone – http://www.androidegis.com/how-to/t-mobile-galaxy-s2-gets-official-android-4-0-4-t989uvlh1-update-heres-installation-guide/
Rakesh
December 28th, 2012
My galaxy s2 tmobile is not enter in download mode & recovery mode it is fully bricked.
Abdur Rehman
December 28th, 2012
it’s not possible to unbrick your phone withour OEM support, look for OEM support for your phone now…
Rakesh
December 28th, 2012
What is oem support plz tell in detail.
Abdur Rehman
December 28th, 2012
Unfortunately I just listened about OME Support that it can fix hard bricked devices but haven’t used it yet…this is the reason I don’t know a lot about the OME Support…….
Abdur Rehman
December 28th, 2012
you may check this espcail unbrick thread for T-mobile Galaxy S2 – http://galaxys2root.com/t-mobile-galaxy-s2/how-to-unrootunbrick-to-ics-stock-on-t-mobile-galaxy-s2-sgh-t989/
Rakesh
December 30th, 2012
i install slim bean rom in my samsung galaxy s2 tmobile and now my mobile is not on & it is not go in download mode & recovery mode how to repair it plz give proper solution.
tyranne
January 7th, 2013
I have did all the steps and it still isn’t working, I cant get past the Samsung Galaxy SIII screen….what next
Abdur Rehman
January 7th, 2013
reboot into recovery mode and perform wipe….once you see the passed screen but your phone still doesn’t turn on….turn it off, then reboot it by holding down vulume down, home and power buttons to get in recovery mode, there select select the wipe data/factory reset, and confirm on the next screen then select wipe cache and confirm on the next screen. Lastly also select “advanced” and clear the Dalvik cache too and then go back and select reboot system now to reboot the phone….it will hopefully turn on the phone….
James
January 17th, 2013
Hi,
Is there any way I can fix my SGS3 (GT-I9300 – international) soft brick problem?
- Currently Stuck at Samsung Galaxy Logo
- Can’t go to Recovery mode
- Only Download mode works, but with ODIN wipe or anything doesn’t work (PIT Partition error)
- If use PIT file, then ODIN Stuck and nothing happens
Bottom line no success???
Any ideas how I can fix this problem?
Cheers,
Abdur Rehman
January 17th, 2013
of course….all you need to do is the installation of a stock but official firmware using Odin…apply this method to unbrick your Galaxy S3 but dont use firmware i gave…instead of them….go to sammobile.com, there download stock firmware according to your model number and country, use that firmware and be sure to visit this thread too – http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1801730
James
January 17th, 2013
Tried buy doesn’t work. Still same error
Here is Odin log
Added!!
Enter CS for MD5..
Check MD5.. Do not unplug the cable..
Please wait..
I9300XXELL4_I9300XEFELK2_I9300XXELKB_HOME.tar.md5 is valid.
Checking MD5 finished Sucessfully..
Leave CS..
Odin v.3 engine (ID:7)..
File analysis..
SetupConnection..
Initialzation..
Get PIT for mapping..
Firmware update start..
system.img
NAND Write Start!!
Complete(Write) operation failed.
All threads completed. (succeed 0 / failed 1)
Removed!!
Also once I boot in Dowload Mode, the PRODUCT NAME is BLANK (Previously GT-I9300)
…..
ODIN MODE
PRODUCT NAME:
CUSTOM BINARY DOWNLOADING: No
CURRENT BINARY: Samsung Official
SYSTEM STATUS: Official
…..
Is my phone still fixable or not? Please help
Abdur Rehman
January 17th, 2013
your phone seems recoverable…try again…this time remove battery from the phone for a few seconds, then put it back and dont turn on into simple mode, reboot into download mode and try to install the firmware….don’t forget to check XDA thread link i gave…..
akrm
January 21st, 2013
What if you can’t get your phone to turn on at all? I was able to get into download mode before, but I rebooted while it was in download mode… now the phone won’t respond to anything at all. When I plug it into my computer, QHSUSB_DLOAD shows up, but no drivers download, so it remains “unrecognized”. Is my phone a complete loss? I have never rooted or flashed anything.
pleas help me.
Abdur Rehman
January 22nd, 2013
try to reboot into download mode…..if the phone will enter in download mode, you’ll be able to recovery using this guide…..
Robert
January 25th, 2013
I followed these instructions very carefully and It still won’t get past the first screen that says Samsung Galaxy SIII. It just stays on that forever(or at least 2 minutes)
Abdur Rehman
January 25th, 2013
the first reboot may take time but if it stuck on boot screen, reboot phone into recovery mode by holding down volume up, home and power button, there perform wipe, select the wipe data/factory reset, and confirm on the next screen then select reboot system now to reboot phone into normal mode…….it should then reboot into normal mode
Loh
January 26th, 2013
i hold volume up, home and power button nothing show.. so i go throw the odin process to restore but, i cant pass the pit stage… is said i dont have the pit participation … what does it mean?
Abdur Rehman
January 26th, 2013
don’t make any change in Odin becuase it can really brick devices….just make sure do what i said….uncheck re-partition if it’s checked already…then install .tar.md5 file through PDA
tony6669
January 28th, 2013
it is very hard to do without the right stuff i have bricked my samsung s3 twice but i found a guy that will un brick it for 35.00 shipping included less than a week turn around i will post his e-bay link …this guy is great and does great work i will never go any place else it is worth it to not risk messing it up on your own so hope this helps someone like it helped me thanks and good luck this guy is great and does great work at a great price !!!!!!!!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/160908811157…84.m1439.l2649
xRumblex
February 9th, 2013
Great How-to!!! I am following the steps of rooting my phone as you did here. Why I am here tonight is for the fact I downloaded “ROM Toolbox Pro” from the play store. I wanted to change my font. So instead of downloading the font changer I got this which had all what I wanted. I found the font I liked and it said I needed to reboot my phone for the changes. It shut off and now it gets passed the “rethink possible” screen then just sits at the flashing Samsung screen. It will go to the downloading screen and connect to Odin3, but has failed 3 times now. Kies is off. What should I try next?
Abdur Rehman
February 9th, 2013
pull off battery from the smartphone for few seconds, then put it back to phone but don’t turn on in normal mode, reboot it into download mode and try to install again…..
Juan Carlos
February 23rd, 2013
After I try to root my T-mobile Samsung Galaxy S3 (SGH-T999) my phone had a brick, I couldn’t get into the download mode until I made the soft brick solution connecting a micro USB with a shortcut pin 5 – 300K ohm – pin 4, with this I could get into the download mode and then I follow your instructions. Now I reach to the Samsung Galaxy screen an then turns black, I’ve try to enter the recovery mode but just show me the words “recovery mode…” in green and black screen again. Please help me!!
Juan Carlos
February 23rd, 2013
I’ve solve my problem by using the soft brick connector, very helpfull
http://rootgalaxys3iii.com/diy-usb-jig-for-samsung-galaxy-s3-to-boot-into-download-mode/
marjhoree 123
March 4th, 2013
i need help please help me i did everything & now when i try to restart my phone a blue light just p shows up pleasseee helpppp
Abdur Rehman
March 4th, 2013
install the firmware again, if it still doesn’t boot in normal mode, put it in recovery mode and perform wipe……
shepherd jordan
March 12th, 2013
You are very patient help please or I have to buy someone a new phone I can’t afford followed all steps I get the pass but it freeze so I take the battery of but it doesn’t want to go to recovery mode volume up + power +menu doesn’t want to work
Abdur Rehman
March 13th, 2013
dear you should try again…….install the firmware again, then if the phone still refuse to reboot, try to reboot it into recovery mode and you’ll hopefully have response…..
shepherd jordan
March 12th, 2013
Samsung mini gt-i8190
walid
March 21st, 2013
plzzz help me i can’t go to download mod how to unbrick my phone !! my phone is stuck in the samsung logo
Abdur Rehman
March 22nd, 2013
simply turn it off and then reboot the phone by holding down volume down, home and power buttons at the same time…..when warnning screen appear, press the volume up button and it will take you to download mode…..
Jayjeet
April 3rd, 2013
When i switch on my samsung sghI997 my mobile get following error user fault not kernal panic upload mode how to solve it. I have had a very few reboots or freezes, but when I do get a hang up, I just hold down the power button. After close to 30 seconds the phone goes into “power reset or unknown upload mode” or”kernel panic mode” written in BIG bold letter in yellow letters with a green Android mid screen and a bunch of red code text in the top left. When I get to this point I releasethe power button and hold it down again until I see the Rogers bootsplash.
Pano
April 13th, 2013
Hi, I read the articles and very much encouraged as I just brick my S3. I rooted it and something went wrong with it or my wrong doing I am not sure, there were no music/mp3 file at all ( which I I make sure). So I decided to unroot after I did factory reset. But it stuck after the samsung logo and Galaxy logo. I had a blue led blinking, start up music playing. I tried Odin, factory reset. So, please, help me.
Abdur Rehman
April 13th, 2013
dear….now simply install any official firmware to get phone back in working position, select firmware depending on your Galaxy S3 model number………………..
Pano
April 13th, 2013
can you direct me? Coz I dont know how.
erik
April 18th, 2013
Once I get to the part to press the volume up button to continue nothing happens. Neither with the volume down. I have to do a battery pull. Any help would be appreciated
Affan
May 4th, 2013
In regards to step #6: Step #6: Click on PDA Button and locate the .tar file that you downloaded in first step. I do not see any .tar file.
Abdur Rehman
May 4th, 2013
dear, it’s the stock img file
Affan
May 4th, 2013
has the file been removed for downloading? all i see is an .exe, a .Config and two .dll files
Ralph
May 5th, 2013
Tried to follow links for the stock images in Step #1 and the website says “Invalid or Deleted File.
The key you provided for file download was invalid. This is usually caused because the file is no longer stored on MediaFire. This occurs when the file is removed by the originating user or MediaFire.”
Where can we get the image files? Thank you for your help!
Abdur Rehman
May 5th, 2013
stock images sadly has been deleted by owner….i’ll try to get them from other resources, i’m sorry for that……